Frequently Asked
Questions

Here is the list of the ingredients of the original version: Cedarwood, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemongrass, patchouli and sunflower oil (original formula). These oils are extracted from plant material. That’s it, no synthetic chemicals.

I avoided using these oils: Pennyroyal, rosemary, thyme and wormwood because they are not good for pregnant or lactating women and infants. Some are now using vanillin, which may be an allergen for some people.

The type of Cedarwood oil I use (virginias) is considered safe. The atlanticus type of cedarwood is considered an abortive and unsafe for women who are pregnant. Yet I have seen it listed on one other repellent product.

1) Squirt 2 to 4 full squirts into the palm of the hand, rub together, then pat or rub on exposed areas. Use VERY sparingly. Apply a bit more if needed.

2) If you wish you may apply this to a cloth, apply to cuffs just as you would to the skin. Do not spray on directly as this will leave oil spots.

3) You can also make a ‘wipe’ by folding up a paper towel, placing in a baggie, apply 10-12 squirts from bottle onto towel. Seal and let oils spread onto towel. Then use towel to apply. Replace towelette into baggie and fresh with ‘Skeeter Skidaddler® as needed.

4) Wet Wipes are now available, too!

Folks who regularly use this product for themselves and their families and the 80 ml bottle lasts all summer and into the following year. There are between 75 and 100 applications per bottle, which equals 300-400 hours of protection (or more). The cost is about 8-12¢ per application that provides 4, 6 or more hours of protection.

We do not recommend spraying on clothing. Some fabrics may be stained by directly spraying on the fabric. ‘Skeeter Skidaddler is 100% natural plant oils. To test, apply a small amount to hidden portion of the fabric. (I do spray my baseball cap when the bugs are out in force.) A strong, citrus oil based “de-greaser” may assist in removing ‘Skeeter Skidaddler from fabrics. We have found that a product called ShoutItOut works well, as well as full strength SimpleGreen.

The bottle, cap and cap seal will work at keeping the formula in the bottle when at normal air pressure in an airplane cabin (where we sit). The bottle size is just under 3 ounces and so complies with FAA Carry On requirements for bringing the bottle with you onto the plane. If the aircraft flies at high altitude during the trip there is an increased chance the bottle cap seal will fail, spilling the contents inside the suit case. It would also permanently damage the seal, and cause the bottle to leak afterward.

The ‘Furry Friend Friendly’ version of the product that does not have the cedarwood or patchouli oils for dogs specifically. I have it on good word that two Bassett Hounds (and their owners) have approved of the fragrance. Others use the Furry Friend Friendly on their dogs to good effect.

1) If the skin is very damp or wet when applying our product on the skin, it will not penetrate into the skin very well. The water in the outer skin layer will resist the absorbtion of the sunflower and essential oils, so application of either the spray or wet wipe will leave less product behind. As they say, “Oil and Water do not mix.”

2) Sunscreen which is water based has emulsifiers which mix the non-water soluble ingredients into the water carrier. I believe some of these newer sunscreen formula once dry are no longer water soluble.

So, the trick in humid, wet environments is to …

1) first, apply ‘Skeeter Skidaddler on the skin while the skin is on the drier side. After the ‘Skeeter Skidaddler oils have migrated into the top layer of the skin

2) apply the sunscreen, and let it dry well.

3) Then go out to play. The chances are greater that if one then does sweat or get wet neither the sunscreen nor the ‘Skeeter Skidaddler will ‘run off’, etc.