Outdoor Recommendation Service
10 Best Eco-Friendly Bug Sprays in 2022 (Repel, Babyganics, and More)
Did you know that most bug sprays in the US are made with chemicals that have been shown to cause neurological damage? And that the high concentrations we see in our bug sprays are actually banned in other countries? Clearly, the stuff we’ve been using isn’t very good for us or the environment, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to becoming a bug buffet.
Eco-friendly bug sprays are becoming increasingly common. In fact, you can even find all-natural, organic sprays that actually work. In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for when choosing a more eco-friendly bug spray. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started - our number one pick was Sawyer's highly effective premium repellent.
Eco-friendly bug sprays are becoming increasingly common. In fact, you can even find all-natural, organic sprays that actually work. In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for when choosing a more eco-friendly bug spray. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started - our number one pick was Sawyer's highly effective premium repellent.
- Last updated: 04-04-2022
Table of Contents
10 Best Eco-Friendly Bug Sprays
Before we go over what to look for in an eco-friendly bug spray, here are a few of our favorites to help you on your search.
1
Sawyer ProductsPremium Insect Repellent
4 oz.
$8.99
| Active Ingredients | Picaridin |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | 12 hours |
| Spray Type | Pump |
2
Natrapel12-Hour Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent
3.4 oz.
$6.95
| Active Ingredients | Picaridin |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | 12 hours |
| Spray Type | Pump |
3
AvonSkin-So-Soft Bug Guard + Picaridin
4 oz.
$12.99
| Active Ingredients | Picaridin |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | 8 hours |
| Spray Type | Pump |
4
Murphy’s NaturalsLemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent
4 oz.
$9.99
| Active Ingredients | Oil of lemon eucalyptus |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | 6 hours |
| Spray Type | Pump |
5
RepelPlant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
4 oz.
$4.97
| Active Ingredients | Oil of lemon eucalyptus |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | 6 hours |
| Spray Type | Pump |
6
BabyganicsTravel Size Bug Spray
2 oz.
$4.19
| Active ingredients | Soybean, rosemary, citronella, geranium, cedarwood, peppermint, and lemon grass oil |
|---|---|
| DEET-free? | Yes |
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Spray type | Pump |
7
QuantumHealth Buzz Away Extreme
4 oz.
$9.99
| Active Ingredients | Citronella, geranium, lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint essential oils |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Spray Type | Pump |
8
Turtle Moon HealthNature's Cloak Insect Repellent
4 pack, 2.5 oz.
$36.00
| Active Ingredients | Lemon eucalyptus, lavender, rose geranium, lemon tea tree, and cedarwood essential oils |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | – |
| Spray Type | Pump |
9
ColemanDEET Free Lemon Eucalyptus Spray
4 oz.
$9.99
| Active Ingredients | Oil of lemon eucalyptus |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | 6 hours |
| Spray Type | Aerosol |
10
BadgerAnti-Bug Repellent Spray
4 oz.
$10.19
| Active Ingredients | Citronella, cedar, lemongrass essential oils |
|---|---|
| DEET-Free? | Yes |
| Duration | – |
| Spray Type | Pump |
Compare the Best Eco-Friendly Bug Sprays
| Image | 1  Sawyer Products | 2  Natrapel | 3  Avon | 4  Murphy’s Naturals | 5  Repel | 6  Babyganics | 7  Quantum | 8  Turtle Moon Health | 9  Coleman | 10  Badger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Premium Insect Repellent | 12-Hour Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent | Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard + Picaridin | Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent | Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent | Travel Size Bug Spray | Health Buzz Away Extreme | Nature's Cloak Insect Repellent | DEET Free Lemon Eucalyptus Spray | Anti-Bug Repellent Spray |
| Features | Highly Effective, Long Lasting Bug Spray | Super Long-Lasting Against a Huge Range of Bugs | Moisturizes as It Protects | A Little Goes a Long Way | Long-Lasting Mosquito Repellant | Formulated to Be Safe for Your Little Ones | Great for Forested Areas With Tons of Bugs | Travel-Sized Spray With a Long Shelf Life | Effective, Highly Concentrated Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Spray | Certified Organic Mosquito Repellent |
| Price | $8.99 | $6.95 | $12.99 | $9.99 | $4.97 | $4.19 | $9.99 | $36.00 | $9.99 | $10.19 |
| Active Ingredients | Picaridin | Picaridin | Picaridin | Oil of lemon eucalyptus | Oil of lemon eucalyptus | Soybean, rosemary, citronella, geranium, cedarwood, peppermint, and lemon grass oil | Citronella, geranium, lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint essential oils | Lemon eucalyptus, lavender, rose geranium, lemon tea tree, and cedarwood essential oils | Oil of lemon eucalyptus | Citronella, cedar, lemongrass essential oils |
| DEET-Free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Duration | 12 hours | 12 hours | 8 hours | 6 hours | 6 hours | 1.5 hours | 4 hours | – | 6 hours | – |
| Spray Type | Pump | Pump | Pump | Pump | Pump | Pump | Pump | Pump | Aerosol | Pump |
| Link |
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Bug Spray – Buying Guide
When it comes to picking a good bug spray, it’s less about your individual requirements and more about what actually works. There is some variation between preferences, though, so keep your needs in mind as you consider the following factors.
