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Amanda Caprito
For any outdoor trip, whether camping or talk in your houseyou should always protect yourself with bug spray. This is especially important if you are traveling to a country where malaria is common diseases are spread by mosquitoesaccording to the CDC, which recommends that you only use repellents approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using repellents that do not contain 30% DEET or other EPA-approved repellents.
To help narrow down your search for the best bug spray, we tested 20 wipes, lotions, sprays and DEET-free bug repellents from a variety of brands for those hot South Florida days.
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When you’re somewhere so hot you start to sweat when you open your back door, adding an extra layer just won’t do. Cutter Dry insect repellent is the best insect repellent in terms of feel.
The aerosol spray sprays evenly and evenly, and the formula dries instantly on your skin. You don’t have to apply this color all over your skin.
The bottle says unscented, but Cutter Dry has a slight scent. It’s not as overpowering as many other sprays, however, and it won’t last.
Formulated with 10% DEET, this insect repellent works in many areas. I would consider taking something stronger, like a 20% or 30% DEET repellent, for backpacking trips in caravan sites.
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If you prefer to avoid aerosol spraying, Proven makes a picaridin repellent. Picaridin is a compound made from piperine, a compound found in the family of plants that produce black pepper. It doesn’t smell like DEET, and according to some research, picaridin is also effective in repelling bugs like DEET.
Proven picaridin pump spray is the only one that I found to be odorless when I tried it. I would probably look crazy to onlookers if they saw me smelling my skin and clothes to catch the whiff of this stuff.
At the pump, it doesn’t have a bad texture – plus, it burns light and I only need to apply it a little. It absorbed quickly. Of all the sprays I’ve used in my life, this was my first time trying Proven, and I might buy it in the future.
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For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, lemon repellent is a great way to prevent bed bugs and their bites. I tried several different eucalyptus lemon balm products, and Natrapel came out on top.
Without these two chemicals that have been proven to repel insects, it is natural to think that bug sprays are not as effective as DEET- or picaridin-containing ones. The CDC and EPA discover eucalyptus oil as an insect repellent. A bottle of Natrapel claims to provide six hours of protection versus eight to 12 hours in DEET and the chemical picaridin.
However, if you don’t mind using it frequently, Natrapel aerosol or pump spray is a good option. Although the ingredient is oil, this bug spray doesn’t feel as oily as you might expect. It’s a little harder to apply than DEET and picaridin sprays, but it’s not bad at all. Both types of bottles are easy to spray. Plus, the flavor is good (if you like lemon balm).
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I am very concerned about this permethrin insect repellent from Sawyer. I sprayed all my patio furniture with asphalt covering my home gym equipment. Permethrin is an insect repellent designed for use on clothing and equipment – it should not be used on the skin or on clothing while wearing it. Seriously, listen to the safety instructions.
Aerosol permethrin produces a clear, visible, rapid spray. I easily covered my outdoor furniture with this in seconds. Pump spray is not effective but it is good.
Although the bottles claim that this product is fragrance free, I did notice a slight scent while using the spray. The smell was similar to spray paint but less so. These bottles aren’t something I’d want to carry around — they’re big — so I recommend spraying your gear before going camping or any other outdoor adventure.
Sawyer’s permethrin spray lasts up to six weeks or six washes.
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Not a fan of sprinkles? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Like the Proven pump spray, the fragrance-free lotion has no scent. The “scented” lotion smells so good I would have used it as a regular lotion if I didn’t know it was an insect repellent!
This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the pump spray. The perfect size, these bottles are easy to carry with you, and the small bottle is perfect for traveling on a plane.
Personally, I think lotions are great for traveling and backpacking because they absorb into the skin better. I feel like I can’t break a sweat on hot, busy days.
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For a portable insect repellent, try wipes. I love Ben’s 30% DEET wipes because I know they’re effective and they’re easy to take anywhere. You can take insect repellant wipes on the plane, toss a few in your bag for the unexpected and equip yourself with light protection for most outdoor trips. On Amazon, you can find four packs of 12 wipes.
Wipes are also great if you don’t like to spray or rub lotion on your skin — instead of applying dirt to your skin with a spray, these wipes clean your skin and increase insect protection. Wipes also make it easier to protect your skin and prevent damage to your clothes. (At high concentrations, DEET can leave marks on some fabrics.)
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Natrapel also fights with picaridin disinfectant wipes. This formula contains 20% picaridin and is fragrance-free and provides up to 12 hours of protection.
Like Ben’s wipes, these are very portable and can fit into almost any type of pack you want to carry. It’s a total win-win.
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The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have about any medical condition or health goal.
