Natural Bug Spray Review: Butterbean Organics Bug-A Boo Herbal Organic Bug Spray

Details:

Price: $18.99 for 4 ounces (~$4.75/oz.); $38.99 for 12-ounce refill pack (~$3.25/oz.)

Where to Purchase: Butterbean

Active Ingredients: *26% Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, *10% Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil, *8% Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella) Oil, *2% Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil, 2% Juniperus virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil, *1% Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, *1% Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oil. *certified organic

Safety Notes: Peppermint and rosemary are not kid-safe. The bottle states “Safe for the whole family” but I’d disagree.

Other Ingredients: *Organic Apple Cider Vineger, Witch Hazel

Easy to use? Yes. It sprays nicely. The bottle instructs to shake for 15 seconds before applying, likely to distribute the oils better. I respect that!

Sticky? Not really.

How does it smell? Pleasant. I definitely can smell the citronella. It’s pretty strong.

Did it prevent mosquito bites? We had a pretty incredible experience with this one. My husband sprayed it on one evening when biting bugs were viciously attacking our extended family gathered around a campfire. He then watched a mosquito try to land three times on his bare arm, hovering, turning a 180 away, then coming back, seemingly unable to force itself to land on his arm. The mosquito finally landed on his unsprayed shirt and proceeded to try to bite him through the fabric. I told you they were vicious! Count us impressed. Also, note that other family members used conventional bug spray and got plenty of bites. On another occasion, while out camping, I had two visible mosquitos on my leg, sprayed the Butterbean Bug-A-Boo on, and saw no mosquitos bothering me for at least an hour. My 11yo son had the same experience.

KS recommends? Yes, almost. With reservations for families because of the rosemary and peppermint essential oils (I confirmed with the company that the oils listed are essential oils, not extracts or anything else).