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Consumer Reports: Natural Bug Spray Less Effective Than Synthetic

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – With the impending doom of mosquito and tick biting season upon us, you may want to consider new testing by Consumer Reports when choosing your bug repellent.

Turns out, so-called natural and organic products underperformed by a long shot compared to DEET and other synthetics like Picaridin.

University of Minnesota entomologist Jeff Hahn says the findings on all-natural repellents are spot on.

"Natural to them means good and that's not always the case and I think that's particularly a counter to DEET," Hahn said.

Natural repellents usually contain essential plant oils. The three most commonly used and ineffective oils are lemongrass, rosemary and cedar.

"If people are serious about keeping mosquitoes away from them I would stay away from them no matter how nice they smell or how great the labeling looks," Hahn said.

Organic bug spray
(credit: CBS)

In the active ingredients on one can of organic bug spray, all three ineffective essential oils are listed. If you really want to protect yourself, stick to an old reliable DEET-based spray.

"There are people who really do not like DEET, but that is a product that's been used for six decades or more and has actually a very, very, very good track record," Hahn said.

He says it's the most effective repellent available, and when protecting yourself, remember, application is also key.

"Be aware of how long it will last. If you're going to apply it to your face, put it on your hands, and then rub it on your face," Hahn said.

Hahn says longer clothing is obviously a good option for more protection if you know you're going to be someplace really buggy.

There are some natural ingredients that do work. Lemon eucalyptus oil will keep the bugs away, but not for very long. So if you're going to be outside for only an hour, you should be fine. Any longer than that and Hahn says to use a DEET-based product.

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