From outdoor festivals and days at the park to long hikes and bike rides to barbecues and beach days, summer is a great time to be outside. But time outdoors comes with a downside: bug bites. If you want to keep insects away this summer, we’ll point you towards some of the best natural options, as well as answer some common questions about bug spray options, such as: does bug spray expire? Can you put bug spray on dogs? Does DEET repel ticks? And are there effective natural alternatives to DEET?
What is DEET?
DEET (a chemical that stands for N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many common insect repellants found in stores.
Does DEET Repel Ticks?
Tick bites can be much more than an annoyance: many ticks can carry and transmit serious diseases or infections, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. In other words, tick bite prevention and protection should always be a priority when you’re outdoors.
So does DEET repel ticks? Yes. As the active ingredient in many bug spray formulas, DEET is able to reduce how well bugs, including ticks, can smell people. DEET can provide about five hours of protection against ticks, mosquitos, and other insects.
Is DEET Safe?
While DEET is effective at repelling ticks, mosquitos, and other insects, it’s not the only option available when choosing an insect repellant. While the EPA notes that it generally should not pose health risks when used properly, there are some risk factors involved. In rare cases, DEET can cause eye irritation or pain; redness, irritation, or swelling of the skin if left on for too long; vomiting or nausea if consumed; and, in very rare cases, seizures. Children, especially, can be more sensitive to DEET. Many consumers simply find the smell of DEET to be too strong, while others prefer to use natural products wherever possible.
For normal, everyday use, there are plenty of good reasons to avoid DEET products and opt for natural insect repellents instead.
Best Natural Insect Repellant Ingredients
Like products containing DEET, natural insect repellants work by confusing insects’ sense of smell. Unlike products containing DEET, though, natural insect repellants do this by using compounds present in natural ingredients, like essential oils. And some may be even more effective than DEET. Iowa State University researchers found that catnip oil was ten times more effective at repelling mosquitos than DEET. And a 2011 study found that, when formulated correctly, citronella oil products are equally as effective as DEET.
More natural ingredients that also may help repel insects include:
- Lavender
- Lemon Eucalyptus
- Greek catmint
- Castor, soybean, and sesame oils
- Peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Thyme
Does Bug Spray Expire?
No matter what ingredient blend you choose, you may be wondering: does bug spray expire? Whether you’re looking at chemical or natural ingredients, the answer is yes. Especially when you’re working with plant-based blends, keep an eye on the “best by” date on the bottle – it’s often 12-24 months from the date of bottling. Scent molecules break down over time, so a spray that was bottled three years ago just won’t be as effective at repelling insects.
Can You Put Bug Spray on Dogs?
If your canine companion often joins you on your outdoor summer adventures, or spends a lot of time in your yard or patio, you may have also wondered: can you put bug spray on dogs? The instinct to want to protect your dog from biting insects is a good one. Dogs can be susceptible to flea and tick bites; and from summer through fall, mosquitos can also pose a threat.
But can you put bug spray on dogs? The short answer is that you should only use repellant products that are specifically formulated for pets. Even natural ingredients in bug sprays that are perfectly safe for humans can cause serious health problems for both dogs and cats: these issues can include upset stomachs, central nervous system damage, tremors, seizures, liver damage, and even death.
NEVER apply DEET products to your pet, and be cautious with natural products, too. Citronella oil, for example, is safe for humans but is toxic to pets.
Three Ready-to-Use Natural Insect Repellants
Looking for natural insect repellants that can effectively keep insects at a distance this summer? Start here.
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray
Anti-Bug Shake & Spray by Badger is a completely natural and organic bug spray that repels insects naturally using soybean, castor, citronella, cedarwood, rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, and peppermint oils.
Four Elements Outdoor Body Spray
Outdoor Body Spray from Four Elements blends a concentrated infusion of aromatic herbs – fresh lavender, catnip, basil, and sage – into a potent, natural bug-repellant product with a smell that humans love and insects hate.
Good Earth Squito Spray Bug Repellant
Squito Spray Bug Repellant from Good Earth is powered by catnip, cedarwood, lemongrass, wintergreen, and peppermint: a great-smelling spray that outperforms most chemical bug repellants.
Now you know which natural insect repellants may help to keep bug bites at bay this summer. Which one will you choose from the Professional Supplement Center?
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
