Murphy's Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) is a DEET-free, EPA-registered repellent centered on 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), sold as a 2-pack of 4 oz pump sprays for use on skin and also on clothing and outdoor gear.
Product snapshot
- Format: 2 x 4 oz pump sprays (2-pack)
- Active: 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) (EPA-registered)
- Use cases: hiking, yard work, travel, and everyday outdoor time
- Ratings: 4.4-star average from 16,073 reviews (as stated)
- Brand protection claims: up to 6 hours for mosquitoes; up to 4 hours for ticks
Key takeaways
- Real-world traction: A 4.4-star average rating across 16,073 reviews suggests broad, repeat use for a DEET-free repellent.
- Plant-based active: Uses 30% OLE, an EPA-registered active ingredient.
- Protection planning: Claims of up to 6 hours (mosquitoes) and up to 4 hours (ticks) are helpful for timing, though it’s still smart to reapply sooner if you sweat, get wet, or brush against vegetation.
- Fast application: The pump-spray format makes it easier to apply quickly and evenly to exposed skin, clothing, and gear (and it’s sensible to avoid spraying your face directly).
- Comfort trade-offs: The most common drawbacks you noted are a strong lemon-eucalyptus scent and a shiny, slightly oily feel—especially with heavier sprays.
- 30% OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: EPA-registered formula with a plant-based active ingredient provides up to 6 hours of mosquito protection and up to 4 hours against ticks. DEET-free* and designed for dependable outdoor coverage. *Not a safety claim
- EASY APPLICATION: Shake well and spray evenly on exposed skin, clothing, or outdoor gear before heading outside. Do not spray directly on face; apply to hands first, then rub on face avoiding eyes and mouth. Reapply as needed for continued protection
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY USE: Designed for kids and adults when used as directed. Ideal for family outings, camps, and everyday backyard use. Always follow label instructions for proper application
- LIGHTWEIGHT & GEAR-FRIENDLY FORMULA: Non-greasy, fresh lemon scent that feels clean on skin and won’t damage outdoor gear. Free from synthetic dyes and added fragrances
- MADE FOR EVERY OUTDOOR MOMENT: Perfect for camping, hiking, backyard barbecues, travel, fishing trips, sports practices, and everyday outdoor adventures where mosquitoes and ticks are common
Overall Ratings & Popularity
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) sits at a 4.4-star average rating from 16,073 customer reviews, per Amazon. That volume matters. It signals repeat purchases and real field use, not just a handful of early impressions. I treat ratings like this as a reliable crowd test for DEET-free repellents that people actually carry on hikes, yard work, and travel.
What the rating trend tells me
I use high-review-count products like this when I want plant-based coverage without the typical “it smells nice but quits early” problem. A score in the mid-4s also suggests most buyers feel the performance matches expectations for Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, especially for everyday outdoor use. I still pair any spray with smart habits, since no repellent fixes poor timing or buggy terrain.
For a quick, practical read on another DEET-free approach, I also compare it with this Thermacell option when I want area protection instead of skin coverage.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for Skin + Outdoor Gear, 4 Ounce Pump, 2-Pack
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Active Ingredient & Protection Claims
I rely on 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), an EPA-registered, plant-based active ingredient, when I want DEET-free coverage without guessing what’s doing the work. The brand claims up to 6 hours of mosquito protection and up to 4 hours against ticks, which sets clear expectations for trip planning.
What I expect in the field
Real-world longevity varies, so I plan for reapplication and pack accordingly:
- I treat 6 hours (mosquitoes) and 4 hours (ticks) as best-case claims, not guarantees.
- I reapply sooner with sweat, water, or heavy brush contact.
- I pair it with a zone device on camp nights; my notes line up with my Thermacell Backpacker Gen 2 setup.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for Skin + Outdoor Gear, 4 Ounce Pump, 2-Pack
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Application & How to Use
I use the pump-spray on exposed skin, clothing, and outdoor gear for quick, even coverage. Results depend on technique, so I keep the nozzle clean and spray at a consistent distance. I always shake the bottle well before each use, since that helps the formula atomize better. Spray feedback is mixed, so I do a short test burst away from my body before committing.
