According to Consumers, the Most Effective Insect Repellents
When the weather starts to warm up, it is mosquito and tick season. Here are the best insect sprays you can buy to keep out mosquitoes and ticks.
DEET has long been the most effective ingredient in insect sprays, but there are some new ingredients that can be just as effective or even more effective. Consumer Reports did extensive testing – shown in the video above – with live mosquitoes to see which products worked best. Here are some things to look out for before going on a hike:
- Best Choice: Sawyer Fisherman’s Formula with 20% Picaridin.
- Second Place: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus with 30% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil.
- WITH DEET: Push the family away with 15% DEET and OFF! Deep Woods with 25% DEET .
Keep in mind that there is a lot of controversy about whether DEET is bad for you (skin irritation is the most common side effect). DEET is generally safe for most people over the age of 3. However, if you are interested in avoiding DEET, there are definitely some effective options available at the moment. Just make sure you always follow the directions given for insect repellents. Some of them can be corrosive and can damage your eyes and even clothing. If you’re looking for a great, no-spray mosquito repellant, an outdoor fan is more effective than you think . You can read more about testing at the link below.
What Really Helps With Insect Bites | Consumer reports