Look For Lemon Eucalyptus and Picaridin
There are a few different ingredients that make for an effective bug spray. Some ingredients are more effective against certain bugs than others, so be sure to read the label to see what bugs each spray is formulated to protect you against.
For an “All-Natural” Spray, Look for Lemon Eucalyptus
Most natural bug sprays will include either citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as their main ingredient. As similar as they sound, none of these are the same thing, though all of them contain PMD, a naturally occurring, highly effective mosquito and bug repellent.
Citronella oil and lemon eucalyptus oil are essential oils that contain low concentrations of PMD. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, on the other hand, is a concentrated version of lemon eucalyptus oil that contains a much higher amount of PMD. While all will be effective at deterring bugs to some degree, oil of lemon eucalyptus is the most effective of the three.
Do note, however, that lemon eucalyptus is actually one of the scents bees are most attracted to, so if you’re in an area with bees, maybe skip the lemon eucalyptus spray.
Picaridin Help With Broad-Range Protection
Picaridin is a synthetic version of a chemical found in black pepper plants. It’s one of the most effective bug repellents in terms of the number of different bugs it can protect you from–including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.
It has almost no odor, doesn’t leave behind any residue, and is generally considered non-toxic and safe for both people and the environment. Picaridin is also considered a better option for children under 3 years old as essential oils can be too highly concentrated for their skin at that age.
Avoid DEET at All Costs
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly bug spray, you probably already know that DEET is one ingredient you want to avoid. But why is DEET so terrible?
Well, aside from being an extremely effective bug repellent, it’s also been known to melt plastics, cause short-term health effects like dizziness, headaches, and nausea, as well as long-term health effects like impaired neurological functions, muscle weakness, and tremors.
Luckily, most eco-friendly bug sprays are proud to be DEET-free and will have it written clearly on their labels so you know right away that you’re not getting any of that nasty stuff.
Make Sure that the Product Can Protect You for as Long as You Need
Unfortunately, DEET bug sprays tend to be the most long-lasting. Most sprays will have their duration of protection written on them, so make sure you pick one that will last you the whole day, or at least that you won’t mind reapplying between those intervals.
Also, keep in mind that bug spray tends to wear off faster if you’re sweating during summer hikes than if you’re just bird-watching on a cool day. Most natural bug sprays are not sweat-resistant, so be prepared to reapply often.
Pick Pump Sprays – Aerosols Release Harmful Chemicals and Compounds
While aerosol sprays no longer release the ozone layer-depleting chemicals they did back in the 50s and 60s, they still release hydrocarbons and other gasses that contribute to global warming (albeit in small amounts).
Aerosols also tend to release volatile organic compounds that can irritate your respiratory system and create ground-level ozone which is a large component of smog. So to avoid these unnecessary atmospheric pollutants, it’s best to go with plain old pump sprays.
How to Properly Apply Bug Spray
It can be easy to think that bug spray should be worn the same way as perfume–after all, it’s the scent that the bugs don’t like, right? Actually, there’s a little more to it than that, and here are a few tips to doing it right.
Spray from about 6-8 inches away from your skin and spread it over your skin with your hands. Try not to go too heavy–more isn’t necessarily better with bug spray.
