In this article, we have listed the best mosquito repellents on the market to help you choose the most ideal mosquito repellent based on these main criteria – Application method, protection time, active ingredient, and budget.
Mosquito repellent comes in a few versions – Spray, Lotion, Wipes, Candles, Bracelets, Coil, Electrical Ultrasonic and there are also many natural plants with repellent essences. Some works better than others.
Here’s what we recommend when choosing the best mosquito repellent for use:
Picking the Best Mosquito Repellent
- Repellents with 15 to 30% deet, 20% picaridin, or 30% OLE work best.
- Avoid repellent products made with natural plant oils (i.e citronella, lemongrass oil, cedar oil) as they are not as effective if you are looking for a highly effective one.
- Opt for repellents that are registered with the EPA, as they have been tested for safety and effectiveness (look for its registration number “EPA Reg.” on the back of the label).
>> Related article: Best Mosquito Killers
| Product | Ingredient | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Repellent | DEET | Check Price |
| 2 | Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Repellent | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | Check Price |
| 3 | Repel 94100 Sportsmen Repellent Wipes | DEET | Check Price |
| 4 | Sawyer Products Premium Repellent | Picaridin | Check Price |
| 5 | Sawyer Products Premium Clothing Repellent | Permethrin | Check Price |
| 6 | Natrapel 12 Hour Mosquito Repellent Pump | Picaridin | Check Price |
| 7 | Ben’s 30% DEET Repellent Wipes | DEET | Check Price |
| 8 | Ultrathon Mosquito Repellent Lotion | DEET | Check Price |
| 9 | OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Repellent Wipes | DEET | Check Price |
| 10 | Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repellent | Classified | Check Price |
>> A Quick Note About DEET
DEET might be synthetic but it’s really effective and has been used for decades. No other product has been tested for safety and effectiveness in repelling insects more than DEET. DEET is also the only type of repellent that the CDC recommends for tick protection.
The downside to DEET is that it can damage fabrics, surfaces and on materials like rubber, plastic, spandex, leather, vinyl and even paint.
Side-note: Insect repellents that use deet ranges from 4% to 100% concentration. Tests have shown that concentrations of 30% provides the same protection as repellents with higher concentrations. Higher concentrations of deet can actually lead to rashes, disorientation, and seizures.
>> A Quick Note About Picaridin
Picaridin is another synthetic repellent that works effectively at keeping mosquitoes at bay for extended periods of time.
A repellent with 20% picaridin can repel mosquitoes for up to 8 hours and does not damage your belongings the way DEET can.
Side-note: The CDC recommends sticking to DEET if you’re going to be in a tick-heavy area. Picaridin may also protect against ticks.
Tips On Using Insect Repellent
- Apply repellents only to exposed skin or clothing (not underneath clothing). Use just enough, heavy applications don’t work better.
- Avoid application over wounds, cuts or sensitive skin. Also avoid applying immediately after shaving or taking a bath.
- For application on the face, apply spray on hands before rubbing in. Use repellent sparingly around the ears, and avoid the eyes and mouth.
- Apply repellent on your own hands before applying on young children. Avoid use of repellent on your children’s hands, because they often put it in their eyes and mouths.
- Don’t use near food, and wash hands after application and before eating or drinking.
- At the end of the day, wash treated skin with soap and water. Wash treated clothes in a separate wash before wearing again.
1) OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Repellent
The OFF! Deep Woods Repellent is a powdery base repellent formulated with DEET as the leading active ingredient,
It contains 25% DEET which provides up to 8 hours of protection.
Aerosol spray allows for easy application in a continuous sweeping motion where the repellent dries instantly on skin and leaves an invisible finish.
- Easy to apply
- Up to 8 hours protection (Formulated with 25% DEET)
- Repels other biting insects too (i.e. mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, sand flies, chiggers, and gnats).
- Can take up space if travelling
2) Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent
The Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent contains 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus (naturally derived) and 45% ethanol. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of only two non-DEET chemicals approved by the CDC.
It’s an effective DEET-free repellent that works effective with mosquito (Lemon Eucalyptus doesn’t really work as well repelling black flies, ticks, or chiggers). As such, it’s an awesome alternative for those uncomfortable or allergic with DEET.
