Frequently Asked Questions

Product Information: Usage (On You)

• How often should I reapply the repellent?
  After 90 minutes you should consider reapplying - maybe sooner, if you’re sweating up a storm.
• Are your repellents safe to use on kids?
  We know you want to keep your little ones bug-free, but you shouldn’t use our repellent products on children under six months of age. Always follow the instructions on the label. For older kids, we recommend putting the repellent on your hands first, and then applying it to their skin – so that they don’t rub their eyes and get irritated. That could ruin the whole day.
• Once I’m done with the bottle, can I recycle it?
  Check with your local recycling agency. Each municipality has their own guidance for what can be recycled. No matter what, you’ll need to remove the trigger and pump, as they have metal components.
• Why do I need bug repellent?
  Some people find they can get along just fine without bug repellent. Good for them! The rest of us need a bit more protection (especially as the weather heats up), but we wanted a natural option that was plant-powered and effective. Bug repellents can help prevent bites that ruin a perfectly good afternoon!
• Can I use your products on my face?
  For sure. Please spray it on your hands first and rub it in, just to avoid spraying into your eyes, mouth or nose.
• Can I wear repellent with sunscreen?
  You sure can. We would recommend putting on the sunscreen first.

Product Information: Usage (Not On You)

• So, is it safe for me to use your products in my organic garden?
  You should not use Bug Botanist in your organic garden, because our formulas are oil-based. Highly concentrated oils could harm those plants you’re spending so much time caring for.
• Can I spray this on my dog or cat?
  We love animals just as much as you do. So while Bug Botanist is safe AROUND pets, please do not use it directly ON them.
• Okay, but my pet really smells bad.
  We can’t help you with that.
• Which creepy crawlies does the bug remedy work on?
  You might be able to predict this, but Ant & Roach will kill ants and roaches, including: German roaches, American roaches, Argentine roaches, pharaoh ants, carpenter ants, confused flour beetles (yes, that’s their real name!), black carpet beetles, and rice weevils. Flying Bug Remedy is meant to kill houseflies and mosquitoes.

Product Information: Ingredients

• Why don’t you guys use DEET in your repellents?
  While DEET is effective, it can damage plastics and some people do not like the smell. So to keep things simple, we use essential oils and other ingredients.
• The product says that it has a “pleasant scent”. I agree – but does that mean you added fragrance to it?
  No! There are no added parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes or artificial fragrances. Just geraniol, lemongrass and other ingredients that happen to smell really nice, if we do say so ourselves.
• How do you test your repellent?
  We test our formula on humans (with their permission, of course!). We put our formula on their arms and test how long the mosquitoes stay away!
• How do you test your insecticide?
  We test the same way you use the product – we spray it on the bugs. We’re proud to tell you that we don’t test on any animals – except bugs, of course. Please don’t apply under clothing, diapers, or armpits. Don’t apply on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• What is the difference between Flying Bug remedy and Ant & Roach remedy?
  There is a different balance of ingredients, especially geraniol, that tailors the formula to work better on different insects.
• Are your products organic and chemical-free?
  While our products are not organic, they do contain essential oils and natural plant oils – which are technically considered chemicals.
• Are your wipes flushable and biodegradable?
  We make our wipes with cellulose, but please do not flush them. Dispose of both the wipes and their pouches in the trash.