Tired of swatting and slapping mosquitoes as they bite you one after the other? That can all stop today!
Every year, Consumer Reports tests lotions, sprays, and wipes, including plant-based repellents on real people using real mosquitoes to find the best insect repellents. Not only do these tests benefit your wallet -- so you aren’t spending money on products that don’t work -- but these tests benefit your health.
Yes, bites leave itchy bumps behind, but the mosquitoes biting you can also spread the West Nile Virus. And if it’s a tick bite, there’s a risk of diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
So, let’s get into it. A repellent fails Consumer Reports’ tests if a mosquito bites twice in one 5-minute session. Or if there’s one bite in each of two consecutive 5-minute sessions.
“We currently test repellents against only mosquitoes, but in past years, we’ve found that repellents that worked well against mosquitoes also tended to work well against ticks,” explained Catherine Roberts with Consumer Reports.
Watch below to see how Consumer Reports tests insect repellents
Recommended products with deet
The results: the most effective repellents against mosquitoes and ticks contain 25% to 30% deet as their active ingredient, and at the top of Consumer Reports’ rating are three that “excel” in protection:
- Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes starting at about $4.79
- Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wilderness Formula Pump starting at about $10.66
- 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent8 starting at about $12.62
Recommended products without deet
If you are concerned about using deet, there are alternatives.
“Our ratings include over 50 repellents and more than 20 recommended ones, so it should be easy to find a way to beat the bugs that’s right for you,” Roberts said.
Consumer Reports found products with 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus can be good alternatives like Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Pump starting at about $5.
Testing revealed a few high scorers that contain 20% picaridin, like the Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent Pump starting at about $8.99.
Application
Roberts says correctly applying the repellent is just as important as the kind you use. Follow the directions on the label and use a thin coat on all exposed skin. You can also spray it on top of your clothes but don’t apply it under your clothing.
Once you’ve applied your repellent, which Consumer Reports says shouldn’t require frequent re-application like you do with sunscreen, be sure to wash your hands. And at the end of the day, wash all the repellent off.
For more advice from Consumer Reports on applying repellent, click here.