Bug Soother, a natural insect repellent, has become an overnight sensation for a homegrown Iowa business in Columbus Junction. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Call it a super-gnatural
success.
Freda Sojka’s natural bug repellent that she developed for her then 5-month-old grandson has exploded – almost overnight – into a double-shift industry in Columbus Junction.
“I wanted to make it safe for kids,” Sojka, 61, said of Bug Soother, the insect repellent that stores in the Corridor and beyond are having trouble keeping on the shelves.
Packaged in a green spray bottle, the product is made from Sojka’s secret formula that combines lemongrass oil, vanilla, castor oil, lemon and other ingredients.
And it works. So says more than 1,000 Facebook fans of Bug Soother, along with customers who are demanding the repellent at Ace Hardware, Hy-Vee stores and other outlets.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Sojka says of the 16- to 17-hour days she and other family members have been pouring into the business in the past few weeks.
Freda Sojka shares more about the development of her local Iowa company, Simply Soothing, and her assessment of the incredible success of Bug Soother for an article in the July 1 issue of the Corridor Business Journal.
Find a list of stores carrying the insect repellent on Bug Soother’s Facebook page.
I am from Illinois but live in Tennessee and was wondering how I could get get some big soothie it is the best I have ever used and would love to to b able to get to get some thank you !!! 🙂
where can i buy this stuff i live in iowa
Wyndi,
Ace Hardware, Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drug stores all carry Bug Soother in Iowa.
Hope this helps!
I’ve tried differant bug sprays fo those pesty gnats. Even off deep woods don’t work and it smells, unlike the bug soother smells very good and no gnats at all. Good job finding a product that actually works and I have tested it outdoors for myself….Thanks again
This product works great. You can buy it at Theisen’s stores in Iowa or go to their website at http://www.theisens.com to purchase. If they are out of stock just call them and they can get it for you.
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Where can I buy this in scotland
Agnes – check their website. They may be able to ship to you: https://www.simplysoothing.net/bug-soother/natural-insect-repellent-deet-free-for-kids-and-pets/
Can you order this and have mailed to another state?
Sherri – as far as I know, yes. Check out their website, in the comment above.
Hi Cindy, just came across this article today! Since this post was written a couple of years ago, we have begun a Bug Soother ambassador program! Apply here: https://www.simplysoothing.net/ambassador/ if this is something you would be interested in. We’d love to have you join our team!
Thank you, Sarah! I’ll look into it.