For your face and other sensitive areas, spray onto your hands first and rub it on with your fingers. There’s no need to get under your clothes, but don’t forget areas like your ankles, hands, and feet.
More Goods for the Outdoors
Thinking of going camping in the great outdoors? You'll be needing bug spray, of course, but there are a lot of other things you'll have to prepare, too. If you need help picking out the best products, then take a look at some of our other guides!
Related Articles
10 Best Charcoals for Smoking Meat in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)
Tired of not getting the right amount of heat and only a big pile of ash to clean every time you try barbequing? It’s time to upgrade to the best charcoals for your smoking needs. Take Kingsford’s Original Charcoal Briquettes, for example. It lights quickly and burns slowly and steadily, giving you evenly cooked and oh-so juicy meats. We’ve picked out nine more contenders to revolutionize your BBQ smoking and even included a buying guide reviewed by a professional chef to help you pick the right charcoal for your next grilling session.
Outdoor
10 Best Garden Sprayers in 2022 (Chapin International, D.B. Smith, and More)
The grass doesn’t always have to be greener on the other side. With the right garden sprayer, keeping your garden free of pests and weeds can become a relatively painless chore. A good garden sprayer will make the application of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides more efficient and hassle-free. Ease of use, efficient application, and, of course, achieving the required product saturation are just some of the qualities that make a great garden sprayer. However, depending on your needs and the task at hand, the choice is not always straight-forward. So, if you are looking for some easy pointers to help you pick the best garden sprayer, our top ten list is a great place to start!
Outdoor
10 Best Reclining Beach Chairs in 2022 (RIO, Coleman, and More)
Looking to hit the beach for a good tan? Don’t want to rest on the hot sand after swimming? Get a beach chair! But stationary chairs don't always offer you the right amount of comfort. That's why reclining beach chairs are the perfect item for lazy days in the summer sun!When buying the best chair, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as accessories, attachments, fabrics, and frames. That’s why we’ve prepared a buying guide for you to find the best fit for your needs! We loved the Ostrich 3-in-1 Reclining Beach Chair for its versatility, comfort, and unique design. Take a look at our Top 10 guide to see the rest of our picks!
Outdoor
10 Best Camping Tables in 2022 (Coleman, Lifetime, and More)
Some campsites have picnic tables, but having your own will ensure you have a table always available for cooking, eating, playing games, and anything else you plan to do while outside. And that makes a camping table an essential gear if you're a camping enthusiast. Among the astounding range of camping tables we assessed, some had folding frames, some featured roll-up tops, and some came with seats attached. Our top recommendation is the Lifetime Height Adjustable Folding Table that scores well for prepping your food, playing games, and even dining in the campground. Read on for more of our picks and a buying guide that will help you shop on your own!
Outdoor
7 Best Snowball Makers in 2022 (Superio and More)
Are freezing fingers and sloppy snowballs getting on your nerves during a snowball fight? Or perhaps you have kiddos that want to join in on the fun? Try a snowball maker! Introducing snowball makers. This nifty invention takes any snowball fight to the next level. Plus, it allows you to make snowballs much more quickly.We searched the internet for the best snowball makers that reviewers love. Our favorite is Paricon's Snowball Maker. It has a Teflon-like coating to prevent snow from sticking to the mold, so you get are perfectly-shaped balls with every press. We've picked out seven more makers that are worth a try, too. We've also including a buying covering what you should consider when choosing a snowball maker.
Outdoor
10 Best Boogie Boards in 2022 (California Board Company, Goplus, and More)
Do you go to the beach and want something that can support you during the rough waves? Boogie boards work well for this since they can keep you afloat while letting you ride the water and pick up speed. They can offer tons of fun to adults and children, making them excellent items to have in the water. We wanted to check out the different boogie boards available to find exciting and useful options.We ended up creating a top 10 list for the best boogie boards you can find this year. We like the Legendary Pro X boogie board because of its high-quality materials and various sizes, making it a solid choice for kids, teens, and adults. The nine other boogie boards include some nice features, so make sure you check the other choices on the list!
