DEET, originally developed as a pesticide during World War II, is the active ingredient in most insect repellents and has been linked to neurological problems in kids and adults. Why risk it? Try these greener choices and tips for insect repellents that mask the natural body odors that attract insects in the first place without synthetic ingredients.

Natural barriers like netting keep insects from reaching your kids in the first place.  Graco Stroller Netting mosquito/bug screen fits over most strollers and only costs about $6 bucks. You can also get netting  for car seats and playpens.

California Baby Bug Repellent Spray is a repellent for infants that contains citronella, lemongrass, and cedar costs about $12.

Don’t Bite Me offers a topical patch with vitamin B1 and aloe; skin metabolizes the patch’s natural ingredients to reduce human odors attractive to insects; ages 2 and up ($16/twenty patches).

No Skeeterz Spray contains geraniol, a natural botanical extract made from geraniums. 6 oz ready-to-use spray cost $10.

Badger Anti-Bug Balm certified organic bug protection that uses citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and geranium oils to mask natural body odors that entice mosquitoes for $9

If you live in an area with disease-bearing mosquitoes, talk to your pediatrician about DEET formulas OK for kids – generally they contain 10% or less of the stuff. Avoid outdoor playtime in the early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active; fill in/get rid of standing water sources where they breed; and try spraying undiluted apple cider vinegar on exposed skin.

From our friends at Deal Hippie