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Summer is meant for hiking trails, backyard barbecues, and camping under the stars. But mosquitoes and ticks have other plans. The good news? You don't need to drench yourself in DEET to stay protected. Natural, plant-based repellents — paired with the right clothing — can keep bugs at bay all season long.
Here's everything you need to know.
Why Go DEET-Free?
DEET has been the go-to bug repellent ingredient for decades, but it comes with real drawbacks. It can irritate sensitive skin, isn't recommended in high concentrations for young children, and can damage synthetic fabrics and plastics. For families spending time outdoors, that's a lot of trade-offs.
Natural repellents use plant-derived ingredients — like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and rosemary — that work by masking the body scents that attract insects. They're non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for the whole family.
How Natural Bug Repellents Work
Plant-based oils interfere with the receptors insects use to find their hosts. Citronella is the most well-researched natural repellent, and when combined with other organic essential oils, it can provide up to 3 hours of protection per application.
The key difference from DEET? You'll need to reapply more frequently — especially after sweating or swimming. Set a timer and make it part of your outdoor routine.
What to Look for on the Label
When shopping for a natural repellent, look for:
- DEET-free — always check, even on "natural" products
- Organic or plant-based ingredients — citronella, lemon eucalyptus, rosemary, or picaridin (a plant-derived synthetic)
- Family & kid-friendly — safe for all ages
- Vegan & cruelty-free — no animal testing
- Eco-friendly packaging — aluminum or recyclable materials
Our Top Picks
🌿 Badger Bug Spray — DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent
Made with citronella and a blend of organic essential oils, Badger's bug spray is one of the cleanest formulas on the market. It's family-safe, vegan, and comes in a sustainable aluminum bottle — perfect for camping, hiking, or evening walks.
- ✅ DEET-free and non-toxic
- ✅ Kid and family-friendly
- ✅ Up to 3 hours of protection
- ✅ Eco-friendly aluminum packaging
🛡️ Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray — DEET-Free, 20%
For longer outdoor adventures or tick-heavy areas, Sawyer's Picaridin spray is a powerful DEET-free option. Picaridin is a plant-derived ingredient that's odorless, non-greasy, and safe for use on skin and clothing — and it's effective against both mosquitoes and ticks.
- ✅ 20% Picaridin — strong, long-lasting protection
- ✅ Odorless and non-greasy
- ✅ Safe for use on clothing and gear
- ✅ Effective against ticks, mosquitoes, and flies
🌻 Murphy's Naturals Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray
Murphy's Naturals uses Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) — an EPA-registered plant-based active ingredient — making it one of the most scientifically backed natural repellents available. DEET-free, effective against both mosquitoes and ticks, and comes in a convenient 2-pack.
- ✅ EPA-registered Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus formula
- ✅ Repels both mosquitoes and ticks
- ✅ DEET-free and plant-based
- ✅ Safe for skin and outdoor gear
- ✅ Comes in a 2-pack (4 oz each)
👚 Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing & Gear
Don't forget your clothing! Sawyer's Permethrin spray is applied directly to fabric — not skin — and creates an invisible barrier that repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects on contact. One treatment lasts through 6 washes, making it a must-have for any serious outdoor adventure.
- ✅ Applied to clothing, gear & tents — not skin
- ✅ Repels & kills ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers & mites
- ✅ Lasts through 6 washes
- ✅ Odorless when dry
- ✅ Perfect for hiking, camping & travel
Don't Forget: Clothing Is Your First Line of Defense
Repellent spray is essential, but the right clothing dramatically reduces your exposure to ticks and mosquitoes — especially in wooded or grassy areas. Here's what to wear:
- Light-colored clothing — makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach
- Long sleeves and long pants — even in summer heat; look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or moisture-wicking synthetics
- Tucked-in shirts and socks over pants — ticks crawl upward, so sealing entry points matters
- Tightly woven fabrics — harder for ticks to grab onto than loose knits
- Permethrin-treated clothing — use the Sawyer Permethrin spray on your gear for long-lasting protection through multiple washes
Pro tip: After any outdoor activity in tick country, do a full-body tick check — especially behind the knees, in the hairline, and under the arms.
Tips for Maximum Protection
- Apply repellent generously to all exposed skin before heading out
- Reapply every 2–3 hours, or after swimming or heavy sweating
- Use repellent and protective clothing together for the best results
- Store repellents in a cool, dry place to preserve the essential oils
- Check the EPA's registered repellent list if you're unsure about an ingredient
The Bottom Line
A DEET-free summer is absolutely possible — and it starts with the right products and a little preparation. Whether you're heading into the woods or just enjoying your backyard, natural repellents like Badger, Sawyer, and Murphy's Naturals, combined with smart clothing choices, will keep you and your family protected all season long.