A decade ago, on a warm Michigan evening, our wooded backyard should have offered nothing more than simple summer joy. Instead, it delivered turmoil. While swimming at dusk, my daughter Katie was bitten once by a mosquito. Within minutes, she suffered a severe allergic reaction that turned a carefree family moment into pure misery. In that instant, I understood with brutal clarity: for people like Katie, “mostly effective” protection simply wasn’t enough.
Like many health-conscious parents, I refused to rely on DEET-heavy chemicals. I spent hundreds of dollars on every natural alternative I could find—sprays, bracelets, stickers, and yard treatments. None delivered real relief. The disappointment was exhausting, yet it fueled a deeper resolve. There had to be a better solution.
Drawing from my experience crafting natural remedies for my son’s eczema, I began experimenting in the kitchen. I’m not a chemist—just a former real estate broker turned stay-at-home mom, driven by fierce necessity. On my very first attempt, the results stunned me. It didn’t work partially. It worked completely. For the first time, Katie could enjoy the outdoors without fear. The sense of relief was profound.
I never intended to start a business. I simply wanted to protect my child. But when friends and family witnessed the difference, they began asking for batches before summer camps, soccer games, and vacations. Their encouragement was persistent. During the quiet months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally took the leap and began producing what is now known as **Buzz Blocker Mosquito & No-See-Um Repellent**.
Today, Buzz Blocker has grown well beyond our Michigan backyard, earning loyal customers even in Florida’s demanding environment, where no-see-ums challenge every repellent on the market. Its core remains unchanged: certified organic ingredients, zero harsh chemicals, and uncompromising effectiveness. It was born from a mother’s insistence that children deserve to play freely and safely outdoors.
Many users also report excellent results against horseflies, ticks, and even fire ants.
Buzz Blocker is available in 4 oz sprays and tallow versions, as well as a convenient 3 oz roll-on perfect for air travel. You can find it online at https://www.katiescleancreations.com, or in person at local community golf and tennis shops, resorts, and Food and Thought 1 on Tamiami Trail.
The most powerful innovations rarely come from corporate laboratories. They are born from love, necessity, and a mother who refused to accept anything less than real protection for her children.
Article by City Lifestyle Naples
Originally published in Naples City Lifestyle