Hot weather means bugs turn into a big headache, **especially outdoors**. These annoying creatures can spread diseases, making a **great bug spray** a must-have to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects from biting.
When it comes to choosing the best insect repellent, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the active ingredient. DEET, Picaridin, and IR3535 are the most effective active ingredients for repelling insects. The concentration of the active ingredient is also important, with higher concentrations providing longer-lasting protection.
Another factor to consider is the type of repellent. There are sprays, lotions, and even wearable devices that claim to repel insects. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Sprays are easy to apply and offer broad coverage, while lotions may provide longer-lasting protection and are less likely to be inhaled. Wearable devices are convenient but may not be as effective as traditional sprays and lotions.
We spent hours researching and testing various insect repellents to identify the ones that offer the best protection against a wide range of insects. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best insect repellents on the market and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Best Insect Repellents
We all love spending time outdoors, but pesky insects can quickly turn a relaxing evening into an itchy nightmare. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best insect repellents on the market to help keep those bugs at bay. Whether you’re planning a camping trip or just want to enjoy your backyard, our top picks will help you stay protected and bite-free. So, without further ado, here are our top choices for the best insect repellents.
Sawyer Products SP5622 Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting insect repellent, Sawyer Products SP5622 Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion is an excellent choice.
Pros
- This insect repellent lotion is safe for use on the whole family and provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers.
- It’s fragrance-free, making it an ideal choice for those who are sensitive to scents, and it contains 20% Picaridin, which is more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET.
- The lotion is very comfortable to wear on your skin, and it won’t damage plastics or synthetic coatings, making it safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the lotion can be a bit greasy and take a while to dry, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry.
- The lotion comes in a 2-ounce bottle, which may not be enough for extended trips or frequent use.
- While the lotion is effective against a wide variety of pests, it may not be as effective against some species of mosquitoes as other insect repellents.
We recently used Sawyer Products SP5622 Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion on a camping trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The lotion was easy to apply, and it provided long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and ticks, which are prevalent in our area. We also appreciated that it was fragrance-free and safe for use on our clothing and gear.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lotion can be a bit greasy and take a while to dry, so you’ll need to allow some extra time before getting dressed or heading out. Additionally, the 2-ounce bottle may not be enough for extended trips or frequent use, so you may need to purchase additional bottles or consider a larger size.
Overall, we highly recommend Sawyer Products SP5622 Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion for anyone looking for a reliable and effective insect repellent that is safe for the whole family.
Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray
If you’re looking for an all-natural insect repellent that’s effective and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, then Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray is a great option.
Pros
- Protects against mosquitoes for up to 6 hours without any nasty chemicals like DEET.
- Protects against ticks for up to 4 hours, including deer ticks for up to 4 hours, as well as lone star and brown dog ticks for up to 8 hours.
- Harnesses the power of natural plant-based ingredients, including 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water, and Ethanol made from corn.
Cons
- The scent of lemon might not be suitable for everyone.
- The spray needs to be reapplied after a few hours for maximum effectiveness.
- The bottle may leak if not stored properly.
We recently used this insect repellent spray on a camping trip and were pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. The spray protected us from mosquitoes and ticks for several hours, and we didn’t experience any adverse reactions to the natural ingredients.
The spray is easy to apply and doesn’t leave any sticky residue on our skin or clothing. We also appreciate that it doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Overall, we highly recommend Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray for anyone looking for an all-natural, effective, and safe insect repellent.
OFF! Kids Insect Repellent Spray
If you’re looking for a safe and effective insect repellent for your kids, OFF! Kids Mosquito Spray is a great choice.
Pros
- Provides up to 90 minutes of protection against bites
- Safe for use on kids 6 months and up
- No added fragrances or dyes
Cons
- May need to reapply after 90 minutes
- Some users report a strong smell
- Can leave a residue on skin
We recently used OFF! Kids Mosquito Spray on a family camping trip and were impressed with how well it worked. Our kids didn’t get any mosquito bites, even during the height of bug season. We appreciated that it’s safe for use on young children and doesn’t contain any added fragrances or dyes.
The pump spray made it easy to apply, even with our energetic kids. However, we did notice that the spray can leave a residue on the skin, which some users may find unpleasant. Additionally, while the protection lasted up to 90 minutes, we found that we needed to reapply after that time to maintain effectiveness.
Overall, we highly recommend OFF! Kids Mosquito Spray for parents looking for a safe and effective insect repellent for their children.
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol with 20% Picaridin
If you’re looking for a reliable insect repellent spray, OFF! Clean Feel Aerosol is a great choice. We’ve used this product several times and have found it to be effective in keeping mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies at bay. The lightweight formula feels good on the skin and doesn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue.