Outdoor
10 Best Seed Starter Kits in 2022 (Jiffy, Burpee, and More)
Planning to grow some herbs, vegetables or flowers but not sure of your success rate if done outdoors? A seed starter kit can greatly help boost your success in growing seeds even if the weather does not permit any planting. To prepare you for this growing season, we've done the research for you to find the best ones.We've considered numerous kits available and came up with a 10 best list of the best seed starters. Gardzen's 5-Set Garden Propagator Set takes first place because it makes things easy to grow numerous seeds and eventually transfer them to a more permanent spot. Along with nine other great choices, we've also included a buying guide to help you get started on this gardening tool that many cannot live without.
Outdoor
6 Best Inflatable Hot Tubs in 2022 (Intex, Coleman, and More)
Feeling stressed and tired after a long day of hard work? Looking for a way to relax both your mind and body? Consider investing in an inflatable hot tub! According to one study conducted by the National Aquatics and Sports Medicine Institute, immersing in a hot tub can positively impact heart rate, respiration, and circulation. Also, most hot tubs have massaging jets that can ease your tight muscles and relieve stress.But given the plethora of products available online, how do you know which one works best for you? To help you with your search, we've narrowed down six of the best inflatable hot tubs that receive high rankings on Amazon and Wayfair. Our top pick was Intex's PureSpa, which comes with 170 bubble jets to a luxurious at-home spa experience. We've also compiled a buying guide that gives you everything you need to know about choosing the best inflatable hot tub.
Outdoor
10 Best Can Insulators in 2022 (Koozie, Yeti, and More)
Are you looking for a way to keep your favorite canned beer or soda cool throughout the hot summer? Well, a can insulator can do exactly that! Whether you call them a can insulator, cooler, or koozie, they can keep your drink cool for several hours while you relax by the pool or beach. Choosing the best can insulator can be tricky as there are so many available. That's why we've done the research and picked the Stainless Steel Can Cooler by Koozie as our favorite. It can also be used for bottles and as a tumbler and will keep your cans cold for hours. We’ve also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
Outdoor
10 Best Floating Drink Holders in 2022 (GoFloats and More)
When the weather heats up, it's time to head for the water. Whether you prefer the pool, the lake, or the ocean, don't forget to bring your floating drink holders along for some fun in the sun. They can keep your water bottle handy, hold your adult beverages, or act as festive pool party decorations. No more getting out of the water to grab your drink; it'll be right there next to you!For maximum summer vibes, we recommend GoFloats' Floatmingo Drink Rafts, which are fun, functional, and Instagram-worthy. Keep scrolling to see more of our top picks and check out our buying guide for tips and information on how to pick floating drink holders that will quench your thirst all summer long.
Outdoor
Popular Articles
10 Best UV Protection Gloves in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Everybody knows that too much exposure to the sun isn’t good for your skin, especially if you’re fair and prone to burning. We’ve been taught to wear sunscreen and to cover up outside, but there’s one area that often gets forgotten: our hands. Whether we’re playing sports, driving, or going for a stroll, our hands are almost always exposed to the sun. So to prevent sun damage, it’s a good idea to wear UV protection gloves.However, picking a pair of UV protection gloves isn’t something that you want to do off the cuff as there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. We’ll show you what to look for when shopping for the best UV protection gloves, as well as what gloves we thought made the top ranking on the market this year. Our favorite gloves are Outdoor Research's Activeice Chroma Full Sun Gloves! Read on for the reasons these gloves made the cut, as well as a list of other great options.
Outdoor
10 Best Non-Inflatable Kiddie Pools in 2022 (Step2, Intex, and More)
When summertime is here and it's hot out, you don’t want to lift a finger, especially not to blow up a kiddie pool! Instead, try something easier to set up, like a non-inflatable option. Whether you want to save time or your kids and dog are prone to popping inflatable pools, a non-inflatable option is probably the best one for you. The non-inflatable kiddie pool market is full of different sizes, shapes, and styles. We've done the research for you and created a list of the 10 best non-inflatable kiddie pools this year. We personally loved Step2 Play & Shade Pool since it's sturdy and has built-in shade and toys. Read on to see the rest of our top picks, and read our buying guide to further help you in your search.
Outdoor
10 Best Pool Cover Reels in 2022 (Intex, Swimline, and More)
Are you looking for a quick and convenient way to keep your pool covered and safe while it's not in use? Do you have a solar cover, but find that manually covering the pool after every use has become too much of a hassle? Then a pool cover reel could be your answer! They make covering and retracting covers a quick and easy process that can be done solo.However, choosing the best pool cover reel can be difficult as there are many options available and they can be split into in-ground and above-ground pool types. There are even solar options! Thankfully, we've done the research and picked the Pool Cover Reel Set by Vingli as our favorite as it is easy to use and strong enough to hold your cover securely. We’ve also put together a 10 best list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice.
