Natural Ways to Repel Sandflies, Mosquitoes and other Biting Insects
Keeping you & your family safe on outdoor adventures!
Have you ever heard the Pūrākau (Māori creation story) about the namu (sandfly)?
The legend goes that Hine-nui-te-pō - the goddess of death - after seeing how beautiful Milford Sound was, was fearful that people would never want to leave. So to combat this, she released the namu to stop people wanting to live there. Te Namu-a-Te-Hine-nui-te-pō (Sandfly Point) is where the legend says they were first released.
If you’ve ever tramped, camped, or just tried to enjoy a peaceful picnic in New Zealand, you’ll know how quickly sandflies or mozzies - but sandflies especially - can ruin the vibe. While bites are annoying for adults, they can be especially miserable for babies and toddlers - leading to endless scratching, even worse sleep, and even infections.
The good news it that you don't need to resort to harsh chemicals like DEET to repel the cheeky wee creatures.
Over almost a decade of tramping & camping with kids, and a lifetime of tramping pre-kids, we've learnt the tried and true ways to repel biting insects naturally.
So here's 7 tips to keep those insects at bay so that your adventure doesn't get ruined by them.
1. Cover up
Number one is the most obvious. If your skin is covered, you can't get bitten.
Long, loose-fitting clothing is your first line of defence - especially for babies and toddlers who can’t squash bugs away themselves. However make sure when dressing them that if clothing is too loose it has elastic at the ankles & wrists to avoid bugs getting stuck up their tops/bottoms. (Don't ask me how I know!)
And don’t forget socks! Sandflies love ankles. In the pram, backpack, or front carrier, a pair of merino socks or tights can save your little one from painful itchy bites. For younger kids who don't yet get upset about not having their fingers free, pop a pair of merino socks on as gloves too.
2. Wear light colours
This makes a bigger difference than you'd think! Biting insects are attracted to dark colours. Simply swapping a black shirt for a white one can keep the insects less attracted to you.
Unfortunately most technical clothing on the market is dark coloured, but why not try make your own?! Or choose from the Therm range for kids we stock which has a few more 'fun' colours'.
3. Keep moving
Sandflies can't catch you if they can't keep up with you.
If you're on a tramping trip, pick your breaks carefully, and for camping make sure not to leave the tent open!
When picking break spots, avoid stopping near water or in cool bush in summer.
4. Pick your weather
Sandflies are actually pretty picky creatures. They are the worst on a cloudy, overcast, mild day.
They don't like to be out in the heat of the sun, they're not strong enough to be out in high winds, they don't like it when it's too cold, and neither do they like the dark.
If you go tramping in winter, you'll notice less sandflies, same with if it's hot, windy, or dark.
5. Use bug mesh for babies & kids
For babies in structured carriers (like the Osprey) or prams, a lightweight insect mesh is a game-changer. It acts as a physical barrier without needing constant reapplication of repellent on a wriggly child.
You can even make an insect cover for yourself or older kids to wear over a hat to keep the insect from parking on your face.
My top recommendation would be to use this fabric from Ripstop By the Roll. It is fine enough to keep even tiny sandflies out while still maintaining enough visibility.
Just make sure the mesh you use is of high quality as you don't want any issues with non-breathable fabric.
6. Vitamin B & garlic
Though it hasn't been proven effective by scientific studies yet, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence for both vitamin B1, B12 and garlic use against mosquitoes.
So obviously not strong enough on its own, but why not give it a go? Our family has had great success using B12 supplements before big tramping trips, and other people swear by eating a lot of marmite or vegemite before trips - or drinking a lot of beer.
7. Use a natural insect repellent
Your final line of defence is one of our amazing natural insect repellents. And yes, natural insect repellent is effective! This one 2014 study found Lemon Eucalyptus to be more than 95% effective for 3 hours.
A good natural repellent helps protect the exposed skin you can’t - or would prefer not to - cover (like faces, hands, and necks). But not all repellents are created equal.
After years of adventuring with kids in some of the buggiest places in Aotearoa, we wanted something that worked and felt safe enough to use on our babies. So I made our own.
All three of our natural insect repellents are made with real organic herbs, are DEET-free, and with no unnecessary fillers.
👶 Baby-Safe Insect Repellent (Safe from newborn)
Perfect for infants and sensitive skin. This gentle formula is crafted from an infusion of real organic herbs only - no essential oils - so you can use it from birth. Great for newborns exploring the world from the carrier or pram, toddlers who might try lick the repellent, or conscious mamas who want to avoid essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding.
🦟 Regular Insect Repellent
Our most cost-effective option, ideal for everyday use. It’s an effective blend of essential oils that's safe for all ages 2+, including pregnant mamas. Good for older kids and adults who want something safe but budget-friendly.
🏔️ Extra Strength Insect Repellent (2yrs+)
This one’s for serious sandfly zones. (Yes, I'm looking at you Fiordland and the West Coast!)
It’s packed with powerful essential oils like lemon eucalyptus and lavender, blended with infused herbs for long-lasting natural repellant coverage. Suited for ages 2+, but best to avoid if you are pregnant. Safe for breastfeeding as long as you don't spray on your milk machines.
You can browse the full range here, and we’re always happy to help if you’re not sure which one is the best fit for your whānau.
What if they do bite you? How can you naturally stop bug bite itching?!
A simple and straightforward answer - Kawakawa Balm is what you're after! Buy a larger jar, and pop a small amount into one of our aluminium tins in order to have some with you in your pocket wherever you go. Did you know our Kawakawa Balm is also insect repelling?! So not only will you be soothing those bites, but you'll also be preventing more at the same time.
The time that we went on a 5 day hike when I forgot the insect repellent for my daughter, she screamed in the night and kept waking from the itching pain. She had just figured out how to itch them, and this was making it worse.
All I did was simply pop some Kawakawa Balm on, hold her hands still for about 30 seconds so she couldn't itch, and BAM! The itch was gone and she slept soundly!
Honestly, this Kawakawa Balm is an absolute necessity for any trips near any biting insects.
