What I look for in bug spray (as a crunchy-ish mom trying to live lower tox)

Just a reminder that we can be crunchy, low tox, holistic whatever you wanna call it and still not want to get eaten alive by mosquitos, okay? Bug spray doesn't have to smell like chemical warfare or leave you wondering if you just absorbed a neurotoxin through your shin. Go for low-tox options when you can. Be mindful of the ingredients. And remember — peace of mind is the best protection of all.

Okay, so when I'm choosing a bug spray for my family, I try to think less is more when it comes to concentration. Kinda like sunscreen, a higher percentage doesn't always mean it works better, it usually just means it lasts longer. The CDC actually recommends using less than 10% concentration in areas with no known bug-borne disease risk. And if you're somewhere higher-risk, they say stay under 30% (just in case you were curious). If you're in a super buggy area where illness is a concern, I always say: ask your provider what's safest for your kiddos. I will say, if I was traveling to a country where there are very serious buggy illness concerns, that I when I would consider DEET based sprays.

However, on a day to day basis or for my typical travel - I avoid DEET personally.

Now it you're reaching for a more natural option (like I usually do), just keep in mind that essential oil-based repellents aren't regulated (not this "matters" in that sense but hear me out for a second) and can vary a lot in how well they actually work. They re great if the risk of bug-borne illness is low. But in high-risk spots? Sometimes the "crunchy-ish" call is actually going with something more effective - safety first always.

Also, just as a note: bug spray shouldn't be used at all on babies under 2 months, and nothing over 30% concentration should go on kids in general.

And you already know I'm steering clear of parabens, phthalates, undisclosed fragrance, and anything with bug spray + sunscreen in one (I don't think I have ever seen a "cleaner" one on the market, but I could be wrong).

ALRIGHT, so.. Let's talk about DEET - yep, the ingredient that's gotten a pretty rough reputation in the low-tox world. Over the years, some animal studies have raised concerns about possible neurotoxicity, but the human research? It's been a mixed bag, y'all... like really. Even the EWG (who's usually team super-cautious) said back in 2018 that DEET can be generally safe when used correctly. That said, if you're going to use it, stick with a 10-30% concentration and go even lower for littles. Just like with other repellents, the concentration doesn't mean it works better... it just means it lasts longer. For example, under 10% DEET gives you around 1-2 hours of coverage. Anything above 50%? It doesn't give better protection but it can come with higher risks. So if DEET feels like the best option for your situation especially if you're in a higher-risk area, use it mindfully and sparingly.

Intentional > perfect. Always.

When choosing a repellent, I always consider where we live or where we're going. What bugs are common there?

What diseases are known in that area? (That's called "endemic" - basically, what's regularly found in that region.) It's all about striking that balance between safety and effectiveness - and doing what's best for your family in that specific season or situation. Okay real talk - no bug spray is perfect, it's just like with anything: risk v benefit. But with insect-borne illnesses like Lyme disease on the rise (and some of them being seriously debilitating - I don't mess with Lyme), we have to think about more than just ingredients. Efficacy matters too.