Walking Your Dog During Florida Bug Season
One of the biggest reasons SGI Naturals exists today is because I wanted to walk my dog without feeling like I was being eaten alive.
That may sound like an exaggeration, but anyone who has spent time outdoors in coastal Florida probably understands exactly what I mean.
The Daily Battle
When we lived on St. George Island, walking the dog was usually one of the highlights of the day.
Beautiful sunsets.
Quiet streets.
Ocean air.
Wildlife everywhere.
The problem was the bugs.
During certain times of the year, especially on calm mornings and evenings, the no-see-ums could be relentless.
I’d head out for what should have been a relaxing walk and end up constantly swatting at my face, neck, arms, and legs.
Sometimes I joked that I wasn’t walking the dog at all.
I was performing some strange combination of dancing, scratching, and swatting my way down the street.
Everybody Had a Different Strategy
One of my neighbors, Mike, walked his black Labrador every day.
Mike believed in maximum protection.
Long sleeves.
Long pants.
Boots.
Wide-brimmed hat.
Neck protection.
As little exposed skin as possible.
Meanwhile, I was usually wearing shorts, flip-flops, and a T-shirt.
We’d often cross paths and compare notes about the bugs.
The funny thing was that even with all that clothing, the bugs still seemed to find exposed skin around his ears, wrists, and face.
Looking For Something Simpler
I wasn’t searching for perfection.
I wasn’t trying to spend all day outdoors in the middle of a marsh.
I simply wanted enough protection to enjoy a normal walk with the dog.
I wanted something easy.
Something I could keep by the door.
Something that didn’t leave me feeling sticky and uncomfortable.
Most importantly, I wanted something that wouldn’t make me feel like I needed an immediate shower the moment I got home.
The Beginning of SGI Naturals
That search eventually led me to begin experimenting with natural ingredients.
Over nearly two years, I tested different combinations and formulas while dealing with real-world Florida bug conditions.
The result became SGI Naturals Bug Repellent Balm.
Made with grass-fed beef tallow, beeswax, and lavender oil, it became part of my daily routine.
A small amount on my neck, arms, ankles, and feet was usually enough to make outdoor walks enjoyable again.
Enjoying the Outdoors Again
For me, bug repellent was never about winning a war against nature.
It was about enjoying nature.
Walking the dog.
Working in the yard.
Sitting on the porch.
Taking an evening stroll.
Those simple moments are part of why we live where we do.
The whole reason I created SGI Naturals was to spend more time enjoying those moments and less time thinking about bugs.