Need effective and safe bug spray?

Question

I'd like to spray for mosquitos and other bugs, both indoor and outdoor, but I have asthma (very sensitive to chemicals), two kids (really don't want much exposure to a lot of chemicals) and a puppy. Any suggestions and pls. share your experience. For the "other bugs", I'd like to spray for spiders, fleas, etc. Thanks.

Answer 1

For indoors - try to eliminate anything that would attract bugs.  

Indoor plants sometimes can get little critters.  You can spray plants with soapy water - really soak the plant, under sides of leaves.  The soap eats through the shell/skin of the insects, but doesn't hurt the plants.

For the puppy - ask your vet about flea control.  There are a couple different types of monthly treatments --- you just dab a bit of the solution on the dogs back.  It has an initial harsh chemical smell that quickly disapates, so you may need to ask your spouse or have friend apply it to avoid an asthma issue for you.

I had bad allergies growing up --- the only thing that helped was controlling the house and keeping it SUPER clean - vacuum up pet fur every couple days, major dusting once a week, brushing off ceiling/walls with static brush, etc.  It really helped keep an allergy free zone.  And leaves nothing around to attract bugs.  

For the outdoors - I've used skintastic sprays.  There is a scent to it, that could be hard on your asthma.  I never found citronella candles terribly effective.

Good luck.