Can give off quite a (persistent) smell that’s too strong for some to accept (despite having no fragrance ingredient), hence be sure to avoid applying this in small enclosed space like an elevator or a car.
- Protection up to 4- 6 hours
- DEET-free
- EPA-registered
- Does not contain fragrances
- Smell might be too strong (or smelly) to some
- Lasting smell
- Might attract bees (due to Lemon Eucalyptus)
Tips: The effectiveness will wear off before the smell does. Reapply the oil at regular intervals every four to six hours (or after coming out of water).
Tip 2: Apply enough of the oil instead of stretching it too thin (you with get used to the smell).
[May: Apply this repellent like you would when applying sunscreen. Be sure to cover the entire area to be protected as well.]
>> For family version: REPEL HG-94136-1 Scented Family Formula
3) Repel 94100 Sportsmen Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes
The Repel 94100 Repellent Wipe is designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts.
It contains 30% DEET and provides wipe-on protection that repels mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, gnats and fleas
It comes in a travel size pack that is flexible and makes on-the-go application easy. The new convenient flexible pouch reseals well without causing the wipe to lose any potency.
- EPA-registered
- Non-offensive smell
- Easy to bring around
- Up to 10 hour protection
- Also repels ticks, chiggers and biting flies
- Convenient resealable pouch
- Not individually-wrapped (nit picking here)
>> Consider treating clothing, backpacks, shoes and even entrance of tents with a permethrin-based spray when doing outdoor activities like hiking or camping.
[May: 1 pack of the wipe lasted the three of us 3 days in Costa Rica and pre-treated our clothes with Sawyer permethrin spray with about 1/3 of the Repel MAX spray.]
4) Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent (with 20% Picaridin)
The Sawyer Products Premium Repellent features a 20% Picaridin mixture that is highly effective at deterring a wide array of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, sand flies, biting flies, chiggers, gnats and fleas.
It can be used on skin as well clothing, outdoor gear, backpacks, fishing line, plastics, or other synthetic fabrics (something deet-based repellents can’t offer).
The long-lasting topical spray is effective for up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks (14 hours for lotion). Both the spray and lotion also provide up to 8 hours against gnats, chiggers, sand flies and biting flies.
- No oily residue
- Long coverage
- Safe to use on clothing
- Smell not as strong as DEET-based repellent
- Repels other insects too
- Needs to cover entire body spot to have full protection
- Pump spray bottle can be hard to self-apply
5) Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Mosquito Repellent
As the name suggests, the Sawyer Premium Permethrin Clothing Repellent is designed to treat ‘items’ like clothes and gears, in addition to the skin protection (above).
It features non-toxic active ingredient Permethrin, the synthetic version of pyrethrum (a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum).
It’s odorless after drying and does not stain or damage fabrics, clothing, plastics or outdoor gear. Each application can last up to six washings.
Sweating and exposure to water will not significantly deteriorate the Permethrin application. However, movement in the washing machine causes agitation that will deteriorates the application by knocking the molecules loose from the fabric (hence, re-apply after wash).
How to Apply
Sawyer recommends treating clothes and gear outdoors in a well ventilated area.
Apply spray lightly on the garment with a slow sweeping motion, keeping the distance of about 6 – 8″ away and applying spray to each side of the treatment garment for about half a min.
Do not add Sawyer Permethrin into the washing machine for treatment — it should be sprayed directly onto clothing and gear.
Coverage
Single application lasts up to 40 days of sun exposure (or 6 washings).
24-ounce: treats up to 4 complete outfits.
12-ounce: treats up to 2 complete outfits.
9-ounce: treats 1 complete outfit.
* A complete outfit includes a top, a pants, and pair of socks (each garment needs 3 ounces of Permethrin to be effective).
- Odourless after drying
- Last up to 4 – 6 weeks
- DEET-free
- Not only repels but also kills
- Does not stain clothes and gear
- Needs to apply in advance before use
>> Available in 12-ounce & 24-ounce trigger spray bottles and 9-ounce aerosol spray
Tip: Opt to wash by hands and air dry in order to help preserve application. For washing machine option, be sure to select gentle wash and go for dry cycles. Also consider storing treated garments in dark containers or plastic bags between uses to further help preserve application.