Pros
- Non-greasy, lightweight spray dries quickly, not sticky
- Long-lasting protection lasts up to 8 hours to keep you protected from mosquito bites day or night
- Odorless formula
Cons
- Aerosol spray can be difficult to control and can sometimes release too much product at once
- Can cause some mild skin irritation for those with sensitive skin
- May not be as effective against other types of insects, such as gnats or chiggers
Overall, we would recommend OFF! Clean Feel Aerosol to anyone looking for a reliable insect repellent spray. It’s easy to apply, feels good on the skin, and provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. Just be sure to use it as directed and avoid spraying it directly on your face or near your eyes.
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
This is a great DEET-free option for creating a mosquito barrier, especially if you’re looking for a product that uses plant-based ingredients.
Pros
- Provides protection for a range of activities, from your backyard to your travel destinations.
- Repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
- Formulated with oil of lemon eucalyptus to provide protection without leaving your skin feeling sticky or greasy.
Cons
- The scent can be a bit strong for some people.
- Some users may need to reapply the product more frequently than every 6 hours.
- The spray nozzle can be a bit finicky and may require a few extra pumps to get started.
We recently took this insect repellent with us on a camping trip and were pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. The spray nozzle took a bit of effort to get started, but once we got it going, it was easy to apply. We appreciated that the product didn’t leave our skin feeling greasy or sticky, and the refreshing scent was a nice change from the usual bug spray smell.
While the scent can be a bit strong, we found that it dissipated quickly and didn’t linger. We did have to reapply the product a few times throughout the day, but we were spending a lot of time outdoors in an area with a high mosquito population. Overall, we would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a DEET-free insect repellent that uses plant-based ingredients.
Buying Guide
When choosing an insect repellent, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for:
Active Ingredients
The most important factor to consider when choosing an insect repellent is the active ingredient. The most effective active ingredients are DEET, picaridin, and IR3535. DEET is the most widely used and effective insect repellent, but some people may be sensitive to it. Picaridin is a good alternative to DEET, as it is just as effective but less likely to cause skin irritation. IR3535 is a newer active ingredient that is effective against a wide range of insects.
Concentration
The concentration of the active ingredient is also important to consider. Higher concentrations of DEET and picaridin provide longer-lasting protection, but they can also be more irritating to the skin. For most people, a concentration of 20-30% DEET or 20% picaridin is sufficient.
Type of Protection
Insect repellents come in a variety of forms, including sprays, lotions, and wipes. Sprays are the most popular and effective, but they can be messy and difficult to apply evenly. Lotions are less messy and easier to apply, but they may not provide as long-lasting protection. Wipes are convenient for on-the-go use, but they may not provide as much coverage as sprays or lotions.
Additional Features
Some insect repellents may also offer additional features, such as sunscreen or moisturizer. While these features can be convenient, it’s important to remember that they may not be as effective as standalone products. If you need both insect repellent and sunscreen, it’s generally better to apply them separately.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best insect repellent for your needs and ensure that you stay protected from pesky bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest mosquito repellents for children?
When it comes to children, it’s important to choose a mosquito repellent that is safe and effective. DEET is generally considered safe for children over two months old, but if you prefer a more natural option, look for products that contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the instructions on the label and avoid applying repellent to children’s hands, eyes, and mouth.
How does picaridin compare to DEET in effectiveness against ticks?
Both picaridin and DEET are effective against ticks, but picaridin is generally considered to be less oily and less likely to damage synthetic materials. If you’re concerned about ticks, look for products that contain at least 20% picaridin or 20% DEET.
What level of DEET concentration is ideal for effective mosquito protection?
The ideal concentration of DEET for effective mosquito protection varies depending on the environment and the length of time you’ll be outdoors. In general, products containing 10-30% DEET are effective for most situations. If you’re in an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne illness, you may want to consider a product with a higher concentration of DEET.
Are there effective insect repellents for treating large outdoor areas?
Yes, there are several effective insect repellents for treating large outdoor areas. Look for products that contain permethrin, which is a synthetic insecticide that is safe for use on clothing and outdoor gear. You can also use citronella candles or torches to repel insects from outdoor areas.
Which insect repellents are best suited for application on the skin?
The best insect repellents for application on the skin are those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the instructions on the label and avoid applying repellent to your hands, eyes, and mouth.
What options are available for non-toxic insect repellents suitable for indoor use?
There are several non-toxic insect repellents that are suitable for indoor use, including citronella candles, essential oils, and ultrasonic devices. However, it’s important to note that these products may not be as effective as chemical insecticides, and may need to be reapplied more frequently.