Mosquito Repellents That Actually Work

The dreaded mosquito season is almost here. With those little pests ready to pounce, it’s time to stock up on effective repellents, because if you’ve ever had your outdoor fun ruined by itchy bites, you know how important it is to have the right protection. And that doesn’t mean buying the bottle with the cutest or most “natural”-sounding label. To get the best protection, you have to match the right repellent to your situation.

DEET and picaridin are the heavy hitters, offering longer-lasting, broader protection. According to REI, DEET is widely studied and effective, but can damage plastics and synthetic gear. Picaridin, on the other hand, works comparably to DEET for mosquitoes and ticks, works better on flies, has minimal odor and does not damage plastics.

Continue reading to learn more about mosquito repellents that work, written by Christina Marfice.