Tip 2: Permethrin-treated clothing and fabric should be used in conjunction with a skin-based repellent such as Sawyer’s Picaridin.
Note: Treat clothing and let it dry for at least 2 hours (4 hours in humid conditions) before wearing.
6) Natrapel 12 Hour Eco-Spray Insect Repellent
The Natrapel mosquito spray uses a (CDC-recommended) 20% Picaridin formula. It provides 12+ hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects.
Like other products that uses picaridin formulations, it gives off a light and flowery scent which eventually goes away.
Unlike DEET-base repellents, it is safe to use on clothings, gears, jackets, fishing line, and other synthetic materials.
- CDC-recommended formula
- Protect the whole group
- Safe on gears
- Long lasting coverage
- Made in the USA
- Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin in tropical heat and humidity
7) Ben’s 30% DEET Mosquito Repellent Wipes
The Ben’s DEET mosquito repellentoffers up to 8 hours of effective protection with their unique formula that is made to provide longer lasting repellent thanks to its slow evaporating formula that has minimal absorption by the skin.
Its wipes are individually wrapped and uses the minimum DEET concentration recommended by the CDC for protection against mosquitoes, ticks and biting insects.
- Lasting protection
- Small portable size
- Fragrance free
- Individually Wrapped
- Can leave slight greasy and shiny coating on skin
>> Check out the spray version here
[May: wipes are most ideal in terms of application on toddlers. Keep a few packets in the car or backpack when going to the playground.]
8) Ultrathon Mosquito Repellent Lotion
The Ultrathon Mosquito Repellent is an effective lotion developed by 3M to provide up to 12 hours of repellent against mosquitoes and other insects thanks to the unique Time Release Technology by 3M.
It was developed for the US Military back in the 80s and has been used to current day. It is formulated using 34.34% DEET for extreme protection against common biting pests like mosquitoes, gnat, fleas, ticks, chiggers, deer flies and even biting flies.
- Time Release Protection
- Splash and Sweat Resistant
- Military Tested
9) OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Repellent Wipes (Individually Wrapped)
The Deep Woods Mosquito Repellent Towelettes by OFF! Is formulated to provide a long-lasting protection against mosquitos and other bugs like gnats and biting flies, even in harsh environments.
Each wipe is individually wrapped and can last up to 6 hours of repellent protection.
It is formulated to be non greasy and is able to resist perspiration.
- Perspiration Resistant
- Non Greasy
- Individually wrapped
10) Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repellent
This portable Mosquito Repellent by Thermacell is an advanced outdoor repellent that keeps mosquitoes away by creating an invisible barrier that deters mosquitoes from entering the 15 feet protection zone.
It has passed evaluation by the EPA for product safety and mosquito repellent effectiveness. It is equipped with a ZoneCheck feature that can be viewed using its built-in LED light monitor.
It fits comfortably in the hand and the rubber-armoured exterior gives it a rugged feel and protects the device. It also comes with mounting slots and a belt clip for easy carrying around.
Every Thermacell product comes with a 1-year guarantee.
- 15-ft Area of Protection
- No chemicals
- No scent
- No mess
- Easy to use
- A fuel cartridge and 3 repellent mats can only last 12 hours
Common Questions
Can Repellent be worn with Sunscreen? Yes. Apply the sunscreen before applying the repellent (it is always a good practice to wait 5 – 10 mins before applying the repellent).
There are also repellents in the market with sunscreen protection formula (i.e. Sawyer Stay-Put Stay-Put Sunscreen Lotion).
Lotion vs Spray Repellent – Which is better? Lotions last considerably longer than sprays due to evaporation of the repellent. However, sprays have the advantage of being able to be applied to clothing (even on skin).
>> Related article: Best Mozzie Killer Spray
Things to Note:
- If you suspect product cause skin reactions (in rare cases), discontinue use and wash treated skin.
- Mosquitos can bite through clothes, hence be sure to apply repellent on clothes as well.
[May: I did some searching online and it seems like no study can conclusively prove why some people are attractive to mosquitoes more than others.]
Over to you…
Which type of repellent do you generally go for? Have you tried any of the listed mosquito repellent? Or have we missed out any awesome ones? Leave a comment and let us know!