The dreaded mosquito season is almost here. With those little pests ready to pounce, it's time to stock up on effective 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: Ranger Ready Repellents Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray with Scent Zero, Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent and OFF! Deep Woods Sportsmen Insect Repellent Aerosol
Shop the list below for options made with DEET, picaridin, and plant oils so you can repel mosquitoes all summer.
Ranger Ready Repellents Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray with Scent Zero
This spray uses 20% picaridin in an 8-ounce bottle, so it protects against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours, with eight-hour coverage for gnats, flies, chiggers, no-see-ums and fleas.
Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent 18% OFF
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 Sportsmen Insect Repellent Aerosol
This four-pack is made for busy, outdoors-loving households. Each 6-ounce aerosol can contains 30% DEET that protects against mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, sand flies, no-see-ums, flies, ticks, chiggers and fleas.
Ben's Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent 6-oz. Continuous Spray
Ben’s is for clothes and gear, not a skin spray. It uses 0.5% permethrin, which bonds to fabric fibers for up to two weeks, even through several wash cycles. The continuous spray provides even coverage as you spray it.
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Misting Spray
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 SP543 Premium Insect Repellent
Sawyer’s picaridin-based spray provides long-lasting, effective protection from mosquitoes and ticks. It's a nongreasy, pleasant alternative to DEET that's great for hiking, camping and other summer activities.
NATPAT Buzz Patch Mosquito Patch Stickers for Kids 16% OFF
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.
Leavold Mosquito Repellent Spray for Body 28% OFF
This two-pack of travel-sized sprays uses lemongrass oil, geraniol oil and geranium oil for a DEET-free and dye-free body spray that leaves no residue. The small bottles are also easy to carry when traveling or camping.
Cliganic 25-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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