Bugs, Ticks & Mosquitos
If you live on a farm or spend any amount of time outdoors in the summer, you know that bugs are just part of the deal. Out here, we deal with mosquitoes, ticks, flies—you name it.
I’ve always kept the traditional bug sprays on hand, but lately I’ve added some new products to help fight the insects. With all the hours we spend outside planting, mowing, canning, or just relaxing on the porch, I need lots of options that get the job done.
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Picaridin-Based Insect Repellents
One of the first products I’m trying is a picaridin-based repellent instead of DEET.
Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from pepper plants, and it’s widely considered to be just as effective as DEET—without the strong smell or oily feel. It’s also safer to use around kids and doesn’t damage clothing or gear the way DEET sometimes can.
We’ve been using the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent for several weeks, and it’s holding up well so far while I’m out working in the garden or picking berries. It doesn’t feel greasy, and it keeps the bugs from swarming when we’re out doing chores. You can find it on Amazon here or check out more size options on Sawyer’s website.
Another product I’m trying out is a permethrin spray for my Muck Boots. By spraying my boots, the hope is that I won’t have ticks try to sneak inside my socks or around my ankles.
Sawyer Permethrin is an odorless insect repellent spray designed for use on clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear, effectively repelling or killing ticks, mosquitoes, and over 55 types of insects. It bonds to fabric for up to 6 weeks or 6 washings and has been proven to dramatically reduce the risk of tick bites, especially when used on shoes and socks. Easy to apply and safe for gear and fabrics, it works best when paired with Sawyer Picaridin for full-body protection.
Stickers for the Kids (and Adults, too)
I’ve also been trying out these little bug-repelling stickers from NatPat. You just stick them on your clothes or backpack and go. They’re plant-based and use essential oils like citronella and peppermint to help keep bugs away—no sprays involved.
Kids would like them because they’re fun designs, and I like them because they’re mess-free and easy to toss in a bag when we’re on the go. We’ve used them for some of our hikes down the deer spring trail, and they seem to do a good job of adding that extra layer of protection.
You can check them out here on NatPat’s site.
Finding What Works for Us
I’m not saying I don’t still use traditional bug spray—some jobs still call for the heavier products—but it feels good to have a few new options that let us be outside longer without worrying about what we’re putting on our skin. Living on a farm means we’re constantly exposed to the elements, and that includes bugs. So finding natural, effective solutions that work for our family is a win.
I’ll keep testing new options throughout the summer, but these are the ones we’re using right now and having good luck with. If you’ve found something that works for you, I’d love to hear about it!
Whether you’re weeding the garden, hiking through the woods or just watching the sunset, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to stay bite-free—without loading up on chemicals for every single adventure.
