I know, I’ve been doing a lot of whining complaining about the mosquitoes in Florida. They’re big, they’re bad, and they’re mean. But what should I expect for literally living in a swamp?
I was contacted by JD from Greenerways back in February about testing an Organic bug spray. Organic…really? If a bug spray doesn’t melt your fly line, how good can it be? But I agreed anyway.
Unfortunately, being February and freezing in Philadelphia at the time, bug spray testing would have to wait. Lucky for me, with the perfect combination of the summer and a recent move South, everything fell into place for the long awaited testing opportunity…
First the details of the Greenerways Organic Bug Spray, directly from their marketing materials…
The first 100% certi fied organic insect repellent available in the United States.
Provides peace of mind for safe use with young children, adults, pets, and around the home.
Made from a DEET-free, non-toxic blend of organic plant-based essential oils, including citronella, lemongrass and cedar oil that are known for their natural bug repelling properties and safe use.
Contains no added chemicals, alcohols, scents, plant surfactants, soaps or glycerin, making it gentle and safe for even the most delicate skin and especially those who are chemically-sensitive.
Available in convenient, portable, easy-to-use 2 oz. & 4 oz. sprays.
In terms of application, it comes in a pump spray bottle that dispenses a very fine mist that smells like citronella candles. The odor, in my opinion, isn’t good, nor is it bad, it’s just there. It applies pretty easily and evenly with a few pumps, although make sure you steer clear of your face, as there’s a warning label that says to keep out of your eyes, etc…
I’ve tested it twice so far – while doing yard work…and going fishing, and honestly had somewhat different experiences each time.
For hanging around the backyard, the stuff works great. I could see it as the perfect bug spray to keep away mosquitoes if you’re BBQing, playing with the kids, or just relaxing in a lawn chair drinking a beer. Basically anything you do where you won’t work up an excessive sweat.
I used it doing some light yard work – busting out the electric weed whacker and trimming around my fence. No bug bites. No nothing. And there are plenty of bugs in my backyard. I have the battle scars from venturing out back unprotected. While I’m not a “crunchy” guy, I do like that it’s “organic;” so I’d have no issues spraying down Lilly with this stuff the next time she wants to play in the backyard.
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| See…perfect for frolicking in the yard…in white…waving hankies? |
However, for fishing, or at least Florida fishing in a swampy environment, the results were mixed. Applying liberally to my legs, arms, and neck, I started out fine, really no bugs bothered me except those flying around my face.
But after an hour or so of fishing (and sweating) in the heat, I’m not going to lie, I did get bit. Not all over, but I think they found the spots that didn’t have the best coverage or wore down due to sweat – like down by my ankles, and on my neck near my chin. Don’t get me wrong, it didn’t fail, because I feel like I got bit A LOT less than I would have otherwise, but in comparison to the times I’ve used that napalm called DEET, it came up a touch short.
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| This fish ate a bug…not too many bugs ate me…. |
So would I recommend this stuff? For about 90% of your outdoor activities, absolutely. It works fine for hanging out in the yard and enjoying a beautiful summer day. For extreme conditions where you know you’re going to be all sweaty, or doing activities in an environment with a ton of bugs, maybe not. It will keep them at bay, but perhaps not without excessive applications.
But I really think the key to whether or not to consider purchasing this product is if you’re looking for a more natural solution than something containing really heavy chemicals. There are a lot of people out there where that is an important consideration, possibly the most. I consider myself one. If it is for you, the trade-off might just be worth it too. As such, I will continue to keep Greenerways Organic Bug Spray at the ready.
DISCLAIMER:
The Greenerways Organic Bug Spray tested in this product review was provided to me at no cost, but carries a retail price of $7.99. I currently hold no association whatsoever with Greenerways or JD, but understand they’re based in Yardley, PA which is a hop, skip, and a jump away from where I used to live in Philly. Holla.
As with all independent gear reviews at Troutrageous!, I try my best to keep my reviews honest and unbiased. If something is good, it deserves applause; if it sucks, I’ll probably not write a post and tell the manufacturer my opinion of their hot mess directly outside of this blog. It ain’t in my interest to steer you wrong, so why waste the time writing a post doing so?
Have you tried the ThermaCell lanterns and things you can clip to your belt? They work. My patio area is a serious mosquito breeding ground. If I put a lantern out there the bugs are gone in 10min.
Great review! Because of it, I'll pick some up “despite” it's green leanings. To be fair, we don't have kids to use it on and I'm a huge fan of Deet, but this sounds like a good thing to have on hand for times when the skeeters aren't swarming and the price is certainly right. Alot of these new age product are high as a cat's back ( to quote my mother ) but this one is really affordable. Nice job. West Nile is still out there. Spray liberally. 🙂
Mike, thanks for the introduction to and the review of the Organic Skeeter Getter Offer Stuff! I hate mosquito's. They love me! I will try anything, and, less chemicals ain't a bad idea.
I haven't but I've read they work well. Between that, and the burning mosquito coils, I've got plenty of options to try when fishing.
Yeah, it's a nice product Owl…”despite” it's green leanings. 🙂
I hate them too. Chemicals and bugs.
If it doesn't have Deet, what is the protection against West Nile? We seem to have enough mosquito's out here with West Nile to sink a battleship.
Thanks for sharing about the bug spray! Perhaps you can try spraying some on your clothing. Will they stain I wonder?
I bought this bug repellent from natural grocers about 2 hrs ago. Me my husband and my 2 yr old went to the park. Sat down and no bugs were around. Then I sprayed me and my lil one but did not spray my husband. It didn't take long before me and the lil one were running from Beatles and bees! We moved 3 times and the kept swarming all over us. Not my husband tho. It even swarmed around the bag such was on the table that the spray was in. Also I was bit twice. It was a nightmare as we ran to our car to get away! I've never been swarmed by any insect like that, to say the least it was a horrible experience and now we are on our way back home…out of town, 45 min drive so we can take showers all over again so we can start the day over agin. I'm not only disappointed but a little traumatized by what just happened. I think there should be a warning that not only it may not work for some but that every insect around may swarm you…:/
I live in Minnesota where mosquitos are part of life. The wife bought the Greenerways organic bug repellent (upc 853812003086) and it just doesn't work. I'm covered in it and they don't care. I'm currently sitting in my garage getting bit like crazy while I type this. In its defense, it is 7.5% citronella oil, which does not phase mosquitos here, tiki torches are more decoration than useful. I would not recommend this to anyone I like.
I believe it. I put it on because the mosquitos were annoying, but when i sprayed myself they got so bad I had to start writing reviews to let others know
My husband as ND I live in the Adirondacks in upstate NY in the summer. I love this stuff. I spray on my skin, on my clothes, on my dog and his bed. We are literally bite free. No staining on the class either. I started using this because my dog is very sensitive to chemicals and has seizures. He wears a citronella bark collar so I thought, Why not? This stuff is magic. We can now enjoy sitting outside and not be bothered by mosquitos and biting flies.
As a follow up to this post (noticed it's quite popular), I've stopped using this product and now use Sawyer Picaridin which I've found to work fantastic. The best thing I've used to date. Definitely not organic though, so if that's important to you, don't sleep on Greenerways.