Itchy bumps that don't go away for days, pesky buzzing around your ears while you try to relax — bugs are an annoying yet unavoidable part of life. The good news is that there are natural alternatives to chemical bug repellents you can use to keep outdoor spaces free from maddening mosquitoes and troublesome ticks.
So don't let the bugs, or chemical bug repellents, get you down. If you've already got a natural bug spray for mid-morning hikes or afternoons at the park, check out our selection of the best outdoor bug repellents for bite-free nights on the patio. Each of these products have been tested by Grove members who loved 'em enough to leave rave reviews. All we did was round them up and drop them in a list so you can find a new bug repellent that'll keep critters away while you enjoy the balmy outdoors.
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
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An extra strength spray to help kill and repel fleas & ticks on dogs and puppies without any harsh chemicals. Packaged in an infinitely recyclable aluminum bottle with a reusable nozzle to keep our planet plastic-free for generations of pups to come.
KILLS AND REPELS FLEAS & TICKS
This extra strength flea & tick spray has a skin-soothing …
Don’t get bugged by bugs. These Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candles keep insects away, while burning clean. These insect repellent candles are made from a blend of soy and beeswax mixed with things bugs hate like citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint and cedarwood. Plus, they’re petroleum- and DEET-free. Each one of these Murphy's …
Usually we don’t sweat the small stuff, but when it comes to mosquitos, we’d rather be safe than sorry. This Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle is easy to use outdoors when you’re trying to enjoy a day or night outside, and it protects up to 12 feet. This natural mosquito repellent candle is DEET-free, petroleum-free, and made from natural …
Mosquitoes can really take the buzz out of enjoying the great outdoors. Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones support a bite-free environment so you can have that family picnic or an evening respite on the front porch. Each incense cone contains 10% repellent oil content derived from powerful plant extracts, so you can keep those …
Keep mosquitos away while keeping the sophistication of your outdoor décor’s ambiance with these Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Tea Light Candles that can easily be disguised in a tea-light holder of your choice. This 12-pack of mosquito-repelling tea lights are plant-based, DEET-free, and offer you up to 12 feet of protection against some of …
People-friendly, pest-unfriendly, Aunt Fannie's Houseplant & Garden Insect Remedy protects your houseplants from all those pesky pests without the use of any harsh chemicals or nasty odors. When you use it as directed, this essential-oil powered spray is highly effective against aphids, spider mites, white flies, and roaches — just to name a few. …
Show unwelcome pests you’re a force to be reckoned with by having Aunt Fannie's All-Purpose Pest Remedy in your corner. This all-purpose pest spray protects your home against roaches and ants — some of the most annoying and hard-to-beat bugs out there. Unlike chemical-powered bug bombs, it’s also paraben-free, sulfate-free, and made from essential …
We're all familiar with chemical bug repellents like DEET, but you might find yourself wondering how to repel insects natrually. We're happy to report that there are actually quite a few natural pest repellers that work wonders in bug sprays, candles, and incense. You can also check out a variety of natural pest control prouducts to banish mice, fruit flys, and spiders from your aboad.
Here are a few of the best essential oils to repel bugs naturally:
How often you reapply bug spray depends on what type of bug spray you use. Chemical bug sprays that contain DEET or picaridin last for hours and shouldn't be reapplied too often. If you're using a natural bug spray, you can typically reapply it whenever the bugs start biting you again. Regardless of the type of bug spray you've got, it's always a good idea to follow the directions on the bottle.
To limit how much bug spray you need to use, try wearing long-sleeved tops or pants that protect your skin from bug bites. Lighter colors tend to repel insects better than darker colors, and tight-fitting clothes make it easier for mosquitoes to get to your skin. Arm yourself in loose-fitting, lightly colored clothes to stave off insects without bug repellent.
Don't forget about your plants! Plants are prone to pests, too, and it's important to keep them bug-free if you want them to grow strong and healthy. One of the best ways to prevent bugs from getting to your plants is with natural insecticides. Like fertilizers, insecticides are additives that you can either spray on your plant or pour into the soil.
If you're looking for more gardening tips, check out our guide to growing an herb garden. It's a great resource for new gardeners who are dipping their toes into the wonderful world of plants. We've also got some info on growing healthy houseplants if you want to add some greenery to space but don't know where to start.
At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.
If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.
