In the warmer weather, crawling and flying insects can ruin our outdoor activities by causing painful and irritating bites and stings. Some flying insects like mosquitoes can spread dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases like Lyme Disease, Ross River Fever, Malaria, and the Zika virus. A good insect repellent can help to keep you insect-free.
The 6 Best Insect Repellents
- OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent
- Repel 100 Insect Repellent
- Sawyer Products Premium Maxi DEET Insect Repellent
- Natrapel 12-Hour Insect Repellent Continuous Spray (Our Top Pick)
- Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
- Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme DEET-Free Insect Repellent
Our Top Pick for the Best Insect Repellent
Our top pick for the best insect repellent is the Natrapel 12-Hour Insect Repellent Continuous Spray.
Besides giving you the choice of a more natural alternative to chemical-based repellents, Natrapel provides long-lasting protection for mosquitoes that can carry deadly diseases like the Zika virus, as well as repelling ticks, gnats, sandflies, and black flies.
The eco-spray design gives you even coverage in a continuous spray, without releasing any harmful aerosols into the environment. You can also use the repellent on synthetic clothing and camping gear.
Check the price on AmazonInsect Repellents
Some repellents can repel a lot of different insects like mosquitoes, chiggers, fleas, gnats, leeches, and ticks. While other brands have been specifically designed to repel mosquitoes.
Insect repellents designed for personal use come in different forms; sprays, lotions, roll-ons, patches, as well as wipes.
Insect Repellent Chemicals and Ingredients
You need to know what kinds of chemicals or ingredients are contained in the various products that are available. This is important to know before you start looking for an insect repellent to use on your skin. Some insect repellents use chemicals to achieve their results. However, other brands might use a combination of natural ingredients like eucalyptus, citronella, or lemongrass.
DEET
DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a spectrum agent developed by Samuel Gertler. Gertler worked for the United States Department of Agriculture. It was successfully used to protect the troops from being stung by mosquitoes and other kinds of insects during jungle warfare in World War II. DEET was then made available for civilian use in the 1950s.
In the 1990s, DEET was registered for extended use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It continues to be the most effective and also widely used ingredient in insect repellents.
DEET does not kill insects but impairs their ability to smell us. It can provide complete protection for up to eight hours. Although DEET works very effectively on most people, not all mosquito repellents that have DEET protect everyone to the same extent. The effectiveness of a repellent can depend on a few factors. The mosquito species, your gender, your level of physical activity, and sometimes your blood type.
When properly applied, DEET has virtually no adverse health effects. Though in rare cases a contact skin rash can result if you have sensitive skin. After many tests on DEET, the EPA has concluded that repellents that contain DEET do not present a health concern as long as consumers follow the directions on the label.
2 very important things to keep in mind when using DEET
- DEET is not recommended to be used on infants younger than two months of age. Children above three months old can have repellents applied with DEET concentrations of 30% or less.
- Repellents that have DEET can be safely used on cotton, wool, and also nylon. However, it can cause damage to spandex, rayon, and pigmented leather. DEET has also been known to dissolve vinyl and plastic (e.g. eyeglass frames).
Does DEET protect against flies? DEET is not overly effective on flies. However, insect repellents that contain Picaridin, especially those that contain 20% Picaridin, are much more effective against flies.
Picaridin
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, or Icaridin) is a synthetic compound developed from a plant extract that is also used to produced table pepper. It was developed by Bayer in the 1980s. It is just as effective as DEET. Most repellents that use Picaridin have between 10% and 20%.
Picaridin was first registered by the EPA in 2001. It then became available in the US in 2005. The EPA also determined that Picaridin does not pose a health concern. However, it can cause skin irritations for some people. It can cause also eye irritations if you rub your eyes while it is on your hands.
In comparison to DEET, Picaridin does not have a strong odor. It is non-greasy and does not dissolve plastics or other synthetics.
Citronella
You may have seen or even used a Citronella candle to ward off mosquitoes at your barbecue. Citronella oil or oil of citronella is a naturally occurring insect repellent distilled from two grass varieties. It has a yellow to brown color and has a pleasant grassy/floral smell. Oil of citronella is a mixture of many components, which depends on the grass variety. Still, the main components are citronellol, citronellal, and geraniol.
While citronella can be effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay, it can cause irritation to the skin.
Essential Oils: Lemongrass and Eucalyptus
Many natural repellents use essential oils like lemongrass and eucalyptus. They work quite effectively at warding off biting and stinging insects, especially mosquitoes. Lemongrass or eucalyptus are natural, plant-based oils. They may also be mixed with other essential oils to give the repellent a pleasant fragrance.
