The most effective product CR tested was Sawyer Picaridin, which had 20% picaridin and protected against mosquitoes for eight hours. The runners-up were Ben's 30% Deet Tick & Insect Wilderness Formula and Repel Lemon Eucalyptus. ... Your protection can also depend on how you apply the bug spray.Jun 6, 2016
How many drops of essential oil do you put in bug spray?
Here's a good general rule of thumb: For eight ounces of homemade bug spray, you need between 20 and 60 drops of essential oil. A greater number of drops will probably produce a more effective insect repellent, but a higher concentration of essential oil may irritate sensitive skin.Aug 5, 2014
How do I mix essential oils with bug spray?
Using a 4 oz clean spray bottle fill with water, add the witch hazel or vodka then about 50 to 75 total drops of your various essential oils. Shake well. Spray onto exposed skin and/or clothing, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes. Reapply every 2 hours, or as needed.
How do you mix essential oils for mosquito repellent?
A mixture of 50 percent thyme oil and 50 percent clove oil can repel mosquitoes for up to 2.5 hours. You can also make a DIY spray mixing 5 drops of oil with 2 oz of water.Aug 6, 2021
How much peppermint oil keeps bugs away?
Try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with some hot water and place it in a spray bottle. A good ratio is 5 to 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of water. Use the mixture to spray down countertops, furniture, curtains and blinds and hard-to-reach areas of the home where insects are often present.Nov 5, 2021
Is bug spray bad for your health?
Large doses of DEET have been linked to skin blisters, seizures, memory loss, headaches, stiffness in the joints shortness of breath, and skin irritation. DEET is also linked to neurotoxicity that may lead to physiological and behavioral problems, especially with motor skills, and learning and memory dysfunction.
What is the healthiest bug spray?
- The best bug spray overall: OFF! ...
- The best bug spray for kids: Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin.
- The best bug spray for clothing and tents: Sawyer Premium Permethrin.
- The best natural bug spray: Repel with Lemon Eucalyptus Oil.
Why is DEET bad for you?
There have also been scattered research reports tying DEET to health concerns. One 2009 study concluded that DEET may prevent the normal breakdown of acetylcholine, a nervous system chemical that triggers movement and muscle activity. Some older research has also tied DEET to seizures or brain toxicity in children.Jul 25, 2018
What scent keeps all bugs away?
Peppermint. Peppermint essential oil might just be the holy grail of natural pest repellents to leave around your home's entry points, as it can help keep away ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants. Use sachets of this oil near your doors and windows or try making a diffuser or spray.