The Best DEET-Free Bug Spray for a Bite-Free Summer (Mom-Approved!)
Summer is our family’s season for backyard BBQs, late-night stargazing, and fun activities on our summer bucket list, but we all know one thing that can ruin a perfect evening fast: bugs. Mosquitoes, black flies, ticks… they don’t just bug us, they bite. And while I’ve always been careful about what we use on our kids’ skin, I don’t want to spend our summer constantly swatting and scratching. That’s why I was so happy to discover PiACTIVE™, a Canadian-made, DEET-free bug spray that actually works.
Why I’m Choosing DEET-Free This Summer
As a mom, safety and effectiveness go hand-in-hand when I’m choosing products for our family. PiACTIVE™ is made with 20% Icaridin (also known as Picaridin), which has been Health Canada approved and lab-tested to provide up to 12 hours of protection – without the greasy feel or harsh scent that many bug sprays have.
The bonus? It’s dermatologically tested, non-irritating, and safe for kids as young as 6 months old. That means I can spray it on my kids’ legs and my own arms with the same peace of mind. It’s also safe for pregnant and nursing moms (disclaimer: always consult your healthcare provider before using any new product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding).
What I Like About PiACTIVE™
Here are a few standout reasons this bug spray has become a summer staple in our home:
- 100% DEET-free
- 12-hour protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and black flies
- Unscented, non-greasy, and non-sticky (yes please!)
- Won’t damage clothing, gear, or outdoor equipment
- Kid-safe, family-safe, and gear-safe
We keep a few different sizes on hand: a wallet-sized spray for my summer tote bag, a travel-sized spray that lives in my husband’s backpack for family walks or hikes, and the original 175ml pump that’s perfect for keeping by the back door for quick sprays before we head to the backyard.
Top Picks for a Bite-Free Summer:
- PiACTIVE™ Original Formula Pump Spray (175ml)
Long-lasting DEET-free protection in a family-size pump—great for home use. - PiACTIVE™ KIDS Insect Repellent Pump Spray (175ml)
Safe for children 6 months and up, with the same trusted Icaridin formula in a kid-friendly size. - PiACTIVE™ KIDS Travel Size Insect Repellent (100ml Pump)
Perfect for backpacks, strollers, or on-the-go adventures. - PiACTIVE™ Survivor DEET-Free Insect Repellent (175ml Pump)
Rugged and reliable; ideal for camping, hiking, and full-day outdoor activities. - PiACTIVE™ Wallet Size Pump Spray (40ml)
Compact and convenient – fits in your purse, fanny pack, or glove compartment. - MOSQUITO SHIELD™ Mosquito Coils Tin (60 hrs / 160g)
Stylish black coils that burn clean and last up to 7 hours each; the tin protects coils and doubles as an ashtray.
Backyard Essentials: Coils & Bite Relief
For longer evenings outside, I’ve been pairing the spray with MOSQUITO SHIELD™ mosquito coils. These sleek black coils not only blend in to their surroundings (not an eyesore!) in their protective tin, but they burn clean, last up to 7 hours per coil, and help create an invisible “mosquito shield” around our hangout zone. (Bonus: the tin doubles as a tray for spent coils or a holder so they don’t snap.)
And if someone does get bitten, because let’s face it, it happens – we use AHHH Bite Relief. It’s made with BCR honey and spruce, so it calms the sting and helps reduce redness and swelling naturally. No drama, no scratching, and no harsh chemicals.
Say Yes to Outdoor Fun!
Bugs are just part of summer, but itchy bites, irritated skin, and chemical-heavy sprays don’t have to be. PiACTIVE™ has made it so much easier to say “yes” to all the outdoor fun, without worrying about what I’m spraying on my family. It’s Canadian, kid-safe, and mom-approved.
Whether we’re headed into the forest or just out to the garden, we’re bringing PiACTIVE™.
Ready for a bug-free summer? Learn more and explore the full PiACTIVE™ range at kuusinc.com
This post is written in partnership with PiACTIVE™
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