Springs Moms Spreading Safe Tick Repellent

“Do you eat meat?” is a common question across the East End, and not just because of any sort of vegan movement, but because of alpha-gal syndrome, which is transferred from the Lone Star tick and causes a meat allergy.

Springs resident Jennifer Decker understands this problem all too well. The mother of three and her son both suffer from alpha-gal, symptoms of which could include hives and itchy or scaly skin; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and/or throat; wheezing or shortness of breath; a runny nose; abdominal pain; and headaches. As a concerned parent, she wanted to create a safe tick repellent for her family to use.

Lisa-Jae Eggert, a Springs mother of two, along with her daughter and husband, suffer from Lyme disease, which is spread by deer ticks. Eggert approached Decker about her venture and that’s when 3 Moms Organics was born.

Released with Tick Wise Education, an East Quogue-based nonprofit, in June 2018, the pair’s Environmental Protection Agency-compliant product called TickWise insect repellent contains cedarwood, geranium, citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, vanilla, water, vinegar, and vegetable glycerin to hold the repellent together.

“Because this is essential oil-based, they have to reapply it at lunchtime before they go out again,” said Decker, who also created a lavender oil-based product for feet that helps users sleep at night.

The mother worried most about children, who she said are particularly vulnerable, being bitten during recess or while playing sports.

Eggert said while the company was created by just two moms, it’s called 3 Moms Organics because the third mom is the consumer.

TickWise insect repellent is a completely DEET-free spray that repels ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects. It’s made with the consumer in mind, being conscious of all allergies, and is vegan and nut-free. It not only can be sprayed onto the skin of people, but dogs and horses, too. although Decker and Eggert still recommend putting DEET on shoes, and regularly checking for ticks in addition to using their product.

For more information visit www.3momsorganics.com.

nicole@indyeastend.com