My current nine picks to keep the pests away.
Bugs love me. It doesn’t matter where I am—mountains, beach, even the city—they will find me. So bug repellent is one of my “musts.”
What do I consider when picking a bug repellent? My skin’s sensitivity and how dangerous the insect situation is where I’m going.
The CDC, Environmental Protection Agency, World Health Organization, and Environmental Working Group all recommend DEET-based products for heavy-duty protection against a wide range of pests. While the chemical concentration may vary by product (usually between 10 and 98 percent), formulas that contain at least 30 percent DEET are the most effective. A higher DEET concentration doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get better protection, it just means you’ll be protected for a longer period of time.
Picaridin- and IR3535-based products are also EPA-approved options that provide long-lasting protection against bugs. Picaridin is actually considered more effective against flies than DEET.
There are also natural and organic bug sprays—some are made with synthesized plant oils such as oil of lemon eucalyptus while others are made with natural plant oils such as soybean, lemongrass, citronella, and cedar—that are good for people with sensitive skin. Natural plant oils are not registered with the EPA, which means while they’re safe to use, they aren’t as effective as the other three ingredients.
Here are the nine insect repellents I hope will keep bugs away this spring and summer.
Repel 100 Insect Repellant ($7.50)
This heavy-duty insect repellent contains 98 percent DEET and is extremely efficient on mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, no-see-ums, and fleas. It’s very strong; a good choice if you’re heading to areas with severe insect conditions.
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent ($15)
Permethrin kills ticks, chiggers, mites, mosquitoes, and 55 (!) more types of bugs. I spray the outer layer of my clothing, tent, sleeping bag, and other gear with this bug repellent spray and allow it to dry before contact with my skin. A single application provides protection up to six washings or 42 days of sun exposure.
Ben’s 30 DEET Tick and Insect Repellent ($10.50)
At 30% this DEET-based pump spray provides maximum efficacy; it protects against mosquitoes and ticks, making it a good choice for camping or hiking in the mountains. For maximum protection, use in combination with permethrin-treated clothing.
California Baby Bug Natural Repellent Spray ($10)
This baby-friendly non-toxic bug spray is an effective alternative to other chemical-based products. It’s made with citronella, cedar, and lemongrass oils and is free of synthetic fragrances.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent ($5)
This DEET-free, lemon eucalyptus–based spray repels mosquitoes—which may transmit Chikungunya, Zika, Dengue, and West Nile viruses, along with malaria—and deer ticks for up to six hours. Note: While its active ingredient is plant-derived, the FDA doesn’t recommend it for children under three because it may cause skin irritation.
Natrapel 12-Hour Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent ($9)
This product’s active ingredient is picaridin, which while relatively new in the U.S., has been used for two decades in Europe as a bug repellent. It’s considered especially effective against flies and the 20 percent concentration (the maximum allowed) protects for up to 12 hours.
All Terrain Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent ($9)
This DEET and GMO-free natural insect repellent contains soybean, citronella, peppermint, cedar, lemongrass, and geranium oil, which won’t damage your clothing or gear. Note: It should be reapplied every two to three hours.
Proven Insect Repellent ($13)
This DEET-free Picaridin spray offers protection for up to 12 hours against mosquitos, ticks, ants, and gnats.
OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent ($8.75/2)
This insect repellent’s powder-dry formula doesn’t leave an oily or greasy residue while protecting against mosquitos, biting flies, gnats, and ticks.
Twist’s Take: These nine insect repellents will keep the bugs away while you play.