What’s the Buzz About Mosquitoes and Diseases?
One very important thing to keep in mind in regards to essentials oils is that they may not have been tested against particular types of mosquitoes that carry viruses and spread diseases. If you are going to travel to an exotic location that has a tropical environment, consult the EPA. Or a similar government organization to check the effectiveness of the product.
9 Handy Tips for Using Insect Repellents
Here are some questions and handy tips to help you find the best insect repellent that will fit your needs:
- Will you spend time outdoors at night for longer than an hour? Some products can protect you for long periods of up to eight or 12 hours. However, some repellents may have lower levels of protection.
- Do you live in an area that has a lot of vegetation or a humid environment? Insects, especially mosquitoes, thrive in moist, humid environments.
- Read the label carefully and apply the repellent according to the instructions. Some people find that the repellent is not effective because they have applied the product incorrectly.
- When applying the mosquito repellent, watch for any reactions on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may be allergic to certain ingredients in a repellent, so try a “spot-test” before using it for general application.
- In case you experience any skin reactions to a repellent, wash the affected area with warm soapy water. If it is a serious reaction, consult your local health professional.
- Avoid applying the repellent to your mouth, eyes, open wounds, sunburnt, or irritated skin.
- Some mosquito repellents can be applied directly to clothing. However, check the label first as some chemicals like DEET can damage certain materials.
- Never allow children to apply repellents on their own.
- Most repellents are not effective in water so you will need to reapply the repellent after swimming or engaging in watersports.
6 Best Insect Repellent – Reviews
1. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent
If you live near a wooded area or are holidaying in a hot and humid climate where insects like to breed, OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellant will work wonders at keeping those nasty biting insects away from your skin.
OFF! insect repellent gives you very good protection from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and also chiggers. All of those annoying, and sometimes dangerous insects, that seem to be hell-bent on making your life miserable. The aerosol spray allows for easy application and gives you good coverage and it is quick drying.
The repellent is not waterproof, so you have to reapply after swimming. However, it is designed to resist perspiration, so you do not have to reapply if you sweat a lot. Although it has a light pine smell, some people may find the odor a little overpowering.
OFF! insect repellent contains 25% DEET as its prime active agent and 75% of other ingredients. It can provide up to eight hours of continuous protection against mosquitoes. You can apply it directly to the skin. However, you have to apply the repellent generously to your skin to get a good level of protection. You can also spray the insect repellent on your clothes.
However, if you spray the repellent too close to the material it may leave a white residue on your clothes.
If the spray does leave a white residue on your clothes, you can remove it by brushing it off or washing your clothing. To maximize the effectiveness of the repellent, you need to shake the can before use. Off! insect repellent comes in a very handy two-pack so you can take one away on vacation and use the second one at home.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Very good protection from insects
- Highly recommended for mosquitoes
- Resists perspiration
- Provides good coverage
- Easy application
Cons
- Some people may find the odor too strong
- Not waterproof
2. Repel 100 Insect Repellent
Repel 100 Insect Repellent contains the highest concentration of DEET, at 98.11%, which makes it highly effective at repelling insects, especially mosquitoes that can irritate your skin and transmit lethal diseases like Dengue Fever and the Zika virus. So if you are planning a tropical island escape or want to explore the rainforests of Costa Rica, Repel 100 is the best insect repellent for you.
The repellent comes in a portable 1-ounce pump spray bottle that makes it very handy for traveling. You do not have to use a lot of the spray as a “little goes a long way”. It provides much-needed protection from mosquito bites for up to 10 hours. The spray does not feel sticky on your skin and the smell is not overpowering. However, make sure that you apply it in a well-ventilated area.
You can also spray the repellent on your clothes, but be careful when you apply it as it can leave a stain. Repel insect repellent is easy to apply and the bottle has a safety flip-top cap.
Pros
- Highly effective against mosquitoes
- Ideal for tropical environments
- Ideal for ticks, and flying, biting insects
- Portable
- Easy application
- Nice odor
- Safety flip-top cap
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not perspiration resistant
3. Sawyer Products Premium Maxi DEET Insect Repellent
For a highly effective insect repellent spray against mosquitoes and ticks, Sawyer Products Premium Maxi DEET Insect Repellent is a great choice.
The repellent contains 98.11% DEET, which gives you very good protection in extreme insect-infested environments for up to 10 hours. The repellent is not effective at repelling flies. However, Sawyer Products make a lotion repellent, Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, which is ideal for repelling mosquitoes and flies.
Maxi-DEET insect repellent can be applied to your skin and clothing. It is material friendly towards clothes that are made out of cotton, wool, and also nylon. However, it should not be sprayed on synthetic materials like rayon, spandex, and leather. It should not be applied near acetate or painted and varnished surfaces like furniture.
