Product Spotlight
Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray
by: CB Staff Writer
It’s only natural to want to keep bugs at bay; the sting and itch they inflict are bad enough for us adults—just think of the torture they must cause for kids! What isn’t natural, though, is the most common active ingredient used in bug repellents. DEET, or N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, is found in more than 200 anti-bug products on the market, even though it carries some scary health risks. Not only can DEET irritate some people’s skin, frequent use of sprays with the ingredient has also been linked with an increased risk of insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function. And the pesticide’s perils extend to the environment, too, as it has been found in waterways, where it causes problems for fish and plankton populations.
Thankfully, there are a few DEET free bug repellent options to choose from. California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray is one of them.
How It Works:
Citronella, lemongrass and cedar essential oils are well known for their safe and effective bug repelling properties, which is why they were included in California Baby’s Bug Blend. These scents disguise our tasty aroma, making insects believe there isn’t a meal around. The non-toxic, chemical-free spray is safe for children—the same can’t be said of DEET repellents—yet highly effective against fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. It also contains aloe vera, and yucca, plants that help heal the skin and soothe any bites you already have.
- Reapply Bug Blend spray often. The product’s scent is what keeps bugs away, so you’ll want to generously spray it on every 30 minutes or so for maximum protection. Spray it on all exposed areas of skin (though never spray directly on your face; spritz on your hands first then rub in).
- Don’t forget your head. Bugs can bite your scalp, too, so wear a hat or spray your hair with repellent for head to toe coverage.
- Reapply repellent even more frequently during peak biting hours, which fall between dusk and dawn.
- Prevention is the key to keeping mosquitoes away. Search your yard for and get rid of any standing water in planters and garbage cans, as these are places where the bugs like to live and breed. You should also clean birdbaths and children’s wading pools often.
- Eating plenty of garlic can also fight biting bugs. Some research indicates that mosquitoes tend to steer clear of people who eat more garlic! Conversely, they seem to like people who eat sugar, so stick with healthy fruits instead of sugary snacks when you’re craving something sweet this summer.
