Made in Ruston, Louisiana
A non-toxic pest defense built from essential oils by a scientist who refused to accept the alternative.
Why this exists
“While my son was receiving cancer treatment at MD Anderson, a maintenance technician came in to spray for insects. I read the label. It was petroleum-based and contained known carcinogens — chemicals that would linger in the very air my son was breathing.
That moment became a turning point.”
— Dr. Robert “Bob” Flournoy
He set out to build a safer alternative. It took years of research, formulation, and testing.
The problem
For decades, households relied on conventional bug sprays, trusting they were safe and effective. Today we know many traditional pest control products contain harmful toxins, and some contain carcinogens. The EPA has restricted certain ingredients, but many chemical-based sprays remain on shelves.
Today we’re exposed to environmental toxins in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we carry into our homes. Dr. Bob’s offers a smarter approach — protecting your space without adding unnecessary chemicals.
The inventor
Dr. Bob was born in Tulsa and has spent most of his life in north Louisiana. He is a professor, a research scientist and an entrepreneur — a man who has always been more interested in what a thing is made of than in what its label claims.
He taught bioscience, anatomy, physiology and endocrinology for a decade at Louisiana Tech, did postdoctoral work with NASA, and later founded an environmental laboratory that tested water, air and hazardous waste for cities and businesses across the region.
The throughline is simple: he has spent his whole life on the science of what’s in our environment. Dr. Bob’s Natural Bug Defense is that career, distilled into a bottle you can keep under the kitchen sink.
10 yrs
Teaching bioscience, anatomy, physiology & endocrinology at Louisiana Tech
NASA
Louisiana's representative at Wallops Island, medical & manned space flight research
Founder
EnviroMed Laboratories — water, air & hazardous waste testing
The career
Texas A&M University
Began teaching as a professor while completing his doctorate.
Louisiana Tech University
Teaching bioscience, anatomy, physiology, endocrinology and advanced sciences.
Late 1960s — Wallops Island, Virginia
The State of Louisiana's representative with NASA's space program, working in medical and manned space flight testing.
Louisiana's representative inside NASA's manned space flight program.
Baylor Hospital, Dallas
Two summers of research involving cancer and gangrene.
EnviroMed Laboratories, Inc.
An environmental lab serving commercial businesses and city governments on water, air and hazardous waste permits; expanded into geotechnical drilling and consulting with offices in Baton Rouge and Little Rock. Sold in 1995.
Louisiana Methodist Children's Home
Grew donations by over 200%.
Dr. Bob's Key Supplements Guide©
A lifelong advocate for vitamin and mineral supplementation, he researches and recommends supplements for specific health concerns.
Dr. Bob's Natural Bug Defense
And the reason you're here.
The formula
The result of extensive research, development and testing. Formulated with carefully selected natural essential oils.
Cedarwood Oil
Peppermint Oil
Rosemary Oil
In a water base with a gentle surfactant. That’s the whole list.
Coverage
Dr. Bob’s repels and deters the household insects most common to the Gulf South.
Roaches
Repelled from kitchens, baths and dark harborage.
Ants
Deters trails along baseboards and thresholds.
Mosquitoes
For patios, doorways and shaded outdoor edges.
Wasps
Deters nesting around eaves and porch corners.
Waterbugs
Repels around drains, sinks and damp spaces.
Why people keep it
Safe for use around people and pets
Suitable for indoor and outdoor application
Effective for homes and commercial spaces
Pleasant, natural scent
Fast-acting formula
Application
Shake well. Spray 8–12 inches from the surface and let air dry. For larger areas — garages, crawlspaces, attics — it’s compatible with a ULV fogger. Spot-test delicate surfaces.
The journey
Mixed by hand, a few bottles at a time, on a back porch in Ruston.
Step 1
Mixed by hand on his back porch.
Sold first to neighbors, across a folding table, one Saturday at a time.
Step 2
Sold to neighbors, met with enthusiastic reviews.
The same formula, now filled and sealed on a production line.
Step 3
Professional manufacturing, enhanced packaging, expanded availability.
Where to buy
Online
Shipped direct from the manufacturer in two sizes.
Local — Ruston, Louisiana
Pick up a bottle in person, right here in town.
