Natural Bug Spray: Practical Ways to Protect Your Family

What this episode covers

Natural Bug Spray can protect your family when you choose EPA-registered plant-based actives and apply them on schedule. Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/natural-bug-spray/ In this episode of Becoming Natural, we walk through which repellents have real evidence, how to use them safely on kids and adults, and when picaridin may be the wiser choice for tick country. If bite season has you reading every label in the aisle, this conversation is for you — you want protection without dousing your family in harsh chemicals, but the word natural on a bottle does not tell you much on its own. This episode also explores: • How oil of lemon eucalyptus with PMD performed in field trials against mosquitoes • Why most spray failures are application failures, not product failures • When picaridin or DEET may be the faithful choice for travel or tick-heavy woods • Why registered oil of lemon eucalyptus is not the same as essential oil from the wellness aisle • CDC and EPA label cautions for children under three Press play to listen to the full episode. A gentle reminder: this episode is educational and not medical advice — please check with your own provider before making changes, especially during pregnancy or nursing, with children, or if you take medications or manage a health condition. The CDC, EPA, and peer-reviewed studies linked below are the evidence base behind each repellent recommendation in this episode. Research & Resources: • https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html • https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you • https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1971064/: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1971064/ • https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-011550_01-Apr-00.pdf: https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-011550_01-Apr-00.pdf • https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-30998-2: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-30998-2 Recommended Links • Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (Aerosol, 4 oz): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084TM6XT1?tag=becomingnat0d-20 • Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent, 20% Picaridin (Pump Spray, 3 oz): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CMQJYU?tag=becomingnat0d-20 Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share resources that fit the Becoming Natural standard.