Guide to White Mountain: Natural, DEET-Free Insect Repellent

An In-Depth Guide to White Mountain Insect Repellent

When enjoying the great outdoors, one of the biggest annoyances can be pesky biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. While you may be tempted to douse yourself in a strong chemical repellent, natural products like White Mountain insect repellent offer a safer alternative.

But do natural bug sprays actually work? And are they truly safe? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about using White Mountain repellent to ward off bugs.

What is White Mountain Insect Repellent?

White Mountain insect repellent is a line of DEET-free, plant-based bug sprays made by W.S. Badger Company based in New Hampshire. Their repellents contain natural essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, cedar, and geraniol extracted from botanicals.

The active ingredients work by masking human odors that attract mosquitoes and other insects. This makes it harder for bugs to detect and target you. The repellents have a pleasant aroma but are unappealing to insects.

White Mountain offers both spray formulas and wipe-on towelettes. Products are available in varying protection levels from about 2-12 hours. They are safe for adults and kids over 6 months old.

Benefits of Using Natural Repellent

Choosing a DEET-free, plant-based bug spray like White Mountain offers many advantages:

• Avoids exposure to harsh chemicals like DEET, synthetic fragrances, and parabens
• Less irritating on sensitive skin compared to chemical formulas
• Pleasant smell from natural essential oils
• Safer around food and drinks since you dont have to wash repellent off hands before eating
• More environmentally friendly and sustainable ingredients
• Hypoallergenic and gentle enough for babies over 6 months

Do Natural Repellents Actually Work?

Many people are skeptical about how well plant-based repellents work compared to conventional chemical options. While natural formulas may not offer the same long-lasting effectiveness as DEET, research shows they can still help reduce mosquito bites:

• A 2002 study found a 7-8 hour soybean oil-based repellent provided 93% protection from mosquitoes. DEET gave about 95% protection for 3 hours.
• A 2015 analysis reported that plant-based repellents provided about 50-75% protection against mosquitoes for 1.5-4 hours.
• A 2019 study found 20% citronella oil spray provided 2 hours of 81.9% repellency against Aedes mosquitoes.

So while natural options like White Mountain likely wont work as long or effectively as DEET, they can still lower your risk of bites for a few hours when used properly.

How to Use White Mountain Repellent

To get the most out of your White Mountain insect repellent, follow these tips for proper usage:

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Reapply frequently, at least every 2-4 hours.
• Spray liberally over all exposed skin including arms, legs, neck, and face avoiding eyes and mouth.
• Also apply to clothing, hats, backpacks, stroller covers, etc.
• Reapply after sweating, swimming, or toweling off.
• Wash hands after application to avoid accidental eye contact or ingestion if hands touch mouth.
• Store at room temperature away from direct sun.

Precautions When Using Natural Repellent

While natural repellents like White Mountain are generally safe, take these precautions:

• Always supervise children during application.
• Avoid applying to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Do a patch test on a small area of skin first to check for allergic reaction before regular use.
• Keep products away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid excessive inhalation.
• Use caution when applying to children 6 months-2 years. Consult a doctor first.

Review of Top White Mountain Repellent Products

Ready to add some White Mountain repellent to your summer routine? Heres a look at some of their top natural formulas:

White Mountain Bug Spray

This DEET-free spray contains essential oils of citronella, cedar, lemongrass, and geraniol to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. It provides about 2-4 hours of protection. The spray is hypoallergenic and safe for kids as young as 6 months old.

White Mountain Bug Repellent Wipes

These convenient towelettes allow easy application when youre on the go or dont want the mess of spray. They provide 2-3 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks. The wipes are individually wrapped for portability.

White Mountain Everest Insect Repellent Spray

This formula offers the highest protection level, warding off bugs for up to 12 hours. It contains the essential oils of citronella, peppermint, cedar, lemongrass, and geraniol. The spray is safe even for babies over 6 months.

White Mountain Bug Repellent Stick

This twist-up stick makes reapplication a breeze. The solid formula contains beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils for 3-4 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks. It's easy to pack in your bag and good for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about using White Mountain natural insect repellent? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

Is White Mountain bug spray safe for kids?

Yes, their formulas are safe for children 6 months and older when used according to label directions. The repellents are gentle and hypoallergenic.

Whats the difference between natural and chemical repellents?

Natural repellents like White Mountain contain plant-based essential oils as active ingredients. Chemical versions use synthetic compounds like DEET or picaridin.

Do you need to wash off repellent after coming inside?

With natural repellents, washing off isnt necessary since the oils arent absorbed through skin. But its still a good idea to wash treated skin at the end of the day.

How long does White Mountain bug spray last when opened?

Unopened White Mountain products last 2-3 years stored at room temperature away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Opened bottles or containers last about 2 years.

Does natural bug spray work against ticks?

Yes, many White Mountain formulas repel ticks in addition to mosquitoes. But always perform thorough tick checks after being outdoors.

The Bottom Line on White Mountain Repellent

If youre looking to avoid harsh chemicals like DEET but still want protection from pesky insects, White Mountain natural repellents offer a safer alternative. While they may need more frequent reapplication than conventional bug sprays, the plant-based formulas are effective for several hours against mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.

Be sure to follow label directions carefully. Reapply liberally every few hours when outdoors. With smart use, White Mountains DEET-free, eco-friendly repellents can help let you enjoy the great outdoors sting and worry-free.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.