My quick-use routine
I follow these steps to keep application safe and consistent:
- Shake well, then spray a light, overlapping coat on skin and fabric.
- Avoid spraying the face directly; I spray into my hands, then rub onto my face.
- Let it dry before packing or layering clothing to reduce transfer.
- Pair with a portable mosquito zone for campsite comfort.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for Skin + Outdoor Gear, 4 Ounce Pump, 2-Pack
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Scent Profile (Love It or Hate It)
The smell can decide whether I keep this repellent in my kit. I get a crisp, lemon-eucalyptus, plant-oil aroma that feels clean outdoors. Some people call that same scent “stinks”, especially in still air or inside a tent. I treat it like any strong botanical fragrance and test it before a long trip.
How I manage the scent in the field
I rely on a few habits to keep it comfortable:
- I apply it outside, then let it dry for a minute before getting in the car or tent.
- I use a light layer first, then add more only if bugs stay active.
- I keep it off collars and buff fabric so the aroma doesn’t sit near my nose.
I also pair it with a zone-based option like Thermacell Backpacker Gen 2 when I want less skin scent.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for Skin + Outdoor Gear, 4 Ounce Pump, 2-Pack
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Skin Feel & Finish
Murphy’s Naturals sells the finish as lightweight and non-greasy. In my use, the texture lands somewhere in the middle. It spreads fast, yet it can leave a noticeable sheen, especially on humid days or if I apply a heavy layer. That’s where reviews split: some people call it “really oily,” while others say it feels less greasy than typical repellent sprays.
What I do to keep it comfortable
A few small technique changes make the finish feel cleaner and reduce that slick after-feel:
- I start with a pea-to-dime sized amount per limb, then add only if I still smell exposed skin.
- I warm it between my palms first so it goes on thinner and absorbs faster.
- I avoid rubbing it into already-sweaty skin; I blot first, then apply.
- I keep it off high-friction zones (watch bands, waistlines) where any oiliness feels amplified.
- I pair it with a spatial repellent when I want less product on skin, like the Thermacell option I cover in this Backpacker Gen 2 guide.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for Skin + Outdoor Gear, 4 Ounce Pump, 2-Pack
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Who It’s For & Use Cases
I see this spray fitting people who want simple, family-friendly protection when used as directed. I’d keep it in the daypack for adults and kids, then reapply on schedule during long outings. It also works well for anyone who wants one product that covers both mosquitoes and ticks in bug-heavy areas.
Where I’d actually use it
I reach for it in these common scenarios where coverage and convenience matter:
- Camping: quick application before setting up camp, cooking, or collecting firewood.
- Hiking: steady protection for brushy trails and shaded creek bottoms.
- Backyard barbecues: easy pre-meal spray so guests aren’t swatting nonstop.
- Fishing trips: useful around still water where mosquitoes tend to hover.
- Travel: toss it in luggage for parks, cabins, and roadside stops.
- Sports practices: fast coverage for ankles, calves, and arms before warmups.
I also like pairing it with a non-spray option for camp downtime, such as the Thermacell Backpacker Gen 2, so I can cover both moving and sitting time.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for Skin + Outdoor Gear, 4 Ounce Pump, 2-Pack
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Value & Pack Size
I get this repellent as a 2-pack of 4-ounce bottles, so I plan for eight ounces total. That’s convenient for splitting between a daypack and a car kit, but the small bottle size can feel pricey if I’m treating a lot of skin or reapplying often.
How I judge the value
I use a few checks before I buy:
- I weigh the no-DEET preference against how fast I burn through a bottle.
- I compare cost per ounce with how many trips I’ll cover in a month.
- I pair it with spatial control on camp nights, like the Thermacell Backpacker Gen 2, to stretch each bottle.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
From Bozeman, Montana. Former outdoor guide who distrusts ultralight gear claims. Reviews based on real trips, bad weather, and exhaustion.
