OFF!® Sportsmen Deep Woods® Insect Repellent 3 (30% DEET): The rapid speed of distribution from the nozzle meant we had to spray a line before applying with our hands, negating the convenience of using a spray repellent. We also noticed this product left a greasy layer that took some time to be absorbed. And we found the strong DEET odor unpleasant (as did mosquitos, apparently, with zero bites recorded through testing). Whether you’re a bona fide mosquito magnet, an outdoors enthusiast, or just after a safe repellent option for your family, the market is flooded with bug repellent options. DEET vs. non-DEET? Spray vs cream application? Essential oils vs synthetic chemicals? Odorless vs scented?

The OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent II (5% picaridin) takes the spot as the best overall mosquito repellent because it earned a perfect five-star rating for its performance, coverage, ease of use, smell, and value. Because it contains picaridin as its main ingredient, it will offer protection from mosquitoes without the greasy feeling that you may experience with DEET products. Allergic reactions and serious side effects are rare. However, rash, mild irritation, urticaria (itching), and skin eruptions have been reported.Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients. EPA. Accessed Dec. 12, 2022 at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients Fight the Bite for Protection from Malaria. Guidelines for DEET Insect Repellent Use. CDC. Fact Sheet. Accessed Dec. 12, 2022 at https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/toolkit/deet.pdf As far as lotion mosquito repellents go, the Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is at the top of our list. Not only does it last 14 hours, but it also doesn’t fade or sweat off with use, making it a great choice for long days outside. Because it’s a lotion, it was easy for us to tell if we missed a spot when we were applying it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insect repellents help prevent malaria and other diseases spread by mosquitoes. Electronics Tech All Electronics Tvs Wifi Routers Gaming Consoles Streaming Devices Instant Cameras Handheld Gaming Consoles 3D Printers

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. The experts we consulted agree, look for the DEET, picaridin and IR3535 for the most effective repellents. They also note that the dilution is important, and for high-concentration mosquito areas, you should look for 10% to 30% active ingredients. For a short stint outdoors, try lower concentrations.The ultrasonic device has an impressive six-month battery life and is super lightweight, so it won’t weigh you down or take up any space while you’re golfing or hiking. It also features a very simple indicator light that goes out when the device needs to be charged—you’ll always know whether your device is charged and working properly to protect you. When selecting a mosquito repellent, it’s important to consider who will be using the product and whether or not they have any allergies to the ingredients, says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, an associate-certified entomologist and technical specialist at Mosquito Joe. The CDC does not recommend using combination repellent and sunscreen products because the sunscreen will need to be applied more often than the repellent, and excessive use of the repellent may lead to side effects. It's best to apply each product separately; first the sunscreen then the insect repellent. Follow the reapplication and safe use instructions for each product.

The Ultrathon range is available in an eye catching 60ml lotion or a convenient 125ml spray. It comes in two formulas, 25 per cent DEET content for day-long protection of up to 8 hours or 34 per cent DEET content for extended protection of up to 12 hours. There are a handful of common ingredients that are found in most bug repellents on the market. The most common ingredient is DEET. The yellow liquid is the best at keeping away flies and pests and, although it was originally tested as a pesticide in the 1970s, it has been deemed safe for human use in small quantities. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors. Frequent reapplication is usually not needed. We asked testers to use the product on at least five occasions and record their observations, including how long the effectiveness of the repellent seemed to last, if the tester experienced any bug bites, and if the scent or feel of the product on the skin was notable or unpleasant. SVHC is a substance (identified by the European Chemicals Agency) that may have serious and often irreversible effects on human health and the environment. SVHC are defined in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (“the REACH Regulation”) and include substances which are:

Can I use DEET and a sunscreen at the same time?

University of Florida, IFAS Extension. Natural products for managing landscape and garden pests in Florida. A study from Harvard looking at DEET use as a protectant from Zika virus found that it is safe with few side effects if used properly. Several expert researchers also agree. Our experts don’t recommend using mosquito repellents with essential oils as the main ingredient—they won’t be as long-lasting as CDC- and EPA-approved active ingredients. “Essential oils as specific repellents, that’s not their labeled use,” Brown says. “And either they don’t work or they don’t last long enough to provide significant protection.” The EPA publishes a tool to help consumers determine the best possible choices for skin-applied insect repellents. The tool allows you to specify:

We tested this bug repellent on park outings and used it for a long day of yard work. It earns high marks for effectiveness, keeping us protected from any bug bites, even despite exposure to sweat. The lotion formula was as easy to apply as sunscreen, although we wish it were a little less greasy upon application. However, the greasy feeling went away within about an hour. Hair Care Wellness All Hair Care Shampoos Purple Shampoos Thinning Hair Head Shavers Flat Irons Hair Dryers We appreciated that the lotion didn’t leave behind that signature bug spray smell, which was nice when wearing it for a full day outside. We also loved that the bottle fits easily into our hand and was easy to transport when we were headed out for the next adventure. With 6 ounces of product, we felt like this was a fair value for a long-lasting mosquito repellent that performed well. Brown says to follow the label instructions on your mosquito repellent. Different types of repellents will have varying instructions on how to apply. Some repellents, like lotions, need to be rubbed in, while others can simply be sprayed onto your skin.

What are the most common diseases caused by insects?

After spending several hours outside for multiple days, we didn’t experience any mosquito bites while using this repellent. While the label states the product offers up to 14 hours of protection, we did find that we had to reapply it within a few hours after sweating while doing yard work. OLE is registered with the EPA, and is available as a spray. It can cause eye irritation so use caution. Do not consume (swallow) by mouth. It creates a 20-foot-zone of protection against mosquitoes, but it’s scent-free and quiet, so you’ll barely notice it’s there. All you’ll have to do is pop it into the corner of your space and take advantage of the bug-free zone. A 9-hour battery life ensures it’ll last the length of an entire barbecue. We also really like that it can be recharged rapidly via micro USB (and can still function while charging). The mosquito repellents on our list offer anywhere from three to 14 hours of protection from mosquitoes when applied correctly. When selecting a mosquito repellent, consider how long you will be outside to determine how many hours of protection you’ll need—also whether you are employing other deterrents like mosquito traps.