Top 5 Most Effective Mosquito Repellents

It is nearing that time of year again for outdoor barbecues, swimming, hiking and camping out at the lake. I love the warm evenings of summer, sitting out on the back deck, the kids playing in the yard. Until I hear the faint, high pitched flight of the dreaded mosquito coming in for what is sure to be sudden death for this small bloodsucker.

I ran around as a child without a thought of mosquito bites. I just smacked the little insect on my arm or leg, and continued with my playing. Now, as a mother of two, when I see them light on one of my children, I panic, thinking they have infected my child with some sort of disease.

I have since moved and now living on the coast of North Carolina, where it seems that huge swarms of mosquitoes inhabit as well. I have been through a few mosquito repellents in the last couple of years. As a result, I have compiled a top five, of what I believe are the most effective repellents.

I also would like to state, that in 1998, EPA officials reassessed deet and found that used as directed by the label, it can be applied on children of any age, with no percentage restrictions. You can find this information at www.epa.gov. The higher the level of deet, the more you are protected, and you are protected longer. It is still a pesticide and I would prefer to keep the percentage low for my kids.

Off! Deepwoods Sportsman Repellent

This particular one happens to be my number one choice for many reasons. Not only is it cheaper, but it seems to do the trick for my husband and I. It is not oily on the skin, and dries quickly. I use it for those mornings or afternoons when I am outside with the kids or doing yard work. It contains 30 percent deet in the 8 oz. aerosol can, which is what I buy for about 7 bucks at the local Walgreens. However, if you are concerned about the amount of deet in this product, they also have a 6 oz. pump spray with 25 percent deet in it. Both products last around 8 hours, which is what thestates.

Sawyer Insect Repellent

This too is a cheap but effective way of arming yourself. This product also contains 30 percent deet, and I found it online at www.basspro.com. Although this is an effective product, I do not live close to a Bass Pro Shop, it is just as easy for me to go to the local stores as to order this online. If you are a serious outdoorsman, this product may be worth trying. This product retails online for 3.99, very affordable. It works about 7 to 8 hours, which is what it states on theas well.

Repel Scented Family Formula

This contains only 23 percent deet, which may be a better choice for children, or the person not intending on being outside for more than a couple of hours. This product works well, but is a little on the pricey side. It comes in a 6.5 oz aerosol spray and I found it online at www.buy.com for 9 dollars.

Cutter Unscented

I am not particularly found of this product for myself, the reason I added it to my list is because it seemed to do the trick for my kids. If you were a little wary of deet, this would be great as well, as it only contains 10 percent deet. It is not oily and you can spray on your clothes, without fear of staining, as long as your fabric is not rayon or polyester. Reapply this product every 2 to 3 hours to work efficiently. You also can find this at your local Walgreens for around 6 dollars.
www.walgreens.com

Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Pump Spray

This repellent is also great for kids or for those who do not want a product containing deet. It comes in a 4 oz. bottle with a cap so that you can take out the pump for easy traveling. It has 8-hour protection; it states this on the label. I have yet to achieve 8 hours from this repellent. While this product works well for several hours, it does have a light perfume smell. You can find it at www.avon.com on sale now for 6.99. It is usually 14 dollars. It does state on the website that it is hypoallergenic, for those of you with sensitive skin; this may work well for you.

Now go out and enjoy the sunshine, the barbecues, fishing, and late afternoons of summer. Just remember the insect repellent.

www.epa.gov
www.walgreens.com
www.basspro.com
www.buy.com
www.avon.com