A decade ago, what should have been a simple summer memory—a nighttime swim at our wooded Michigan home—turned into a frightening ordeal. My daughter, Katie, suffered a severe allergic reaction to a single mosquito bite. In that moment, the carefree rhythm of family life collided with a stark reality: for her, “mostly effective” protection simply wasn’t enough.
Like many health-conscious parents, I refused to rely on products containing DEET. Instead, I searched tirelessly for natural alternatives, purchasing sprays, bracelets, stickers—anything that promised relief. I even treated our yard. After spending hundreds of dollars, nothing worked. The frustration was overwhelming, but it sparked a determination: this problem had to have a better solution.
Drawing from my experience creating natural remedies—having previously helped manage my son’s eczema—I began experimenting. I’m not a chemist, just a mom motivated by necessity. But on my very first attempt, something remarkable happened: it worked. Not partially. Not occasionally. Completely. For Katie, that meant freedom—the ability to enjoy the outdoors without fear.
I never intended to start a business. As a former real estate broker turned stay-at-home mom, I was simply grateful to have found something that protected my child. But word spread. Friends and family began requesting batches for summer camps, soccer games, and vacations. Encouragement followed—suggestions to bottle it, to share it more widely. During the quiet pause of the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally did.
What began as “Buzz Blocker Mosquito & Pest Repellent” evolved alongside its growing audience, especially in places like Florida, where even no-see-ums pose a challenge. Today, the formula remains rooted in its original purpose: safe, effective, and made with certified organic ingredients. No harsh chemicals, no compromises—just a solution born from a mother’s insistence that her child, and others, deserve to enjoy the outdoors without worry.
Please find Buzz Blocker online at https://www.katiescleancreations.com or at your local community golf/tennis shop, resort, or at Food and Thought 1 on Tamiami Trail. It is offered in 4 oz spray or tallow versions, as well as a 3 oz roll-on that is great to carry on an airplane!