Good Bug Repellant for Child

There was a post recently on here about adding a few (3-4) drops of vanilla extract to each ounce of water, mixing in a spray bottle and spraying it on. I've been doing this every morning before I walk and NO MOSQUITO BITES. I kid you not, I have sweet blood and usually get half eaten alive. This really works well. And no chemicals!! Try it.

At any camping goods store you can get the wristbands that you can reuse over and over that repel mosquitos. I think they're also supposed to repel chiggers and ticks. We use these and they work great. We live within 100 yds of a lake, so we get TONS of mosquitos and we also use them when we're camping.

I really prefer the wristbands for small children since I don't have to spray them with anything and I can just tie it to their shorts drawstring or something.

A mom posted this on this site a week or so ago.

A couple drops of vanilla extract in a spray bottle of water.

She said it was like magic. They even sprayed it around a light on the porch, and no bugs, even moths would go near the light. Sprayed their porch, and no bugs could be found. She said she gets eaten alive by mosquitos, and with the spray, not a single bite.

I have mixed some up, but not tried it yet, but this mom swore by it.

It's inexpensive, extremely simple, and non-toxic, so it can't hurt to try it!

.

I use a combination of natural products which I purchase from Melaleuca. They do wonders as to keeping bugs away and NO DEET!!! I'm with you there are better natural ways to get those pests away. Can also be used around yard to help repel too - hate that smell of those candles that don't always work.

I use off family for the kids and myself and we have remained uneaten so far.

I think it was the Cutters brand that was voted best for children a couple years ago. It has a smaller amount of DEET. I have yet to look at the store, I keep forgetting. As soon as I get a bite again, then I'll remember.

We live here in the DFW area, as well. We use "California Baby"- it is all natural. It is wonderful and smells great. I actually found it at Target. It is more expensive, but well worth it for me. My entire family uses it and everyone loves it and no one gets bites. Yea!
R.

I can't function without Purple Prairie!

I, too am concerned about using DEET and other chemicals on my family and in/around my home/yard. I have used most of the products & home remedies mentioned below with okay results. I have always tried to used organic/holistic products in everyday life when I can. However, the AAP has changed their standidng on DEET in the last year or so. IF there are mosquitos with West Nile Virus in your region of the country (or that other newer virus that was a problem last year) they recommend DEET up to like 15%. The risks from the mosquitos FAR outweigh any risk of possible side effects from DEET--if the DEET is used properly. You must BATHE your child after using DEET. That is where the dangers come into play. Most parents don't wash the DEET off their children & the prolonged exposure is the main problem. My daughter will get a bite if there is a bug within a mile of her & she has bad reactions to all bug bites/stings. After much research, discussion with our pediatrician and many infected bites on my child we decided DEET was safest for our daughter (she is now 2). This is a totally personal decision-- I just wanted to let you know I've gone through the same turmoil & this was what works for me. Good luck!

I agree... Melaleuca has incredible products that are unique because of the ingredients they use and so cost effective. I have been so please both money saving and quality. These are safe around children, pets and elderly folks who need more sensitive products.

Avon sales a deet free bug spray that works great!!!

My ped said Cutter without deet. Blue bottle. There's something else in it that is just as effective as deet, but it's safer for kids. I have yet to get it this summer, but that's what I'm planning on buying.

I got an email from a good friend that suggested putting regular Listerine in a spray bottle and misting yourself for a repealant and it worked.

Listerine in a spray bottle. Also Skin so Soft wipes by Avon.

Those bands work and we also like Swyflotter by Kiss My Face. But if you're by a lake or camping, try Avon's Skin So Soft brand which has Picaridin in it. It's supposed to be much safer than DEET and if you read up on it, it is widely used in Europe and Australia. Make sure when you're applying it or any bug repellant, you don't put it on their hands if they chew on them.

listerine, yes the mouthwash or skin so soft by avon