My Top Bug Spray Options!
Sharing some bug spray options! My top two picks that we’ve used for years are Bug Soother and Wondercide (also has lots of great bug/tick options for pets and yard). Most of time the safer options work well for us, but I’m also including a couple of DEET options and a picaridin option for when you need the big guns! 🦟
DEET has had a bad name because animal studies have shown possible neurotoxicity. However, large human studies have not been conclusive. EWG concluded in 2018 that DEET is generally safe when used as directed. The concentration matters.
Concentrations indicates HOW LONG the repellent lasts for, not how effective it works. Products with 10% DEET should repel bugs for about 2 hours, while those with concentrations of 20% to 30% last around 5.
Concentrations higher than 50% have not been shown to be more effective. CDC recommends using concentrations <10% in no known disease risk area. And <30% in a known disease risk area.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using DEET products in infants under 2 months old and cautions against DEET >30% in children of any age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years.
Natrapel (picaridin)
Off Family Care (7% DEET)
Ben’s (30% DEET)