Outdoor
10 Best Pop Up Beach Tents in 2022 (Pacific Breeze, WhiteFang, and More)
For avid beachgoers, a pop-up beach tent is a must. When you're spending all day outside in the sand and the sun, having a shady retreat can help prevent sunburns, block wind, and keep you cool in the heat. The more private beach tents can even be used for midday naps, changing clothes, and keeping valuables out of sight.We put together a list of the top 10 best pop-up beach tents for families, friend groups, and solo beachgoers. Our number one pick is Pacific Breeze's Easy Setup Beach Tent, which weighs a mere 4.5 pounds and features built-in sandbags to anchor it against ocean gusts. Keep reading to see the rest of our picks and check out our buying guide for tips on how to choose the right tent for your beach needs.
Outdoor
10 Best Garden Hoes in 2022 (Bully Tools, Corona, and More)
Whether you grow flowers or vegetables, have a small backyard garden, or have a large plot of land, one thing is constant: you need a good garden hoe. A hoe is a gardener's best friend, a versatile tool that's essential for cultivating your soil. Use it to remove weeds, break up dirt clods, and dig furrows. And if you have a long-handled hoe, you don't even need to bend over to use it!Within the garden hoe category, there are grub hoes, stirrup hoes, warren hoes, and more, each with their own pros and cons. To learn more about the different types of hoes, check out our buying guide. But if you want to get right to it, our number one pick is the 12-Gauge Garden Hoe from Bully Tools. It's made from durable steel with a fiberglass handle, so it can hold up to even the hardest and rockiest soil. Keep scrolling to see the rest of our picks!
Outdoor
10 Best Portable Greenhouses in 2022 (Flower House, Ahome, and More)
If you've ever wished you had a greenhouse but don't have the space or resources, you're in luck! Small, lightweight greenhouses can be used indoors or outdoors and are easily transportable and stored. Plastic covers protect plants from frost, snow, wind, rain, and pests and trap humidity and heat to keep plants thriving and help seeds sprout. We did our research and picked the top best portable greenhouses. The winner was the Ahome Mini Pop--Up Greenhouse because of its convenient size, height, sturdy open bottom design, and thick plastic cover. We also made a buying guide to help you figure out what you need in a portable greenhouse.
Outdoor
10 Best Portable Camping Showers in 2022 (Ivation, Advanced Elements, and More)
Do you love camping but wish there were an easy way to stay clean? Being able to shower while you camp is not just a luxurious amenity; taking care of your personal hygiene on the trails is actually really important to ensure you have a safe and healthy camping adventure. A portable camping shower will solve all your personal hygiene needs so you can enjoy nature worry-free. We did our research and created a list of the 10 best portable camping showers. The Advanced Elements Summer Shower was our favorite, because of its solar technology, decent capacity, compact storage, and extra features such as a temperature gauge and storage packet. Keep reading for a buying guide that will help you find a shower that fits your camping needs.
Outdoor
Popular Expert Picks
Search by Category
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications
Most Viewed
110 Best UV Protection Gloves in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Outdoor
210 Best Non-Inflatable Kiddie Pools in 2022 (Step2, Intex, and More)
Outdoor
310 Best Pool Cover Reels in 2022 (Intex, Swimline, and More)
Outdoor
410 Best Pop Up Beach Tents in 2022 (Pacific Breeze, WhiteFang, and More)
Outdoor
510 Best Garden Hoes in 2022 (Bully Tools, Corona, and More)
Outdoor
610 Best Portable Greenhouses in 2022 (Flower House, Ahome, and More)
Outdoor
710 Best Eco-Friendly Bug Sprays in 2022 (Repel, Babyganics, and More)
Outdoor
88 Best Waterproof Matches in 2022 (Zippo, UCO, and More)
Outdoor
910 Best Portable Camping Showers in 2022 (Ivation, Advanced Elements, and More)
Outdoor
1010 Best Picnic Blankets in 2022 (Yodo, Benevolence LA, and More)
Outdoor