With spring on the horizon, it’s never too early to start dreaming about summer (right?). But let’s be real—summer in Canada isn’t all sunshine and patio season.
Everyone knows that those glorious 30-degree days come at a price: bug season. Mosquitoes, horse flies, deer flies—Mother Nature always collects her dues.
While these pests are bad enough, there’s one insect that’s become an even bigger concern over the past decade: ticks. Small but dangerous, ticks can carry serious illnesses, making it harder to fully relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Traditional insect repellents work, but the experience is patently unpleasant. Just thinking about them brings back memories of sticky skin and the unmistakable taste of aerosol chemicals in the air.
That’s why we created WOODSY—LAKE+MAIN’s all-natural answer to DEET. It protects against bites and smells amazing—at the same time.
We know this might be hard to believe, which is why we want to take a deep dive into WOODSY’s formula, so you can make bug season feel a little more like summer again.
How WOODSY Measures up to DEET
Comparable Effectiveness
WOODSY uses a synergy of essential oils that each target different types of insects or insect receptors, making it effective in a variety of climates, during a variety of seasons. While DEET offers up to 8-10 hours of protection, our blend can achieve 2-6 hours of solid protection with reapplication. Make sure to layer up!
Safer, Skin-Friendly Alternative
DEET can cause skin irritation, especially when used in high concentrations, and can even dissolve plastics and synthetic fabrics (think camping gear, clothes, etc.). WOODSY uses non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients while doubling as a soothing skin mist, making it safe for adults, kids over three and even pets (when used with caution).
Pleasant & Natural Aroma
The effectiveness of traditional, synthetic bug repellents like DEET comes at a cost, one of them being the strong chemical aroma. WOODSY features a fresh, herbaceous, and floral scent that makes a typically unpleasant experience highly enjoyable (read: the kids won’t run from you when it’s time for bug spray!).
Eco-Friendly & Plant-Based
WOODSY is 100% organic, containing no PFAS or heavy metals, making it easy for our bodies and the environment to break down the spray easily. Our non-bioaccumulative formula is safe for use in nature-sensitive areas like campsites and likesides—unlike DEET, which can be toxic to aquatic life.
Key Effective Ingredients & How They Work
Our thoughtfully crafted blend combines plant hydrosols, essential oils, and skin-nourishing botanicals to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and deer flies without the use of synthetic chemicals. The formula targets insects' sensory systems—especially their olfactory receptors—making it harder for them to detect and land on human skin.
Primary Active Repellents: Essential Oils
| Essential Oil | Active Compounds | Repellent Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Lemongrass | Citral, Geraniol | Masks lactic acid & CO₂ scent, repels mosquitoes & deer flies |
| Rose Geranium | Geraniol, Citronellol | Strong repellent against ticks & mosquitoes |
| Lavender | Linalool | Repels insects, soothes & calms skin |
| Cedarwood | Cedrol, Cedrene | Disrupts insect neurotransmitters, repels ticks & moths |
| Peppermint | Menthol | Irritates insect senses, masks host scent cues |
| Basil | Methyl chavicol, Eugenol | Repels mosquitoes & houseflies |
| Clove Bud | Eugenol | Strong insect-repelling & insecticidal properties |
Inactive Ingredients: Carrier & Functional Hydrosols
| Ingredient | Source | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus & Peppermint Hydrosols | Steam-distilled floral waters carrying small amounts of essential oil and plant acids. | Provides gentle, water-soluble insect repellency while extending the aromatic profile. Safe for sensitive skin. |
| Witch Hazel | A natural astringent extract from the Hamamelis virginiana plant. | Acts as a natural astringent, tightening pores, reducing inflammation, and serving as a mild preservative. |
| Aloe Vera Juice | Extracted from the barbadensis leaf. | Soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing irritation and providing a nourishing base. |
| Vegetable Glycerine | A plant-derived humectant. | Retains moisture and helps the product adhere to the skin, improving longevity. |
Get Outside, Get WOODSY
Our formulation creates a protective aromatic barrier between you and your insect friends by overwhelming their sensory systems. Through a combination of essential oils, hydrosols and skin-loving ingredients, WOODSY offers a natural, effective and safe alternative to conventional repellents like DEET, while also smelling great and nourishing your skin.
One of our favourite things about creating natural products is how versatile they are. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or gardening, WOODSY promises only positive side effects.
