Use repellents containing ingredients such as diethyl phthalate, diethyl carbate; N, N-Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide (DEET), metofluthrin, oil of lemon-eucalyptus, picaridin and ethyl hexanediol. For more than 50 years, DEET has been the gold standard in mosquito repellents.
What is the most effective insect repellent?
Buying Options. After testing 20 spray repellents, we’ve concluded Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent is the best. It has a 20% picaridin formula, making it effective against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours.
What bug repellent actually works?
The most effective product CR tested was Sawyer Picaridin, which had 20% picaridin and protected against mosquitoes for eight hours. The runners-up were Ben’s 30% Deet Tick & Insect Wilderness Formula and Repel Lemon Eucalyptus. (You can see the rest of their six recommended bug sprays here.)
What is the most effective natural insect repellent?
Read on to see which natural repellents work best.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil. Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. …
- Lavender. …
- Cinnamon oil. …
- Thyme oil. …
- Greek catnip oil. …
- Soybean oil. …
- Citronella. …
- Tea tree oil.
Why is DEET bad for you?
Most cases of serious side effects caused by DEET involve long-term, heavy, frequent or whole-body application of the repellent. But for some people, DEET can lead to adverse skin reactions, seizures and brain malfunction, fatigue, respiratory conditions and possibly even cancer.
What is the best deet-free mosquito repellent?
When you need a spray that really works, consider one of these top-rated, DEET-free insect repellent sprays.
- Best Overall: Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent. …
- Best for Home: Eco Defense Home Pest Control Spray. …
- Just for Kids and Babies: Auntie Fannie’s Mosquito Spray.
What can I spray around my house to keep bugs out?
A combination of half apple cider vinegar (although normal vinegar works just as well) and half water in a spray bottle works perfectly to repel those pests. This concoction can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home, on the legs of tables that have food served on them or even around a screen house or tent.
What actually keeps mosquitoes away?
Flowers like marigolds and calendula, along with herbs like rosemary, mint and lemongrass, can also keep biting insects away from the yard. Plant them near your patio or deck for the best benefit.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub repel mosquitoes?
The smell of the menthol in it will repel the insects away. … You can also rub it on any mosquito bites you may already have and it will relieve the itching.
What can I eat to repel mosquitoes?
Keep Mosquitoes Away by Eating These Foods
- Beans, Lentils, Tomatoes. Beans, lentils and tomatoes are all rich in thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. …
- Grapefruit. Grapefruit is a refreshing summertime treat packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. …
- Garlic and Onions. …
- Apple Cider Vinegar. …
- Chili Peppers. …
- Lemongrass. …
- Give Us a Call.
What is a natural repellent?
What are they? Botanical repellents, which often have “natural” on product labeling, can include any number of plant-based chemicals. Some common ones are lemon grass, citronella, peppermint, geraniol, soybean, and rosemary.