Ecosmart Review (Deet-free bug spray)

A few months ago we talked HERE about finding a bug spray that works, but does not contain deet. We found a few at the local natural food store, but no one wrote in about one they really loved. So, when I got some free samples of a fairly new deet-free bug spray called Ecosmart I thought I would try it. I also gave samples to a few friends (I figure, the more the opinions, the better.)

I use the bug spray a lot and am planning on ordering more. It has a strong floral smell and it seems to work really well. I like that it doesn't have a chemical in it that is harmful to my kids. Maybe there are others like it. I don't know. I don't receive any money for saying I like it and I don't expect you to buy any. I just really do like it.

My friend Laura says she would recommend it too. She says she uses it often at night at it works really well. It seems like there are tons of bugs out there lately!

The two other friends who planned on using Ecosmart have not needed it yet.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Is DEET Bug Spray Safe?

We all want to keep bugs away this summer, but which bug sprays are safe? I have been trying to keep my little ones inside when it starts to get dark, but that's not always easy when the other kids in the neighborhood are running around. So, I thought it would be good to see if there are any alternative, natural bug sprays that are approved by the FDA.

The EPA says DEET products are only dangerous to infants under two months old, but many parents are still concerned about putting a toxic chemical on a child's skin.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found three alternatives to DEET: picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and citronella oil.

Naturally Yours Grocery store inPeoria says the scent of citronella and rose oils in natural bug sprays may keep insects away just as well as DEET products. They also say these repellents are safer for children. Virginia White said, "These do not have the DEET in them because DEET has been proven to cause some type of brain damage and slow memory loss in people especially in children because their brains are still developing."

A bottle of DEET free insect repellent like Burt's Bees or Garlic Shield from Naturally Yours in Peoria costs about $8.00.

The Daily Green has an interesting take on whether or not DEET is dangerous.

Picaridin
Cutter Advanced
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
OFF! Botanicals
Fight Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent

National Coalition against the Misuse of Pesticides

MosquitoGuard
Bite Stop
Natrapel
Beat It Bug Buster
All Terrain
Repel’s Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent.

Pesticide Action Network North America Recommendations:

Herbal Armor
Buzz Away
Green Ban
Bite Blocker

-NewsAnchorMom Jen


Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.