Is This Bug Spray Worth the Cost?

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Some of us are mosquito magnets, while others might make it through summer without a bite. Reactions can range from mild to serious, so a good repellent is important. Recently, a physician who knew I was concerned about the toxins in some commercial mosquito repellents gave me a recommendation. He said he swears by LifeStings. An 8-oz container is $33.

He said that while it is pricey, it has protected him from mosquitos and the nasty biting black flies he often encounters in Canadian woods during the spring and summer.

Here are the ingredients on Lifestings lotion and spray

Lifestings Bug Repellent Lotion: Water (Aqua); Organic Virgin Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil; Organic Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil; Emulsifying Wax NF (plant-based); Grapefruit (Citrus grandis) seed extract; Proprietary blend of 100% Natural Essential Oils in alphabetical order: Catnip* oil (Nepeta Cataria), Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) oil, Lemon Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii) oil & Spearmint (Mentha spicata) oil.

Lifestings Water-Based Spray: Water (Aqua); Proprietary blend of 100% Natural Essential Oils in alphabetical order: Catnip* oil (Nepeta Cataria), Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) oil, Lemon Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii) oil & Spearmint (Mentha spicata) oil; plant-sourced, biodegradable emulsifier.

Some reviews focus on the natural fragrance of the plants in the product; some find it too strong, while others love it. Like most similar products, it seems to work better for some than for others.

Let us know if you try it — or if you have a different go-to to combat the bugs!

Might the lotion work well because of coconut?

We notice that the lotion (versus the spray) has coconut oil as the main ingredient. In an unrelated study, the fragrance of coconut in soap was found to ward off mosquitos more than pleasant scents of flowers or fruits.