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Mosquito Repellent Recommendations

So I started this list last year when I was getting lots of recommendations from kind folks on IG. I compiled them and tried some of them (I wrote reviews for the ones I've tried). Here is what I'm currently using: 

PREVENTATIVE

  • Picaridin Insect Repellent. After trying many many of the below items, this is the spray that works best for me. Buy it here. 
  • I also heard from someone who said they get the lotion version of this and it doesn't smell and isn't sticky. Once applied, it's a little shiny/oily, but evaporates and then is fine! I just bought some to try and will update once I try it out! Lotion is linked here. 
  • Please note: it is "moderately toxic" to fish, so do not use if you are going swimming. Read more about this here. 

FOR AFTER BITES

  • Bug Bite Thing for after bites. I have used this many times and it really seems to help. It's cheap and easy to carry in my hiking backpack (I also have one in my car and my work bag).
  • Available to buy online here or from Amazon here. 

 

  • Take the bite away, it is battery powered and uses "concentrated heat" to help reduce itch instantly. 
  • My friend recommended this and it's been so useful! My dad tried it on some spider bites he got and said it helped him a lot too (so I got him one too). I will warn you that it does get to the point where it is a bit painful, but it's very short, like 3-5 seconds?? It helps IMMEDIATELY.
  • Amazon has them here.

 

Other recommendations I received from folks: 

  • J&J aloe lotion as a repellent

  • Lavender for mosquito repellent. Any specialty lavender shop should have a balm or spray. 

  • Eucalyptus oil for repellent 

  • White Flower External Analgesic Balm Oil (Pak Fah Yeow) as repellent and for soothing after bites

 

  • Dryer sheets as repellent

  • Herbaria Citronella Mist for repellent (DEET free)
    Available to buy online here. 
  • REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
    Available online here. 

  • Kinfield Golden Hour (DEET free)
    Available online here. 
  • *UPDATE* 7/3/2021: I tried this spray and got a bug bite within 15 minutes, so I wouldn't recommend it. 
  • Don't Bite Me patches that work for up to 36 hours 
    Available online here. 
  • UPDATE: I tried these last summer and got a bug bite in the first mile of a hike. I gave the rest of the pack away. 

 

Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Cooling Spray, Travel Size, 2 fl. OZ

  • Benadryl Spray (got several recs for this) 
    Likely available at your local drug store. CVS also sells it online.

Here are also some other articles with recommendations: 

  • From Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-2018-guide-bug-repellents#repellent-chemicals