Summer in Canada is glorious — until the bugs show up. Whether you're hiking the North Shore trails, camping in the Interior, or just enjoying your backyard, mosquitoes and insects have a way of ruining the moment. Most people reach for a conventional bug spray without thinking twice. But what's actually in that can?
Why DEET Isn't Your Only Option
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) has been the go-to insect repellent since the 1940s. It works — but it's also a synthetic chemical that can irritate skin, damage plastics, and raises concerns for use on children and pets. If you're living a natural lifestyle, it feels like a contradiction to spray it all over your body.
The good news: nature has its own bug-fighting toolkit, and it's remarkably effective.
Essential Oils That Repel Insects
Several 100% pure essential oils have well-documented insect-repelling properties:
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Lavender — Repels mosquitoes, moths, and flies while calming the skin
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Lemongrass — Contains citral and geraniol, compounds shown to deter mosquitoes
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Cinnamon — A powerful natural insecticide; studies show cinnamon oil can kill mosquito larvae
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Thyme White — One of the most effective natural repellents, with research showing strong mosquito-deterring activity
These aren't just pleasant scents — they're functional botanicals that insects genuinely dislike.
Introducing Bug Off Spray by Escents
Since 1992, Escents Aromatherapy has been handcrafting 100% natural products in Richmond, BC. Our Bug Off Spray was formulated to give you real protection without synthetic chemicals.
The improved formula now includes Cinnamon and Thyme White essential oils alongside the original Lavender and Lemongrass blend — for extra power when you need it most.
What's in it:
- 100% pure Lavender & Lemongrass essential oils
- Cinnamon and Thyme White essential oils (new formula)
- Plant-derived base with natural probiotic (Lactobacillus Ferment)
- Biodegradable, Vegan, Cruelty-free
What's NOT in it:
- No DEET
- No parabens
- No mineral oil
- No artificial colours
- No sodium lauryl sulfates
- No phthalates
5.0 stars from 10 reviews — customers love that it actually works and smells great doing it.
How to Use Bug Off Spray
Spritz generously onto exposed skin before heading outdoors. Reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. You can also spray it on clothing, tent fabric, or outdoor furniture to create a bug-deterring zone around your space.
Size: 125 ml / 4.2 fl oz — compact enough for your pack, generous enough for the whole family.
Is Natural Bug Repellent as Effective as DEET?
For most everyday outdoor activities — backyard BBQs, hiking, camping, beach days — a well-formulated essential oil repellent works beautifully. The key is reapplication: natural repellents don't last as long as DEET, so spritz every 2–3 hours for best results.
If you're travelling to regions with high risk of mosquito-borne illness, consult a travel health clinic for guidance specific to your destination.
Complete Your Bug Off Kit
For full coverage, pair Bug Off Spray with the rest of the Bug Off line:
Shop Natural Bug Protection
Ready to ditch the chemicals this summer? Bug Off Spray ($16.00) is available now — and pairs perfectly with our Natural Wellness Remedies collection for a complete natural first-aid kit for summer adventures.
👉 Shop the full Bug Off — Natural Insect Repellent Collection
Handcrafted fresh in small batches in Richmond, BC. Label design and product appearance may vary slightly from images shown.
