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Mosquito Repellents for Adults

Mosquito Repellents for Adults: Which Repellent is Best?

photo of adult spraying repellent

The best way to avoid mosquitoes is to stay indoors after dusk and to stay away from wet places where mosquitoes thrive. Of course, in the summer you WANT to be outside, often at the peak mosquito hours.

Because West Nile virus is here to stay, it's essential that you do all that you can to prevent being bit by a West Nile virus-infected mosquito as you enjoy your summer activities. When you are outside, choose a repellent that best fits your needs for that situation. Mosquito repellents are not all the same. Some brands have different ingredients than others. A repellent made for adults may not be the right choice for kids, or one repellent may only offer a half hour of protection while another gives five hours of protection.

When you are choosing a repellent, look for one that has been approved by the CDC. These have been shown to be effective in repelling the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus. Also, ask yourself the following questions so you know what is right for you:

  • How long will it work? - You do not need a repellent that is good for six hours if you're only going to be outside for 20 minutes.
  • What is the active ingredient? - If you'd rather not use a chemical repellent, you may be able to find a natural repellent that will work for you.
  • Where and when am I using it? - You might not need the strongest of repellents early in the day when there aren't many mosquitoes around looking for a blood meal.
  • Who will be using it? You? Your baby? Your eight year old child?

Cautions

  • Apply repellent only to exposed skin, never under clothing.
  • Never use repellent over cuts or irritated skin.
  • Do not apply to eyes and mouth.
  • Never let children handle repellents.
  • Do not spray in an enclosed area.
  • When you come back inside, wash the repellent off thoroughly.
  • Always follow directions listed on the label.
  • Don't over-apply repellent!. Use only what you need and what is recommended on the label.
  • Do not use a repellent that is combined with sunscreen. The sunscreen will need to be reapplied more often than the repellent so you might end up using too much repellent Always read the label.

The chart below contains examples of adult repellents and can help you decide which repellent is best for you. It may be convenient to keep several types of repellents on your shelves so that you and your family are prepared for outdoor activities at any time!

Name of Repellent: Ingredient: Protection Time:
Sawyer Controlled Release (Slow release over hours) DEET 20% up to 20 hours
Off! Deep Woods DEET 25% up to 8 hours
Cutter Outdoorsman DEET 23% up to 8 hours
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus (do not use for children under 3) Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus up to 6 hours
Cutter Advanced Picaridin 7% up to 4 hours
OFF! Skintastic Picaridin 5% 3 - 4 hours
OFF! Botanicals Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus 2 hours
Skin-so-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 23 minutes
Natrapel Citronella 20 minutes
Herbal Armor Citronella, Peppermint Oil, 19 minutes
  Cedar Oil, Lemongrass Oil  
  Geranium Oil  
Green Ban for People Citronella, Peppermint Oil 14 minutes
Buzz Away Citronella Oil 10 minutes
Skin-so-Soft Bug Guard Citronella Oil 10 minutes
Skin-so-Soft Moisturizing Suncare Citronella Oil 3 minutes

Products containing premethrin are intended to be used on clothing and/or gear, but not to be applied directly to skin.

Products containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and picaridin are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Products containing citronella oil and IR3535 have met applicable standards of the EPA.

For more detailed information on repellents, visit the following websites: