10 Best Natural Bug Sprays for Family Trips

Okay, so assuming you’re like me, just hearing about packing for a family vacation is a whole to-do list of anxieties, and near the top of it is. insects. I've spent a long time searching for sprays that really work and aren't just full of DEET. 

I mean, I just want something that keeps my kids from getting eaten alive without me having to worry about what I'm putting on their skin. 

It feels like a huge ask sometimes. But I have found a couple of good ones. They’re all plant-based and less toxic, and irritant-free. So here is a short list of some of them:

Chagrin Valley Organic Bar: It is a good lotion bar, which is rather cool. Scented of citronella and lemongrass. Approximately 10 dollars and an hour or two, they say.

Kinfield Golden Hour Spray: It smells very pleasant, in fact. It has a particular variety of citronella, and it appears to last up to 3 hours. A little pricier at $21.

EiR NYC Soybean Spray: It is premised on soybean oil. Lasts about 90 minutes. Costs $22.

Spray in the Garden by Garner: It contains aloe and witch hazel, which are nice on skin. Should afford 2-3 hours of rest. It's $18.

Coleman SkinSmart Spray: It is not an essential oils, although it contains a substance known as IR3535, still it is claimed to be a safer substitute and lasts up to 8 hours. Pretty cheap, too, around $8-$11.

EarthKind Stay Away: This one applies Picaridin, another substitute of DEET. Lasts an extremely long time such as 14 hours in case of mosquitoes. About $16.

Badger Anti-Bug balm: It is a stick of balm, which is also convenient in traveling. Citronella smell. It costs approximately $9 and takes approximately 1.5-3 hours.

Thistle Farms Spray: Essential oils. This one will have to be applied regularly, at least every 30 minutes, and is not very expensive, perhaps between $8 and 15.

Ranger Ready Spray: It is a Picaridin one also, and it is powerful. Lasts 12 hours. Costs between $13 and $21.

3 Mom’s Organics TickWise: This one is focused on ticks, which is on my mind a lot these days. An herbal formula that lasts about 2 hours for ticks. It's $16.95.

Quick Comparison Table:

To make it all a little easier to see, I made this little chart. Sometimes just seeing it all laid out helps me think more clearly.

Honestly, just pick what feels right for what you're doing. If you're going to be out all day, something like Ranger Ready or EarthKind seems like a no-brainer. But for just an evening in the backyard, Kinfield or that Badger balm are probably totally fine and they feel a little more, you know, natural.

DIY-Natural Bug & Tick Spray -Safe for Kids, Pets & Adults -Beat Mosquitoes & Black Flies Naturally!

1. Chagrin Valley Organic Insect Repellent Bar

Okay, I was so intrigued by this because I am just so tired of sticky sprays and things leaking in my bag. A solid lotion bar that keeps bugs away? Yes, please. It feels like it's moisturizing your skin while also telling bugs to leave you alone, which is a definite win, especially for my kids who have sensitive skin.

The folks at Chagrin Valley basically said they wanted to use the power of plants to make something you could take anywhere, without any of the weird synthetic stuff or DEET.

Key Ingredients

Everything in here is USDA-certified organic, which I love. It feels good to know exactly what's happening on the skin. Here's the stuff that does the work:

• Organic citronella: The classic bug-off ingredient.

• Organic lemongrass: This is supposed to be calming for the skin.

• Rosemary essential oil: Smells nice and has some antibacterial qualities.

• Peppermint essential oil: Provides a cooling sensation.

• Cedarwood essential oil: Imparts an earthy aroma.

• Thyme essential oil: Supposed to be good for cleansing and healing.

The base is made of ingredients like beeswax, sunflower oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. It just feels like a really high-quality lotion.

It's funny, I read that the EPA calls these kinds of essential oil repellents "minimum risk pesticides," which sounds weird, but it just means they don't have to go through all the crazy formal testing.

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection Type)

This works by making you smell like something mosquitoes and other bugs aren't interested in. People seem to really love it—it has great reviews for keeping mosquitoes and even those awful "no-see-ums" away. You do have to remember, though, it's not really designed for the super serious disease-carrying bugs, it's more for general annoyance.

The company says you should probably reapply it every hour or two because the protection is all about the scent.

I've found that you can kind of tell when it's time to reapply because the smell fades. It's like a built-in reminder. For it to work best, they say to put it on about five minutes before you go outside, especially on the spots where bugs always seem to get you. It’s just so easy for a family that’s always running out the door.

Travel-Friendly Features

This is where it really shines for me. It's solid, so you can just throw it in your carry-on without thinking about TSA liquid rules. It comes in this little metal tin, so it won't get smooshed or leak all over your bag. For less than ten bucks, it feels like a really smart thing to have for any trip.

2. Kinfield Golden Hour Mosquito Repellent

If you’re looking for something that doesn't smell and feel like bug spray, this is it. Seriously. People have apparently stopped someone to ask what perfume they're wearing, and it was this. That alone made me want to try it.

Even the Kinfield people said so themselves: "Golden Hour really smells good... But more to the point: It works. With many positive reviews, it seems many people agree.

Key Ingredients

The big deal with this one is that it has a special kind of citronella oil from Indonesia that's supposed to be extra effective. It's not just your average citronella.

But it's got other good stuff in it, too:

• Lemongrass: Adds a fresh scent and helps repel insects.

• Clove Bud: Repels some mosquitoes and leaves your skin looking nice.

• Lauric Acid: This is for moisturizing.

• Vanillin: Adds a little bit of a sweet smell.

I really appreciate that it doesn't have any parabens, sulfates, or fake fragrances. And it's vegan and cruelty-free, which is always a plus in my book.

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection Type)

In fact, they had this tested in a lab and it protects up to 3 hours against the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. People still say that it is best to reapply it after every 2 hours to be on the safe side too. It has officially only been tested against that type of mosquito and they have not tested it against ticks so that is something that needs to be considered.

However, as I have read, it actually works the way that it is expected.

Travel-Friendly Features

This is another one that’s great for travel. The 3 oz spray bottle is TSA-approved and you can find it at Target for around $21. What's even cooler, though, is that they sell it in single-use wipes. That's just brilliant for parents.

One person, Stephanie Vaughn, said she loves the wipes for throwing in her backpack or car. It makes so much sense. No spills, no mess, just grab one and go. Perfect for kids.

3. EiR NYC Soybean Oil-Based Repellent

This one, the Stay Away Spray from EiR NYC, is interesting because it's based on organic soybean oil. So it’s supposed to keep bugs away while also being really good for your skin. It comes in a 4 oz bottle for $22.

Their whole thing is that it's a "silky soft savior against unwanted insects," which sounds pretty nice.

Key Ingredients

So yeah, the main ingredient is organic soybean oil, which is both the bug repellent and the moisturizer. Then they add a bunch of essential oils to make it stronger. The main ones are:

• Clove essential oil: A classic for repelling insects.

• Cedar essential oil: Another old-school bug repellent.

• Lemongrass essential oil: For extra protection and a nice smell.

It also has a whole mix of other oils like rosemary, basil, eucalyptus, and lavender. It ends up smelling like lemongrass and sweet basil.

It’s vegan and doesn’t have any of the bad stuff like sulfates or parabens. They say they're just relying on "tried-and-true ingredients that have warded off insects for years," and I really like that philosophy.

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection Type)

I read somewhere that soybean oil repellents can actually work for up to 90 minutes, which is pretty impressive for a non-DEET option. EiR NYC says to reapply it every 90 minutes, but you know, that can probably change depending on how sweaty you are or where you are.

Travel-Friendly Features

The size of the bottle is 4 oz. That’s a tad large for a carry-on bag. That’s a shame. But it’s a great product for road trips and camping adventures. You can even throw it in your baggage. The reason you may not have to put it on as often is that it is oil-based.

4. Garner's Garden Essential Oil Blend

This spray from Garner's Garden is another DEET-free option that seems really popular, with good reviews. It costs $18 and is made with just seven natural ingredients, which I appreciate. Simpler is often better.

The base is witch hazel, which is good for your skin, and aloe juice to keep it from getting irritated.

Key Ingredients

Here are the five essential oils they use to keep the bugs away:

• Citronella oil: Of course. The main bug-repelling workhorse.

• Lemongrass oil: Helps the citronella work even better.

• Eucalyptus oil: Another layer of protection.

• Tea tree oil: Has natural antibacterial properties, which is a nice bonus.

• Peppermint oil: For that cooling feeling and to help with repellency.

It just seems like a really gentle, straightforward blend.

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection Type)

This one is designed to repel mosquitoes and other common bugs. The company just says to "Spray generously to significantly reduce bug bites."

Like a lot of essential oil sprays, it works as long as you can smell it. So once the scent starts to fade, it's time to spray again. People seem happy with how it works, and most would recommend it. It seems perfect for family outings where you can just quickly reapply as needed.

Travel-Friendly Features

I like that you can use this on your skin and your clothes. That makes it super versatile for trips and camping.

5. Coleman SkinSmart DEET-Free Spray

Okay, so this one is a bit different. It’s from Coleman, a brand I know for camping gear, and it's DEET-free, but it's not based on essential oils. It's got a huge number of positive reviews on Amazon, so a lot of people trust it. It’s a CDC-recommended option, which makes me feel a bit more confident.

Key Ingredients

The active ingredient is something called IR3535®. I looked it up, and it's made from a naturally occurring amino acid, so it's not as scary as it sounds. It's at a 20% concentration, and the CDC says it's a safe alternative to DEET. The rest of the ingredients just help it be odorless, dry fast, and not feel greasy.

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection Type)

This is the big selling point.  it's supposed to give you up to 8 hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, gnats, fleas, and flies. It's specifically supposed to repel the mosquitoes that can carry things like Zika and West Nile, which is definitely something I think about. The protection time can vary, but 8 hours is a pretty solid promise.

Travel-Friendly Features

It comes in a 6 oz aluminum can that won't rust and has a twist-locking cap to stop it from leaking in your bag. Super practical for travel.

6. EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes

This one is really interesting because it's scent-free. I know some people who just can't stand the smell of bug spray, even the natural ones, so this could be a great option. It has a ton of good reviews on Amazon, and people seem to really like it for their families.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredient here is picaridin, which comes from the same plant that black pepper comes from. The CDC recognizes it as a good alternative to DEET. I like that the company seems really focused on being eco-friendly. They say they "believe in working with nature, not against it."

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection Type)

This is where it gets impressive. It says it provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, and chiggers. It's also safe for kids and even during pregnancy if you use it as directed. That's a huge relief.

Travel-Friendly Features

They sell this in travel sizes, which is perfect. You can get a little 4-pack of tiny bottles, or a larger 4 oz bottle. It's water-resistant and not sticky, so it's easy to carry around in a purse or backpack. People seem to love how small and light it is. You're just supposed to shake it, spray it from about 4-6 inches away, and put it on before sunscreen.

7. Badger Anti-Bug Balm

This is another non-spray option, a balm in a stick, which I love for its no-mess potential. It has great reviews and seems super easy to travel with. The company puts it really nicely: "Repel bugs, not people."

It has a woody citrus smell that sounds way better than a chemical cloud. It seems like a great thing to have in your bag for those just-in-case moments.

Key Ingredients

This spray is a natural, organic blend of castor (from the castor bean), citronella, cedar, lemongrass, rosemary, and geranium oils. The only other ingredients used are organic olives and beeswax. The spray  does not contain any gluten or was made using animals, and also helps keep your skin hydrated.

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection)

They had this tested in a lab, and it was 95% effective for about 1.5 hours, with some protection lasting for 3-3.5 hours. And tons of customers seem to agree that it works.

Travel-Friendly Features

Being a solid stick, it's perfect for flying—no TSA worries. And no chance of it spilling in your bag. It's cheap, around $9, and small enough to toss anywhere. Applying it is as easy as using a lip balm.

 8. Thistle Farms Essential Oil Spray

This spray has an amazing 4.9-star rating, and people say it's 99% effective, which is pretty bold. It's a DEET-free blend of essential oils that's supposed to work on mosquitoes, deer flies, and other biting bugs. I've read reviews from people who say it worked for them even in really buggy places.

Key Ingredients

Here’s the mix of oils they use to keep bugs away:

• Citronella: A classic for a reason. It helps hide your scent from bugs.

• Lemon Eucalyptus: This has something called PMD in it, which messes with a mosquito's ability to smell you.

• Rose Geranium: Repels bugs and can also help soothe bites you already have.

• Lemongrass: Releases a scent that bugs don't like.

• Peppermint: The menthol in it is supposed to dull insects' senses.

The base is just water and isopropyl alcohol to help it spray evenly.

Effectiveness (Duration and Protection Type)

Okay, here's the catch. It seems to work really well, but you have to reapply it a lot. Like, every 30 minutes. That's pretty common for natural oil sprays. So, it's great, but you have to be on top of it, especially if you're somewhere with a ton of bugs.

Travel-Friendly Features

It comes in two sizes, a 2-oz travel bottle for $8 and a bigger 4-oz one for $15. The little one is perfect for throwing in your purse for on-the-go protection.

9. Ranger Ready Picaridin Spray

This is another one that gets tons of great reviews on Amazon. People seem to swear by it, especially for those awful no-see-ums in Florida. It's made with families in mind and uses a natural compound that's safe for everyone.

Key Ingredients

The active ingredient is 20% Picaridin, which, again, comes from the same plant family as black pepper. The CDC has given it the thumbs-up, and it's safe for pregnant women and kids over one year old.

One expert, Ethan O'Donnell, called it a "safer yet equally effective alternative to DEET."

It protects against all the usual suspects: mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats, and sand flies. They also have a permethrin spray for your clothes for extra, full-body protection.

Effectiveness

This one is a powerhouse. It offers 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. Twelve hours! That's amazing for long days outside.

Travel-Friendly Features

It comes in a 3.4-oz bottle, so it's TSA-approved and easy to pack in a carry-on. It's not an aerosol, so no issues with airport security. Plus, it won't stain or damage your clothes or gear. Each bottle is supposed to last for more than 30 applications, which is great for a long trip.

It comes in a few different scents, including an odorless one, which is a nice option to have. This one seems like a must-have for any serious family trip.

10. 3 Mom's Organics Herbal Repellent

This one is also called TickWise, and it has a lot of good reviews. It's lab-tested and chemical-free, so it hits that sweet spot of being effective but also safe for the family. It feels like a really thoughtful option for people who want to avoid chemicals but still need something that works.

Key Ingredients

TickWise uses organic essential oils to block the scents that attract bugs. They don't list their exact formula, but it includes well-known repellents like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and rose geranium oils.

It also has witch hazel and glycerin to moisturize your skin and prevent irritation. That makes it a really gentle choice, which is great for kids or anyone with sensitive skin.

Effectiveness

They had this tested in a lab, which is reassuring. It's 100% effective against ticks for up to 2 hours and mosquitoes for 1.75 hours.

The company says to reapply it every 2 hours for ticks and every 1.5 hours for mosquitoes. So, you have to stay on top of it. A lot of people also said it worked on chiggers, gnats, and horse flies, so it seems pretty versatile.

Travel-Friendly Features

You can get it in a TSA-approved 2 fl oz bottle for $16.95. It's small, easy to pack, and the spray bottle makes it simple to apply. Plus, it has a pleasant herbal smell, which is a lot nicer than the harsh chemical smell of some other repellents.

Product Comparison Chart

Sometimes I just need to see everything side-by-side to make a decision. It just makes it all click. So I put together this little chart breaking down the ingredients, how long they last, the size, and the price.

