As someone who loves spending time outdoors in the garden year-round but hates dealing with pesky mosquitos, I've always been on the lookout for effective, natural bug repellents. A few years ago, we developed our own in-house essential oil blend Not Today, Bugs as a safe and effective solution for our family. 

If you've been following along with us for a while, you know that I avoid using toxic chemicals on or near my body. It’s part of my commitment to living a clean, minimalist lifestyle since my first son was born (and even before, I've always been a little "crunchy"). Thankfully, DEET-free bug repellents are just as effective as conventional ones for my backyard purposes as long as we reapply often, which I don't mind so I prefer natural alternatives.

(my oldest son, my husband and me enjoying exploring the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, TX - without worrying about insects biting us)

Natural bug repellents work by emitting volatile molecules into the air, which release scents that mosquitoes dislike. Many plant oils contain these volatile molecules, effectively keeping mosquitoes at bay. 

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Here are my top five natural bug repellents that will keep you bite-free and enjoying the great outdoors all summer long.

1. Not Today, Bugs - Spray & Mosquito Candle

This custom blend of essential oils is gentle on skin but tough on mosquitoes. Not Today, Bugs is a powerhouse of lavender, citronella, lemongrass, geranium, and patchouli essential oils. We've found these are the best essential oils for mosquito repellent. Spritz liberally on exposed skin and reapply every two hours as needed. Now available in two sizes (perfect for on-the-go).

Key benefits include:

• Effective Mosquito Repellent: A blend of lavender, citronella, lemongrass, geranium, and patchouli essential oils effectively deters mosquitoes.
• Gentle on Skin: Formulated with skin-friendly ingredients such as aloe vera and witch hazel.
• Natural Ingredients: Free from harsh chemicals, featuring natural components like lavender, citronella, lemongrass, geranium, and patchouli oils.
• Pleasant Scent: The combination of essential oils provides a pleasant and refreshing aroma.
• Versatile Use: Safe for use on skin and ideal for outdoor activities.

Our combination of lavender, citronella, lemongrass, geranium, and patchouli essential oils are excellent for keeping bugs at bay while maintaining a clean, non-toxic lifestyle. 

Bug-Repelling Properties of Essential Oils in Not Today, Bugs blend

• Lavender Essential Oil: Repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
• Citronella Essential Oil: Highly effective against mosquitoes.
• Lemongrass Essential Oil: Strong deterrent for mosquitoes and other pests.
• Geranium Essential Oil: Keeps mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects at bay.
• Patchouli Essential Oil: Provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and flies.

Our spray also makes an excellent match for our natural bug repellent candle so you can layer up. Each candle is hand-poured by out team in small batches with 100% cotton wicks and natural soy wax, giving you a stress-free evening of enjoying the outdoors — without the constant threat of being eaten alive.

Shop the Not Today, Bugs Collection by Slow North.

2. Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray

Next up is Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray because it provides effective, DEET-free protection against mosquitoes and ticks using natural plant-based ingredients.

Key benefits include:

• Protects Against Mosquitoes for up to 6 Hours: Enjoy up to 6 hours of worry-free protection without any nasty chemicals like DEET.
• Protects Against Ticks for up to 8 Hours: Provides up to 4 hours of protection against deer ticks and up to 8 hours against lone star and brown dog ticks.
• Natural Plant-Based Ingredients: Contains 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus and 70% distilled water and ethanol made from corn.
• Doesn't Harm Gear: Safe to spray on skin or gear, and is the only plant-based repellent recommended by the CDC.
• No Dyes, No Synthetic Fragrances, No Harsh Chemicals: A natural, family-friendly option with a pleasant scent.

Overall, Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray is an excellent choice for effective, natural insect protection for the whole family.

Shop Murphy's Naturals Insect Repellent on Amazon.

3. Aunt Fannie’s Mosquito Repellent Spray

Aunt Fannie's Mosquito Spray offers a natural and effective solution for keeping mosquitoes at bay. This DEET-free formula is made with essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass, providing a pleasant scent while protecting against bites.

Key benefits include:

• Safe Ingredients: Free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it safe for use on both adults and children.
• Skin-Friendly: Gentle on the skin, without causing irritation or leaving a sticky residue.
• Eco-Friendly: Committed to using environmentally friendly ingredients, aligning with a natural lifestyle.
• Effective Protection: Offers reliable and long-lasting mosquito repellent properties, perfect for outdoor activities.

Aunt Fannie's Mosquito Spray combines safety, effectiveness, and a delightful scent, making it an excellent choice for natural mosquito protection. Shop Aunt Fannie's Mosquito Spray on Amazon.

 4. California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray

 

California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray offers a highly effective, DEET-free solution for repelling mosquitoes and insects. This award-winning formula uses the power of citronella and lemongrass essential oils, which are pleasant for humans but deter pesky bugs.

Key benefits include:

• Very Effective, DEET-Free Formula: Citronella and lemongrass essential oils provide strong protection against mosquitoes, with repellency based on scent, so frequent reapplication is recommended.
• Safe for Babies 6 Months and Older: Contains no harsh chemicals, making it safe for use on babies over 6 months old. Suitable for head-to-toe application.
• Fresh Citronella and Lemongrass Scent: Unlike many bug sprays, this one has a lovely scent thanks to citronella, lemongrass, and cedar essential oils, which also effectively repel bugs.
• Strictly Allergy Tested: Free from common allergens such as gluten, soy, sesame, oat, dairy, peanuts, and tree nuts (except coconut), minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
• Eco-Friendly and Woman-Owned: Emphasizes natural and sustainable ingredients, supporting a clean lifestyle.

Overall, California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray is a top choice for those seeking a natural, effective, and pleasantly scented mosquito repellent. Shop California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray on Amazon.

5. Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent

All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent is a highly effective and safe solution for keeping bugs at bay. This oil-based formula is perfect for those with sensitive skin and is free from DEET and GMOs, ensuring a natural and worry-free outdoor experience.

Key benefits include:

• Effective & Safe: DEET-free and GMO-free formula, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
• Family-Friendly: Safe for use on the whole family, protecting against bug bites without irritating the skin.
• Doesn't Spoil Gear: Gentle on clothes and camping gear, ensuring no damage or stains.
• Environmentally Friendly: Uses natural ingredients that are kind to the environment.

Overall, All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent is a top choice for anyone seeking a safe, effective, and environmentally-conscious bug repellent for the whole family. Shop Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent on Amazon.

As a girl who grew up in the south, I believe finding a natural and effective insect repellent is essential for enjoying the outdoors without the worry of itchy bug bites. We've reviewed some top options that offer safe and powerful protection against mosquitoes and other insects. Each product has its unique strengths, from the soothing properties of California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray to the long-lasting effectiveness of Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray.

Among these excellent choices, I (with a lot of bias) highly recommend trying our Not Today, Bugs Spray for your entire family. Its custom blend of lavender, citronella, lemongrass, geranium, and patchouli essential oils provides a gentle yet effective barrier against insects while being kind to your skin (and still smelling great). Whether you're planning a camping trip, a hike, or simply enjoying your backyard, the entire Not Today, Bugs collection is a reliable and pleasant-smelling option for keeping bugs at bay.