Come early spring, everyone we know is ready to get out of the house and back into nature. As Canadians, we often spend the last few weeks of winter gazing out the window, mentally pulling weeds, pre-planning herb gardens, and fantasizing about long evenings in the sun.
But there’s always one harsh truth those daydreams leave out—bugs.
And holy crap, this year, they are brutal.
It almost feels like we say this every summer, but bug season seems to have arrived earlier and stronger than ever. So today we’re answering the question that plagues us all as a halo of horseflies ruins our lakeside sunset strolls: Why is bug season so bad this year?
What’s Behind the Bug Boom?
Turns out, there are a few reasons bug populations can explode—and they all come down to timing and temperature.
Warmer temperatures mean longer lifespans for many insects. When winters aren’t consistently cold, fewer bugs die off, and their breeding seasons stretch out. Insects like mosquitoes and ticks get more time—and space—to multiply.
Even regional changes in rainfall and humidity can create ideal breeding grounds. What used to be a two-week blackfly blitz can now drag on for a month.
And yes, climate change is a big factor. Canada is known for its dramatic seasons, but in the last decade, many of us have noticed subtle (and worrying) shifts in temperature and precipitation that extend bug-friendly conditions well into fall.
Why Chemical Bug Sprays Aren’t the Only (or Best) Option
We’ll be honest—yes, DEET and other synthetic bug sprays work. But if just looking at that dark green aerosol can gives you a headache, you’re not alone.
Conventional insect repellents can:
- Cause skin irritation
- Damage synthetic fabrics and camping gear
- Pose risks to kids, pets, and sensitive skin
- Smell... awful
Worse still, they introduce harmful chemicals into delicate ecosystems—right when we’re trying to enjoy nature.
That’s why more people are turning to natural insect repellents that work with, not against, the environment.
Meet WOODSY: Nature’s Answer to Bug Season
WOODSY is our all-natural solution to Canadian bug season (aka, summer). We use a carefully formulated blend of plant hydrosols, essential oils, and skin-nourishing botanicals to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and deer flies—no synthetics, no harsh chemicals.
Here’s how it works:
- Targets insect olfactory receptors, making it harder for them to detect and land on your skin
- Smells amazing—like a forest, not a lab
- Offers 2–6 hours of protection with every application
- Safe for kids, pets, and sensitive skin—no PFAS, no heavy metals
WOODSY's All-Star Natural Ingredients
Let’s break down what makes WOODSY so effective:
- Lemongrass: Contains citral and geraniol, which mask your natural scent and confuse mosquitoes and deer flies.
- Cedarwood: Repels ticks and even moths by disrupting their neurotransmitters.
- Peppermint: Menthol overloads insect senses and helps hide the scent cues bugs use to find you.
Take Back Summer—Without the Swatting
Bug season doesn’t have to mean hiding indoors. With WOODSY, misting yourself throughout the day becomes an easy and enjoyable part of your summer routine.
Stock up now and make this summer about sunsets, not swatting.
Want more natural skincare hacks and the science behind our products?
