Ditch the DEET: Top Natural Bug Spray Picks from a Naturopath

person wearing grey pants and yellow jacket spraying bug spray on their hiking boots

Let’s be real; nothing good is happening with conventional bug sprays. 

So many of them smell terrible, are only mildly effective to repel bugs, and then leave you feeling itchy or dizzy. DEET, a common ingredient in many conventional sprays, may be the culprit. 

Luckily, there are incredibly natural bug sprays that smell good and protect you without the harsh chemicals.

DEET Explained: What You Need to Know About This Common Bug Repellent Ingredient

  • Conventional sprays contain DEET.

  • DEET is a harsh chemical that can cause dizziness and rashes, amongst other things. 

  • And for most people, in most circumstances, DEET is unnecessary. 

Top Picks for Safe & Natural Mosquito and Tick Spray Options

As an avid hiker and a naturopathic doctor, I'm always seeking out safe and effective bug protection.

Here are my top two favorite natural bug sprays:

1. Nantucket Spider Original Bug Spray

Pros: 

  • Made with organic essential oils

  • DEET-free, soy-free, vegan, cruelty-free

  • No greasy feel when sprayed on the skin

Cons: 

  • Out of the two sprays, this one certainly has a stronger smell

  • The cap is not great and has a tendency to leak when tilted. Store upright or in a baggie

  • Nantucket Spider also makes a tick spray that is phenomenal. 

2. Quantum Buzz Away Extreme

Pros

  • Natural essential oil-based smell of citronella, cedarwood, and lemongrass

  • DEET-free

  • More widely available in conventional grocery stores

Cons: 

  • Contains soy-oil. 

  • The cap also is not great and has a tendency to leak. 


Find both of these sprays in my Amazon store here!

Enjoying the warm weather doesn’t have to be a hassle or harmful to your health!

- - -

RELATED:

Looking for a New Doctor? 5 Questions to Find the Right Fit

Feeling Stuck in Your Health Journey? 3 Ways Naturopathic Medicine Offers a Fresh Perspective

Viral Supplements on Tik Tok Shop: 3 Reasons to Think Twice Before Buying

Tick Awareness: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease in 2025

Ease Lyme Back Pain: Top 5 Naturopathic Treatments for Long-Lasting Relief

- - -

This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your physician before implementing any changes related to your health.

Previous
Previous

Exhausted, Irritable, Unmotivated? You Might Be Experiencing Burnout.

Next
Next

Why Sleep Isn't Enough: The Need for Deeper Healing in Burnout Recovery