Best Bug Repellents
You’re going on a romantic star gazing date with your boyfriend, a picnic lunch at the lake with your best friend and her family or an awesome bonfire at the beach where you hope to run into your crush. You know there will be plenty of mosquitoes around, so how do you protect yourself without stinking it up?
DEET is actually the best repellent available. It’s recommended to have at least 20%, but more than 30% isn’t necessary, in the formula. Products containing 20% Picaridin or 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) are also effective. Most products made with natural plant oils, such as citronella, lemongrass, cedar or peppermint are ineffective.
Here are some more pleasing scents that can repel the little irritants that might just be worth a try.
The Journal of Insect Science actually claims that this fruity-floral scent wards off certain mosquitoes better than most natural repellents and almost as much as DEET.
The same study claims that this moisturizing product will keep certain mosquitoes away for 120 minutes (so you’ll have to reapply if you’re outside for more than 2 hours).
There’s a new guy in town, Picaridin is a DEET alternative that’s better for you and almost as effective. Sawyer has formulated this product rather well.
Also containing Picaridin, this product is effective at repelling the little buggers, however, it does leave your skin feeling sticky, so it may not be your number one choice.
If you’re curious to try Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, then this is the best product out there, however, it does have a pretty potent citronella/cypress smell.
Since DEET is the most effective product at warding off irritants, it should be worn if you’re venturing out for long periods of time or need more significant protection. These products offer the greatest protection even though they do have a very strong smell:
Most Effective Insect Repellents:
