An insect repellent is any chemical, natural or synthetic, that causes insects to make direct, oriented movements away from the source of the repellent. Insect repellents are important tools for prevention of insect borne diseases as well as painful or uncomfortable insect bites. Insect repellent helps protect you from mosquitoes that spread malaria and other diseases. Insect repellents are important public health tools for the prevention of vector-borne infectious diseases. Insect repellents are important public health tools for the prevention of vector-borne infectious diseases. The best insect repellents are Sawyer Insect Repellent, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Coleman Insect Repellent and Ben’s Insect Repellent. Continue reading to find out more about the best insect repellents.
Best Insect Repellents
- Sawyer Insect Repellent
- Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
- Coleman Insect Repellent
- Ben’s Insect Repellent
Sawyer Insect Repellent
Sawyer Insect Repellent is made in the USA and is effective against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, which can transmit the Zika Virus. This is a long lasting topical repellent containing 20 percent Picaridin, which is more effective than DEET. It comes in a 4 ounce spray, which is effective up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats and chiggers. It is safe for the whole family to use. It won’t harm clothing, watches, sunglasses or other synthetic fabrics. It’s safe for backpacks and fishing line.
Highlights
- Contains 20 percent Picaridin
- Made in the USA
- Spray is effective up to 12 hours
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
Repel offers a DEET free alternative for insect repellent with this plant based product that provides lasting protection. DEET free alternatives are difficult to find, but this one repels mosquitoes for us to six hours. 30 percent of Repel’s ingredients is Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, which also gives it a cool, refreshing scent. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is a naturally occurring compound, extracted from the gum eucalyptus tree. It repels mosquitoes that may transmit the Chikungunya, Zika, Dengue and West Nile viruses.
Highlights
- Plant Based Insect Repellent
- Contains Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
- DEET free
Coleman Skin Smart Insect Repellent
Coleman Skin Smart Insect Repellent is a DEET free repellent that’s safe for the whole family. While it’s tough on mosquitoes, it’s gentle on skin. It’s not greasy or oily. It’s lightweight and feels pleasant on the skin. It’s fragrance free and dries quickly. It comes in a 6 ounce aerosol can that comes with a locking lid. It contains 20 percent of the active ingredient, IR3535. It provides eight hours or protection for the entire family against mosquitoes that may carry the Zika virus.
Highlights
- Fast drying formula
- Odorless
- Complete protection against mosquitoes
Ben’s Insect Repellent
Ben’s Insect Repellent offers the maximum DEET concentration available with 100% DEET. The CDC recommends DEET for protection against mosquitos, ticks and biting insects. It offers 10+ hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases including Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Lyme Disease, and Dengue Fever and other infectious diseases. Ben’s 100% DEET was the first 100% DEET product in the country to be registered with the EPA. It is made in the USA. It is easy to apply and the spray pump bottle provides thorough coverage for complete protection. It is fragrance free.
Highlights
- Contains 100 percent DEET
- Easy to apply
- Fragrance free
Conclusion
You need insect repellent to protect you and your family from disease carrying mosquitoes while you are outside. The big question is DEET, or no DEET. It is highly recommended that DEET be used to repel insects, however many feel that it isn’t safe. You must decide what is best for you and your family when it comes to chemical or all natural insect repellent.