Why You Should Rethink Your Bug Spray: Natural Repellents That Actually Work.
Bug Spray: What’s Really in It?
Most conventional bug sprays rely on DEET, a synthetic chemical developed in the 1940s for military use. While effective, it’s been linked to skin irritation, neurotoxicity with prolonged use, and hormone disruption. Not ideal when you're misting it all over yourself, your kids, and your pets.
And let’s be honest—they smell awful.
Thankfully, nature has given us everything we need to keep bugs at bay—without the side effects.
Nature’s Solution: Essential Oils That Bite Back
Plants have been protecting themselves from insects long before we had bug spray. Here's how the star ingredients in our Skeeter Beater work:
Lemongrass Oil
Rich in citral and limonene, lemongrass confuses mosquitoes’ scent receptors, making it hard for them to find you. Plus, its fresh citrusy scent makes it a popular choice for natural home and body products.
Geranium Oil
Contains geraniol, a compound shown in studies to repel ticks, flies, and mosquitoes. Bonus: it smells like a floral breeze and is gentle on the skin.
Peppermint Oil
High in menthol, which irritates the sensory receptors of many bugs. It also creates a cooling effect on your skin—perfect for hot summer days.
Clove Oil
Packed with eugenol, a powerful compound used in natural insecticides. Clove oil has a spicy, warm scent and brings serious bite-blocking power.
Lavender Oil
Often thought of as calming, but also a subtle insect repellent thanks to compounds like linalool. Lavender soothes bites and inflammation if you do get bitten.
How Essential Oils Actually Work
Mosquitoes and ticks use scent to find their targets—primarily detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain skin bacteria. Essential oils don’t just smell good—they disrupt the bug’s ability to locate you by interfering with their sensory pathways.
In other words: you disappear off their radar.
Natural vs. Chemical Bug Sprays: What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature | Conventional Spray | Skeeter Beater |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | DEET / Synthetic Base | Witch hazel + plant oils |
| Skin Sensitivity | Often irritating | Gentle + soothing |
| Kid-Safe | Caution under age 2 | Yes (always patch test) |
| Smell | Harsh, chemical | Fresh, herbal, clean |
| Environmental Impact | Can pollute waterways | Biodegradable, earth-safe |
What Makes a Natural Bug Spray Actually Work?
Some "natural" sprays are so watered down they barely function. Ours was handcrafted with performance and purity in mind:
- Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free): A skin-friendly base that helps the oils stay on longer
- Vegetable Glycerin: Light moisturizer that binds oils to the skin without clogging pores
- Just a Touch of Water: Enough to spray smoothly, not enough to dilute potency
- Zero Alcohol or Fillers: No sting, no synthetic nonsense
DIY at Home — or Skip the Trial & Error
Want to try your hand at a homemade version? Here’s a beginner-friendly option:
Simple DIY Bug Spray Recipe:
- ½ cup witch hazel (alcohol-free)
- ½ tsp vegetable glycerin
- 10 drops lavender
- 10 drops peppermint
- 10 drops geranium
Shake well and apply every hour as needed.
But let’s be real—if you want strong, long-lasting protection, Skeeter Beater’s got your back (and your legs, and your neck…).
Skeeter Beater: The Farm-Favorite Formula
Tested in the heat of a Central Coast homestead—with goats, chickens, compost piles, and barefoot toddlers running through the garden—this spray delivers.
- Kid-safe (we still recommend patch testing)
- Smells amazing (no more “chemical camp” vibe)
- Works without harsh ingredients
- Made in small batches by a real family, not a factory
How to Use Skeeter Beater
Shake before each use and spray:
- On exposed skin (arms, legs, ankles, neck)
- On hats, socks, waistbands, or picnic blankets
- Around doors and screens if bugs sneak indoors
Reapply every 1.5–2 hours for max effectiveness.
Final Buzz: Clean Repellent, Clear Conscience
You don’t need to coat your body in chemicals to enjoy your time outdoors.
With Skeeter Beater, you get real results, naturally.
👉 Shop the spray that works as hard as you do: [CLICK HERE]
Homestead Tips for a Bug-Free Backyard
Want to level up your bug defense while gardening, dining, or just relaxing outdoors? Here are a few simple and effective ways to keep bugs at bay—naturally.
1. Plant Bug-Repelling Herbs Around Your Patio
Certain plants are natural insect deterrents. Line your patio, porch, or garden borders with:
- Lemongrass – contains natural citronella
- Basil – deters flies and mosquitoes
- Mint – repels ants and mosquitoes (keep it in pots, or it’ll spread!)
- Lavender – drives away moths, flies, and mosquitoes, (Attracts the bees)
- Marigolds – contains pyrethrum, used in many natural insecticides
Bonus: They’re beautiful, smell amazing, and you can harvest them for your kitchen too.
2. Make Your Own Outdoor Bug-Repellent Candles
Here’s a quick DIY citronella-style candle you can whip up for the patio table:
You’ll need:
- Small mason jar or tin
- Soy or beeswax
- 15–20 drops total of essential oils: lemongrass, lavender, clove, or peppermint
- Wick
Instructions:
Melt your wax, stir in essential oils, place the wick, and pour into container. Let it set, then light during meals or evening hangs.
3. Create a Bug-Attracting Trap (Away From Your Guests)
Bugs can’t resist the smell of fermenting sugar. You can lure them away from your dinner by placing a simple trap near the edge of your yard or patio.
Bug Trap Recipe:
- Mason jar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- A few drops of dish soap
- Plastic wrap with holes poked in the top
The scent draws bugs in, the dish soap breaks surface tension, and the trap fills up without harming helpful pollinators.
Bonus: Essential Oil Spray for Outdoor Tables
Mix water, a splash of vodka or witch hazel, and 20–30 drops of lavender, lemon eucalyptus, or geranium essential oil. Mist your outdoor cushions, tablecloths, and umbrellas before guests arrive.
From Our Farm to Yours
Whether you’re planting the right herbs, lighting a handmade candle, or misting on our farm-tested Skeeter Beater, you deserve a peaceful, bite-free summer—without the chemicals.
Your skin (and your picnic guests) will thank you.
👉 SKEETER BEATER NATURAL BUG SPRAY
