Is Your Bug Spray Safe? Hidden Risks + What I Use Instead (Born in the Jungles of Costa Rica)
If you grabbed the bug spray in your cabinet right now and actually read the label, would you know what's in it?
Most of us don't. We just want the bugs gone.
I used to be the same way — until I spent time in Costa Rica, where the mosquitoes don't play around and neither does the local wisdom about what actually keeps them off your skin. That trip changed how I thought about bug spray completely, and it's the reason Earthie Mama Bug Away exists today.
What's Actually in Most Bug Sprays
The active ingredient in most conventional repellents is DEET — and it's worth knowing what that means before you spray it on your kids, your pets, or yourself.
DEET is generally considered safe when used as directed, but reported side effects include skin irritation and rashes, and in rare, high-exposure cases, more serious reactions. It's also strong enough to damage certain plastics, synthetic fabrics, and painted surfaces — which says something about what it's doing to skin.
None of this means DEET is dangerous for everyone. But it's exactly why so many of us start looking for a plant-based alternative in the first place.
Does Natural Bug Spray Actually Work?
This is the question I get asked most, and it's a fair one.
Plenty of "natural" products on shelves don't hold up outdoors for more than twenty minutes. The word natural alone doesn't tell you much — what matters is the formulation, the concentration of essential oils, and whether it's something you'll actually remember to reapply.
That's the problem I set out to solve with Bug Away.
Born in Costa Rica
Bug Away didn't start in a lab or a boardroom. It started in Costa Rica, surrounded by some of the most aggressive mosquito populations on the planet, learning what actually worked.
But the real reason I kept refining it comes down to three little faces: my daughters. I didn't want to be dousing them in harsh chemicals every time we walked out the door — not on their skin, not on their hands, not on whatever they'd inevitably touch and put in their mouths five minutes later. I wanted something I could spray on them without a second thought.
That's how Bug Away became a DEET-free, plant-based formula built on essential oils known for their bug-repelling properties — citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass. Since then, it's traveled with me on every camping trip and hike I've taken with my girls. Customers have carried their bottles all over the world — into different climates and every kind of outdoor adventure, from backyard barbecues to backcountry trails.
3 Habits I Pair With Bug Away
Spray isn't the only tool I use. A few habits make a real difference too:
Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes breed in surprisingly small amounts of it — empty buckets, plant saucers, and toys after it rains.
Cover up when it makes sense. Long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes add a physical barrier on hikes or during extended time outside.
Mind the timing. Mosquito activity tends to spike at dawn and dusk — plan around it when you can.
Ready to Take Back Your Summer?
Don't let mosquitoes and biting bugs decide how much time you spend outside.
Whether you're heading into the garden, going camping, hiking your favorite trail, or just enjoying a summer evening on the patio, keep Bug Away nearby.
And if you already use it — I'd love to hear from you. Where has your bottle traveled?
This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Natural insect-repellent products can vary in effectiveness — follow the product label for directions and reapplication, and consider additional protective measures such as clothing and screens when appropriate.
