Best Natural Bug Repellents for Families Who Love the Outdoors
Natural Bug Repellent: What Actually Works Without the Chemicals
We love spending time outdoors, but the one thing we don’t love about being outdoors is the bugs. Nothing makes a beautiful hike less beautiful than biting flies or being swarmed by mosquitoes. My youngest daughter swells up really badly when she gets bitten. One time, she got bitten right in the center of her forehead. It swelled up so much it almost looked like she had a third eye. She wasn’t thrilled about it, and neither were we.
Like most families, we started with the big-name sprays like “OFF,” “Cutter,” and others. They technically worked, but the strong chemical smell and greasy residue made us dread using them. Plus, with kids, we were never entirely comfortable with the idea of coating their skin in something that smelled like we were prepping them for lab work.
So we began our journey to find natural mosquito and bug repellents that actually work. After a lot of trial and error, we’ve narrowed down the options to products and strategies that are effective, family-friendly, and much less offensive to the senses.
Here’s what we’ve found to be the best natural and low-impact bug repellents for outdoor-loving families like ours.
Why Choose Natural or Low-Toxicity Repellents?
Let’s be honest—bugs are annoying, but using strong chemical sprays can feel just as unpleasant. Many traditional repellents use DEET, which is effective but comes with drawbacks:
Strong odor
Greasy feel
Can irritate skin
Melts plastic and some fabrics
Not ideal for kids or pets
Natural repellents aim to avoid these issues by using essential oils, plant-based ingredients, or mineral-based formulations. Some still require reapplication more often than DEET, but many people find the trade-off worth it.
Plus, if you’re out kayaking, hiking, or camping for hours, you’ll want something that doesn’t ruin your gear or overpower the smell of pine trees with Eau de Chemicals.
Our Favorite: Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent
After testing dozens of options, the product we reach for most often is Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent.
Why We Love It:
No chemical smell. It’s honestly shocking how neutral it smells. You’d think something without the classic “bug spray” scent wouldn’t work, but it does.
Non-greasy feel. This is huge. It feels more like a lotion or light spray than anything oily or sticky.
Long-lasting. 12-hour protection from mosquitoes and ticks, 8 hours from biting flies and gnats.
Safe for the whole family. Picaridin is considered a safe DEET alternative and is even recommended by the CDC and WHO.
Doesn’t damage gear. You can spray it on clothing, backpacks, and synthetic fabrics without fear.
We especially love the lotion version for kids because it’s easy to apply, doesn’t drip, and offers full coverage without overuse.
🛒 Where to buy: Sawyer Picaridin on Amazon or most major outdoor retailers like REI or Walmart.
Best Natural Repellents with Essential Oils
If you’re looking for truly natural options with essential oils, there are several solid contenders. Just keep in mind that most need to be reapplied every 2–4 hours for maximum effectiveness.
1. Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Spray
Active ingredient: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (30%)
Why we like it: It’s plant-based, smells great (think fresh citronella-meets-mint), and works surprisingly well.
Downside: Slightly oily and may sting if applied on broken skin or near eyes.
🛒 Available at: Murphy’s Naturals, Target, and Amazon.
2. Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
This is the budget-friendly cousin to Murphy’s and uses the same active ingredient. It’s a solid alternative and performs well against mosquitoes and ticks. It’s often easier to find in stores and tends to be a little less oily.
Homemade Natural Repellents
For the DIY crowd, here’s a basic natural bug spray recipe we’ve had moderate success with.
DIY Natural Bug Spray Recipe
1/2 cup witch hazel or vodka
1/2 cup distilled water
30 drops citronella oil
20 drops eucalyptus oil
10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops lavender oil
Instructions:
Combine in a spray bottle.
Shake well before each use.
Reapply every 2 hours or as needed.
This smells pleasant, is safe for kids (avoid eyes and mouth), and keeps mosquitoes at bay for light activity. We like using it for backyard evenings or walks. Not for a full day in the woods.
Clothing-Based Protection: Permethrin
If you’re spending lots of time outdoors, treating your clothing with Permethrin can offer serious protection. This isn’t something you apply to your skin; this is something applied to your clothes like shirts, pants, jackets, hats, and socks. You can also apply Permethrin to your gear, like tents, camp chairs, and backpacks. It’s a game changer.
Sawyer Permethrin Spray for Clothing
Kills mosquitoes and ticks on contact
Lasts up to 6 washes
Odorless when dry
Great for hiking pants, camp chairs, and even shoes
We treated our hiking clothes and found that we hardly needed to reapply repellent on our skin. Combine Sawyer Permethrin on clothing with Picaridin lotion on exposed areas, and you’ve got a solid no-compromise setup.
🛒 Available at: Amazon, REI, and outdoor shops
Don’t Forget These Natural Bug-Repelling Strategies
Sometimes, the best bug protection doesn’t come in a bottle. Here are a few smart ways to keep bugs at bay naturally:
1. Wear Light-Colored, Long-Sleeved Clothing
Dark colors attract mosquitoes. Long sleeves and pants help reduce the amount of skin you need to spray.
2. Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If possible, plan your outdoor time for mid-morning or early afternoon.
3. Use Fans or Breezes
Mosquitoes are weak flyers. A small portable fan or natural breeze can significantly reduce your bite risk at camp or on the patio.
4. Eliminate Standing Water
This one’s for RV parks, campsites, or home: empty buckets, clean gutters, and check around tires and tarps for any water that may attract mosquitoes.
Best for Babies and Toddlers
When it comes to the little ones, we get extra cautious. For babies under 6 months, avoid any spray and use mosquito netting over strollers or carriers.
For toddlers, California Baby Bug Repellent Spray or Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent are two parent-approved options with essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and rosemary.
They need frequent reapplication but are gentle enough for sensitive skin.
A Word on Tick Protection
If you’re in an area with ticks (especially the East Coast, Midwest, and parts of the South), be sure your repellent covers them too. Sawyer Picaridin and Permethrin-treated clothing are both great for this.
In addition, you’ll also want to:
Do nightly tick checks (especially behind knees, waistbands, and scalp).
Tuck pants into socks for hikes.
Stick to trails—avoid bushwhacking.
Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for You
Finding the right bug repellent for your family doesn’t have to mean compromising on safety, comfort, or scent. We’ve tried it all, from sticky sprays to essential oil concoctions, and have settled into a mix of Sawyer products and natural solutions that let us enjoy the outdoors without turning into a buffet for bugs.
Whether you’re on a backwoods trail or just enjoying s’mores by the fire, there’s a bug repellent that fits your needs and won’t make you gag when you spray it on.
Stay safe, stay comfortable, and keep exploring.
