The dreaded mosquito season is here. With those little pests ready to pounce, it's time to stock up on effective mosquito repellents, because if you've ever had your outdoor fun ruined by itchy bites, you know how important it is to have the right protection. And that doesn't mean buying the bottle with the cutest or most "natural"-sounding label. To get the best protection, you have to match the right repellent to your situation.
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DEET and picaridin are the heavy hitters, offering longer-lasting, broader protection. According to REI, DEET is widely studied and effective, but can damage plastics and synthetic gear. Picaridin, on the other hand, works comparably to DEET for mosquitoes and ticks, works better on flies, has minimal odor and does not damage plastics.
Plant-oil repellents can still be useful, but are not all the same. REI says synthesized plant oils, including oil of lemon eucalyptus, don't last quite as long as DEET or picaridin, but can work against mosquitoes and some ticks. Non-synthesized plant oils, such as citronella, lemongrass and peppermint, generally need to be applied more frequently — and note that they aren't EPA regulated for safety or effectiveness.
In this article: Repel 100 Mosquito and Insect Repellent, Sawyer Products SP5432 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray, 20%, Pump and Murphy's Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray
Shop the list below for options made with DEET, picaridin, and plant oils so you can repel mosquitoes all summer.
Repel 100 Mosquito and Insect Repellent
This spray uses 98.11% DEET, so it protects against mosquitoes for up to 10 hours, along with coverage for ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas. The bottle is only four ounces, making it easy to take with you on hikes and while traveling.
Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent
This packable aerosol is good for longer outdoor days, especially when you're sweating. Its 25% DEET formula offers a dry-feel finish and up to 10 hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, chiggers and fleas.
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol
This two-pack is made for busy, outdoors-loving households. Each 4-ounce aerosol can contains 25% DEET that protects against bites from mosquitoes that may carry the Zika, Dengue or West Nile viruses plus ticks that may cause Lyme disease, biting flies, gnats and chiggers.
Sawyer Products SP5432 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray, 20%, Pump
This non-greasy formula is fragrance-free and safe to use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line and firearm finishes. The pump spray lasts up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to eight hours against flies, gnats and chiggers.
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol with 20% Picaridin 2-Pack
This spray offers a less-sticky option for everyday mosquito defense. It's a lightweight, nongreasy, fragrance-free picaridin misting spray that protects against mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies.
Sawyer Products SP5762 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
Sawyer’s picaridin-based spray provides long-lasting, effective protection from mosquitoes and ticks. It's a nongreasy, odorless, pleasant alternative to DEET that's great for hiking, camping and other summer activities.
NATPAT Buzz Patch Mosquito Patch Stickers for Kids
These patches offer an alternative to sprays, which is handy for kids who hate standing still for application. You get a 48-pack of plant-based citronella-scented patches made from natural materials that are fun for toddlers and kids.
Murphy's Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray
This spray uses 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus, which can be used on exposed skin, clothing or outdoor gear for up to six hours of mosquito protection. This two-pack comes with a pair of 4-ounce pump bottles.
Enjoy up to three hours of DEET-free plant-based protection from mosquitos and other biting insects with Badger's organic bug spray. The formula is safe for toddlers and young kids, making it a great option to tote along on camping trips, hikes and visits to the beach.
Cliganic 10-Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
These mosquito repellent bracelets offer a convenient, hands-free way to stay protected. They're DEET-free and come individually wrapped to stay fresh until you use them. Perfect for outdoor activities, these bands offer all-day protection without needing to reapply any sprays or lotions.
Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller with 20’ Mosquito Protection Zone
For those spending time in the yard, the Thermacell E-Series Mosquito Repeller creates a 20-foot protection zone around your space, keeping mosquitoes away without the need for sprays or scented candles.
Thermacell Mosquito Portable Repeller
This portable Thermacell repeller provides up to 15 feet of protection against mosquitoes, with a 12-hour refill for long-lasting coverage.
Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent E-Series Rechargeable Repeller
For a no-fuss, no-mess option for your patio, the Thermacell Patio Shield provides a 10-foot protection zone, perfect for small outdoor spaces like balconies or porches.
Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Patio Shield
This model offers a 15-foot protection zone for larger patios that's rechargeable and scent-free, creating a comfortable outdoor environment without the need for sprays or candles.
SUMMIT CHEMICAL CO 117-6 30OZ Mosquito Bits
Prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard with Mosquito Bits. These granules target larvae in standing water, eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds in ponds, birdbaths and puddles.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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