Sawyer Products insect repellent is the ideal choice for when you want to travel light and backpack in tropical areas as it comes in a 4-ounce bottle, and it has a low odor. You can also choose from a 2-ounce, 3-ounce, and a 4-ounce continuous spray.
The pump spray allows for easy application and all you have to do is just spritz on a small amount and watch it go to work. As well as making repellents for personal use, Sawyer Products also make a Permethrin Spray that can be used for complete clothing and camping gear protection. The only downside of using Sawyer Products Maxi-DEET repellent is that it may not be ideal for people who have sensitive skin, so try a “spot-test” first.
Pros
- Ideal for mosquitoes, chiggers, fleas, gnats, and ticks
- Very effective repellent for mosquitoes
- Powerful
- Low-odor
- Portable
Cons
- May cause skin irritation
- Greasy
- Cannot be applied on or near certain materials
4. Natrapel 12-Hour Insect Repellent Continuous Spray
If you are looking for an oil-free and DEET-free insect repellent that has a pleasant odor, Natrapel 12-Hour Insect Repellent Continuous Spray is a very good choice.
The pump spray uses Picaridin instead of DEET and it provides excellent protection against disease-carrying mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. So whether you are on an African safari or working in your garden at home, Natrapel can keep you free from mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours, and other biting insects like gnats and sand flies for up to eight hours.
The repellent can be sprayed directly onto your skin and it provides an even application. Or you can spray it on your clothes without any staining. Remember to shake the can well before application to make sure it comes out in a continuous spray instead of an oily stream.
Pros
- Affordable
- Excellent product
- Works effectively on mosquitoes and ticks
- Great alternative to DEET-based repellents
- Long-lasting
- Pleasant odor
Cons
- Pump’s nozzle can get be blocked
- Leaves a residue on the skin
5. Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
The Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellant will provide you with good protection from nasty biting and stinging insects that spoil your outdoor activities.
An all-natural product, the Cutter insect repellent is a great choice if you are worried about spraying chemicals on your skin as it is a safe DEET-free spray. It is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree. It creates a barrier against mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus. Also, it protects against ticks. The spray lasts up to six hours and has a fresh, clean lemon smell.
Although this spray is not recommended as a “regular” insect repellent, it is perfect for repelling annoying insects at the camp-site. Or while you cheer on your favorite sport’s team.
You can even use this repellant around your home as a bug deterrent and as an air freshener. Just spray it on the door or window frames every few weeks for overall insect protection.
The Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellent pump spray bottle is available in a one-pack and a six-pack.
Pros
- All-natural
- DEET-free
- Good insect protection
- Creates a barrier against mosquitos and ticks
- Ideal for camping or watching a sport’s game
- Nice fresh lemon smell
- Can use it as an air freshener spray at home
Cons
- Not very effective in areas that have heavy mosquito infestations
- May cause some irritation for people with sensitive skin
6. Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme DEET-Free Insect Repellent
Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme DEET-Free Insect Repellent is a great natural choice for long-lasting protection against ticks and mosquitoes. The family-friendly spray can provide up to four hours of continuous protection against mosquitoes. Up to 2.5 hours for ticks, and it can also repel black flies and gnats.
The insect repellent spray is made from pure, natural essential oils. This includes cedarwood, citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. This is good for the eco-minded outdoor lover or for those people who suffer from sensitive skin. As well as being highly effective against those stinging insects that can ruin a vacation, it smells pretty good too.
The handy 8-ounce bottle is the perfect choice for backpacking along the Appalachian Trail. Also perfect for when you are gardening, or for a quick application for the kids when they are playing in the yard. The spray is safe for children. However, do not apply the repellent to their hands in case they accidentally transfer the product to their mouth and eyes.
Pros
- Very good repellent
- Eco-friendly
- Repels mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, and gnats
- Good alternative to chemical-based repellents
- Pleasant smell
- Ideal for travelers
Cons
- Not ideal for wet skin
- Not powerful enough to be used as a “regular” repellent
Our Top Pick for the Best Insect Repellent
Our top pick for the best insect repellent is the Natrapel 12-Hour Insect Repellent Continuous Spray.
Besides giving you the choice of a more natural alternative to chemical-based repellents, Natrapel provides long-lasting protection for mosquitoes that can carry deadly diseases like the Zika virus, as well as repelling ticks, gnats, sandflies, and black flies.
The eco-spray design gives you even coverage in a continuous spray, without releasing any harmful aerosols into the environment. You can also use the repellent on synthetic clothing and camping gear.
Check the price on Amazon