Hopefully seeing it all laid out like this makes it a little less overwhelming to choose.

Key Insights from the Data:

Looking at all this, a few things kind of jumped out at me. The essential oil sprays usually say they last 2-4 hours, but from what I've read in places like Consumer Reports, it's often more like 2 hours or even less. So you just have to be realistic about reapplying. On the other hand, the ones with IR3535 or picaridin really do seem to last for 5 hours or more.

That Ranger Ready Picaridin Spray is just a beast with its 12-hour protection. I guess that 20% picaridin really does the trick.

If you're on a tight budget, the Coleman SkinSmart one is a great deal. 8 hours of protection for around $10 is hard to beat. And if you just need something small and easy to pack, the 2 oz sprays from Garner's Garden or 3 Mom's Organics are perfect.

The price per ounce is all over the place, from like $1.50 for the Coleman spray to over $8 for 3 Mom's Organics. It just makes you think about how often you'll have to reapply it versus the cost.

And I have to say, I'm still really into the solid bars and sticks, like the Chagrin Valley bar and the Badger balm. No spills, no mess—that’s a huge plus for me when traveling.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is to get the right bug spray it really only depends on what you are going to do on your trip and what sort of bugs you will be dealing with. The majority of them are mosquitoes but many of them are also effective against ticks and that is the first thing that I am always thinking about when we take a hiking trip.

In the case of my family, it is always this balancing act on whether I want something natural or something I am sure will work. I am fond of the concept of all-natural as much as I value the safety of my kids.

In case we go camping in an area that I know is very infested with ticks, then I am likely to pick up a can of something potent such as the Ranger Ready spray. However, with a beach outing where there are only a few mosquitoes at nighttime a lighter one like the Kinfield Golden Hour or the Thistle Farms spray would be appropriate. And hanging around in the backyard, those are so easy, those Chagrin Valley, Badger bars.

You know, you should always look at the label and make sure that whatever you have put on your kids is age appropriate. Other times the toweels or gels are a little more comfortable to rub over little ones than a huge waft of spray.

One more- I never leave the bottle out of a plastic bag in my luggage, just in case. Better safe than sorry. And in the event that you are taking a natural one, carry an extra pack as you will most likely run out of it sooner.

And at the end you simply do the best you can to fit the spray to the adventure. It is all but an attempt to have a good safe time out there. It is always a learning process, right?

FAQs

What’s the difference between natural bug sprays and those with DEET?

The main difference is just what they're made of and how they feel. DEET's a chemical that's been proven to really work for a really long time. However, it does tend to irritate the skin with some people, and there are certain concerns about what it does to the environment.

Natural sprays use plant-based stuff, such as lemon eucalyptus oil or citronella. They feel loads softer on the skin and are way friendlier to the planet. But you usually have to reapply them more often, so it really just comes down to what you're more comfortable with-strong, long-lasting protection or a gentler, more eco-friendly option.

What should I consider when choosing a natural bug spray for my family?

When I'm picking one for my family, here's what I think about:

• Ingredients: I look for things I recognize, like citronella, eucalyptus oil, or peppermint oil that feel gentle but still get the job done.

• Child-Friendly Options: I always, always check the label to make sure it's safe for kids. Some are made with gentler formulas specifically for them.

• How long it lasts: Natural sprays don't last as long, so I think about what we're doing. A quick trip to the park is different from an all-day hike.

• Easy to carry: I look for small, spill-proof bottles that I can just toss in my bag and not worry about.

Thinking about those things usually helps me find a spray that works for us and gives me some peace of mind.

Are natural bug sprays safe for kids and pregnant women?

Yeah, for the most part, they are considered safe when used properly. The best thing to do is look for products with ingredients approved by the EPA, like picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Those are known to be safe and effective. The big rule, though, is to never use any insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.

If you're pregnant, it's always a good idea to just run it by your doctor first. And no matter what, just read the directions on the bottle and try to avoid putting it on your hands, near your eyes, or on any cuts or scrapes.