In high mosquito and tick areas, preventing bites may ultimately be the safer and healthier choice.

For me personally, this is one of those situations where perfection is not the goal. It’s about making informed decisions and choosing products with a balance of:

• effectiveness
• skin tolerability
• lower irritation potential
• and practical real-world protection

In many situations, especially during outdoor activities, hiking, camping, parks, or heavily wooded areas, I believe using an effective insect repellent takes precedence over avoiding repellents altogether.

Cleaner Options That Still Work

When people hear the word “clean,” they often assume essential oil sprays are automatically safer. But that is not always true.

Some plant-based ingredients can still irritate sensitive skin, especially in children. And if a product does not work well enough to repel insects, the risk of bites and insect-borne illnesses becomes more important to consider.

That’s why I tend to prefer picaridin-based repellents for families looking for a cleaner-feeling option that still has strong effectiveness.

Picaridin is:

• generally less greasy than DEET
• lower odor
• often better tolerated on sensitive skin
• effective against both mosquitoes and ticks
• less damaging to fabrics and gear

For those wanting a more plant-based approach, oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of the better-studied botanical options, although it may require more frequent reapplication.

A Few Important Pharmacist Perspectives

1. “Natural” does not always mean non-irritating

Essential oils like citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus can still cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

NOTE: From a pharmacist perspective, when choosing an insect repellant for babies >6 months and younger than 3 y/o in a genuinely high mosquito or tick area, I would personally lean toward a fragrance-free picaridin lotion over a heavily essential-oil-based spray. In fact, the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics advise against oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE/PMD) products in children under 3 years old.

2. Effectiveness matters

In low-risk situations, a lighter botanical spray may be perfectly reasonable. But in wooded areas, hiking trails, camping environments, or regions with heavy mosquito populations, stronger protection may be the better decision.

3. Lotion formulas are often gentler

For children and sensitive skin, lotion-based repellents may be less drying and easier to apply evenly compared to aerosol sprays.

4. Risk versus benefit is personal

Every family has different comfort levels, but I think it’s important not to let fear of ingredients outweigh the very real risks of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses.

My Personal Approach

I focus on reducing unnecessary exposures where I reasonably can — but I also believe in practical, evidence-based decision making.

If my family is spending time outdoors in an area with significant mosquito or tick exposure, I would rather use a thoughtfully chosen repellent than risk preventable insect-borne disease.