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Cutter Dry aerosol spray
Best overall aerosol insect repellent
Whether you’re adventuring in sweltering summer heat or raking up leaves in the fall, there are always parts of the world dealing with the one tag-a-long no one ever wants to deal with: bugs. I’m talking mosquitos, ticks, gnats, chiggers, biting flies and no-see-ums. Yuck. (And ouch and itch.)
I grew up in Louisiana and now live in Florida, so I’ve spent a lifetime dousing my clothes and skin in insect repellent. Bug spray is a staple in the south, to say the least.
If you plan on spending any time outdoors fishing, hiking, or especially if you plan to go camping or visit any marshy areas, it’s best to go prepared with insect repellent. But you don’t want to waste money on bug repellent with minimal effectiveness. Here’s a compiled list of some of the best bug sprays available right now, as determined by my testing of more than 20 products in the South Florida heat.
When you live somewhere it’s so hot you start sweating upon opening your back door, adding an additional layer of stickiness is not an option. Cutter Dry insect repellent is the best bug spray by far in terms of feel.
The aerosol nozzle sprays wide and evenly, and the formula dries nearly instantly on your skin. You don’t have to rub this spray into your skin at all.
The bottle says unscented, but Cutter Dry does have a slight smell to it. It’s not overpowering like many other sprays, though, and definitely not intolerable.
Made with 10% DEET, this insect repellent will do its job in most environments. I would consider taking something stronger, such as a 20% or 30% DEET product, for backcountry adventures in buggy environments.
For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, a lemon eucalyptus insect repellent is a gentler way to stave off bugs and their bites. I tried a few different lemon eucalyptus bug sprays, and Natrapel came out on top.
Free of the two chemicals proven to repel insects, it’s natural to think this bug spray isn’t as effective as its DEET- or picaridin-containing counterparts. However, the CDC and EPA recognize lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective insect repellent. The Natrapel bottle does say it offers up to six hours of protection versus the typical eight to 12 in DEET and picaridin products.
Anyway, if you don’t mind applying more often, Natrapel’s aerosol or pump spray is a good option. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is an oil, this bug spray doesn’t feel as oily as you might expect. It is slightly tougher to rub in compared to DEET and picaridin sprays, but it’s not bad overall. Both types of bottles are easy to spray. Plus, the smell is nice (if you like lemon eucalyptus).
Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Like the Proven pump spray, the odorless lotion is truly odorless. The “gentle scent” lotion smells so nice I’d use it as regular lotion if I didn’t know it was an insect repellent!
This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the Provem pump spray. Conveniently sized, these bottles would be easy to travel with, and the smaller bottle is even appropriate for air travel.
I personally think lotion is better to take hiking and on backpacking trips because it absorbs into the skin better. I feel like I’m less likely to sweat it out on hot, active days.
Natrapel strikes again with picaridin insect repellent wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is nearly odorless with protection of up to 12 hours. These wipes are slightly softer than the Ben’s wipes above, but still wipe away dirt effectively.
Like the Ben’s wipes, these are extremely portable and can fit in just about any type of pack you plan on carrying. It’s a win-win all around.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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