It’s that time of the year again. Mosquito-borne viruses are on a rise and it’s even scarier now for us parents with not just Dengue cases, but also the dreaded Japanese Encephalitis. I’ve had Dengue thrice already and I don’t plan on getting it again, which is why I’ve made it a mission to do everything I can to protect our family from mosquito-borne diseases. My trusted partner? Human Nature Bug Shield Lotion.

Why I Prefer Human Nature Bug Shield Lotion

Most synthetic insect repellents contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), which is a pesticide developed by the US Military as an insect repellent in the 1940s. Despite being a popular active in synthetic insect repellents, DEET poses health risks that may do more harm than good as it has been linked to skin irritation and neurotoxicity. Yikes!

Moreover, DEET’s effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes also diminishes after prolonged exposure. A study by Smithsonian Magazine showed that aedes aegypti mosquitoes become immune to DEET three hours after initial exposure to a repellent with 20% DEET concentrate. Guess what? Most repellents use 10-30% DEET!

Enter Human Nature’s Bug Shield line. This insect repellent line is made with nature’s best defense against mosquito-borne diseases: citronella, soybean, and eucalyptus oils. The line doesn’t just repel mosquitoes, it also moisturizes your skin! Ok, ‘di ba?

The line has also been certified by the Natural Products Association, which upholds the strictest standards worldwide for natural products’ human safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainability.

We use the Human Nature Bug Shield Lotion, but you may also use the Human Nature Bug Shield Oil if you prefer that. Both work very well!

Some moms who’ve tried the Bug Shield line say they prefer the oil since one pump can cover more skin compared to the lotion. The oil is also ideal to use on baby clothes or sheets to keep baby safe from mosquitoes. (Note: Do not directly apply the oil on baby’s skin. Instead, apply it to his/her clothes or sheets.)

Do we recommend it? Our Human Nature Bug Shield Review:

We’ve been using the Human Nature Bug Shield Lotion for quite some time already. I first found out about it at my son’s preschool, who recommended it over the other more popular brand.

We’ve only tried the lotion and here’s our experience so far:

• It has a strong Citronella smell that lasts for half a day. I apply the lotion on the minis in the morning and by the time they’re home for lunch, I can still smell it. My kids don’t mind the smell at all.
• It does its job in protecting us from mosquito bites. My eldest is super prone to mosquito bites (as in leave her in one corner–anywhere–and she’ll have bites in minutes), but since using Bug Shield, it hasn’t been a problem for us.
• The price tag is reasonable.

If I were to choose an insect repellent, I’d definitely go with Human Nature’s Bug Shield Line. It’s safe, it’s effective, and it’s friendly to the pocket!