The 4 Best Bug Repellents (Thank Me Later)

When the weather is nice, nothing beats being outdoors. That is, until the mosquitos, gnats and other insects start to pester you.

The 4 Best Bug Repellents (Thank Me Later)

Insect bits can be painful, itchy and sore. They can ruin a vacation or a hike, or even make sitting in your backyard feel like hard work.

Insect bites can also be dangerous. You might experience an allergic reaction or extreme swelling. Insect bites can get infected and become septic.

Some insects like mosquitoes carry harmful viruses and diseases that can be transmitted via bites.

This is why it is always a good idea to try and avoid insect bites wherever possible.

We have put together our recommendations for the top 4 bug repellents to keep you protected from insect bites.

Keep reading to find the product that will be best suited to you.

1. OFF! Family Care Insect Repellent Smooth & Dry

This insect repellent has a powder dry formula which will protect you from insects without leaving your skin feeling sticky or wet.

It isn’t oily or greasy either, just nice and smooth and quickly absorbed into the skin.

It can also be sprayed directly onto clothing without staining or damaging the fabric – even cotton and wool garments.

This means that you can spray your hats, socks, shirts, pants, shoes, and more.

This insect spray will repel mosquitos, biting flies, gnats, ticks, fleas and chiggers.

If you like to spend a lot of time outdoors and you want to avoid being bitten by an insect then this spray will certainly do the trick.

It is suitable for the whole family to use and can be applied easily using a sweeping motion of the aerosol spray can.

You can also try the OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Repellent if you are going to an area where mosquitos are known to be a problem.

2. Repel Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Pump Spray

One application of this bug repellent will repel mosquitos for up to 6 hours. It creates a barrier on your skin to prevent the mosquitos from landing on you biting you.

This protects you from contracting harmful viruses such as Zika, West Nile virus, or chikungunya. It is DEET free and uses natural ingredients to repel the bugs.

It is scented with lemon oil and eucalyptus oil for a refreshing smell that bugs will hate but you will love.

Whether you are relaxing in your backyard or hiking up a mountain, this insect repellent has got you covered.

The spray is easy to apply and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy. It works for hours and is suitable to be used on children over 3 years of age.

3. Hello Bello Organic Bug Spray

This organic bug repellent is DEET free and hypoallergenic.

It repels bugs for up to 6 hours, which means you don’t have to worry about reapplying the spray often. It also means that the product will last you a long time.

It is safe to be used on children and you can even apply it to your pets – dogs can be bothered by mosquitos too!

You can also spray it directly onto your tent, backpack, fishing gear, and even some clothing.

This formula is carefully tested to ensure that it will be gentle on your skin. If you want a bug repellent that the whole family can use then this is the perfect choice.

4. Everspring Essential Oil Insect Repellent Spray

This bug repellent is DEET free and biodegradable. It is a 92% bio based product with no harsh fumes.

It has a natural scent that comes from the botanic ingredients of lemongrass and cedar.

It is great at repelling mosquitoes and ticks and is paraben.

You need to reapply every couple of hours to maintain protection, but the spray bottle makes re-application very easy.

No harsh fumes are released from this product.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Bug Repellents Work?

Insects such as mosquitoes are drawn towards the scent of certain chemicals and molecules being released from our skin, such as carbon dioxide.

The bug repellent provides alternative scents and tastes on the skin to put the insect off landing and trying to feed.

The insect will still respond to cues such as bodily movement and body heat, so they may approach you, but the smell of the repellent should stop them landing on your or penetrating the skin.

Why Is It Important To Use Bug Repellent?

Insect bites can be uncomfortable as they are itchy and sore.

You may have a bad reaction to an insect bite which could lead to an infection, and possibly even sepsis.

Insects can carry harmful viruses and diseases such as Zika, Dengue, or West Nile Virus.

Once you are bitten, you could contract this virus and become very ill. Insect repellent will protect you from being bitten.

How Often Should You Apply Bug Repellent?

If you are spending a long period of time outdoors then you should reapply every few hours.

However, this can depend on how much you sweat and whether you get your skin wet by going swimming etc.

Always check the label of the product you are using for precise recommendations.

Are DEET Free Bug Repellents Best?

DEET stands for N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide and it is a common ingredient used in bug repellents. DEET is approved as a safe ingredient, but some people have complained of it causing skin irritation and rashes.

DEET is very effective at repelling bugs like mosquitos, but if you have sensitive skin or you are concerned about using DEET then the DEET free options are also very effective.

Summary

Whether you want an organic bug repellent or a super strong one, a DEET based repellent or a DEET free repellent – this list has got you covered.

All four of these bug repellents have received positive customer reviews and will work excellently at protecting you against pesky bugs.

This means that you can spend more time outdoors, enjoying nature and doing the things you love.

Shauna Stone