If you've spent any time outside in the last couple of weeks, you already know: this is a mosquito year. All that rain through late spring left standing water everywhere, and standing water is mosquito real estate. Now that the warm weather has finally returned, they're making up for lost time.
We've been getting a steady stream of requests for bug spray, and just as many stories about how bad the bites are this season. And here's the honest truth — we haven't really noticed. Maybe they're just not as fierce where we live.
Or maybe it's the bug spray. 😉
Why Plants Make Such Good Repellents
Here's something we love about this formula: plants invented insect repellent long before we did. The aromatic compounds in citronella, cedarwood, and eucalyptus aren't there for our benefit — plants produce them as their own defense against the insects that would otherwise eat them alive. When you wear these botanicals, you're borrowing a strategy that's been field-tested for millions of years.
Our All Natural Bug Spray blends seven of these botanical defenders:
Neem Oil — The backbone of the formula. Neem has been used for centuries in India as a natural insect deterrent, and it's one of the most studied botanicals in the world for exactly this purpose.
Citronella — The classic, and for good reason. Its bright, lemony aroma interferes with a mosquito's ability to locate you in the first place.
Cedarwood — Warm and grounding to us; deeply unpleasant to ticks, fleas, and spiders. Cedar has been used to protect against insects since people first started storing wool in cedar chests.
Eucalyptus — Crisp, clean, and one of the most effective botanical repellents known. Its cooling scent is a bonus on a hot day.
Lavender — Yes, the same lavender that helps you sleep. Mosquitoes and moths genuinely dislike it, which is why it's been tucked into linen closets for generations.
Rosemary — A kitchen staple with a second job. Its sharp, resinous aroma helps round out the repellent profile.
Patchouli — Earthy and rich, patchouli anchors the blend and adds another layer insects would rather avoid.
No DEET. No synthetic repellents. Just botanicals doing what they evolved to do — and instead of smelling like a chemistry lab, you'll smell like you walked through an herb garden.
How to Use It
Shake well before each use — natural formulas like to separate, and that's a good sign, not a bad one. Spray on skin, clothes, and hair before heading out, and reapply every 1.5 to 2 hours. It's for external use only, and we recommend caution when using on children under 6.
A few extra tips for a heavy mosquito year:
- Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating. Botanical repellents sit on the surface, so water and sweat shorten their working time.
- Don't forget ankles and the back of the neck. Mosquitoes go where you're not looking.
- Dusk and dawn are peak hours. If you're out for a sunset walk or an early hike, that's when you'll be gladdest you brought the bottle.
Available Now
Our All Natural Bug Spray comes in two sizes:
- 118ml / 4oz — $19.99 (perfect for the daypack)
- 236ml / 8oz — $29.99 (for the camper, the gardener, and the whole-family summer)
Blended, bottled, and distributed right here in Lethbridge, Alberta. Find it online at theherbalapothecary.ca or pick it up from one our stockists.
https://www.theherbalapothecary.ca/products/all-natural-bug-spray
Here's to a summer spent outside — itch-free.
— The Herbal Apothecary