Insect Repellent: Reviews

Updated June 2011

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Best natural insect repellent

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If you prefer a non-chemical bug repellent, reviewers say Repel Lemon Eucalyptus is a good choice. In most tests, it's effective against mosquitoes and ticks for six to seven hours. However, it's not equally effective for everyone, and it's supposed to be applied only twice a day. Most reviewers -- but not all -- like this product's scent and feel. One thing to note: Mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus are not recommended for kids under 3 years of age.

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BiteBlocker Organic Xtreme Insect Spray

Safest bug repeller for kids

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Considered safe for children of all ages and for pregnant women, BiteBlocker Organic Xtreme uses only plant-based ingredients, like soybean and geranium oils (formulas that use oil of lemon eucalyptus are also botanically derived, but aren't safe for kids younger than age 3). As with most natural insect repellents, protection time varies greatly among individuals -- anywhere from just 90 minutes up to eight hours, and you're supposed to reapply every three hours (you can safely reapply as often as needed). BiteBlocker insect repellent receives mixed reviews about its scent -- some find its strong odor unpleasant.

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Off! FamilyCare Insect Repellent I Smooth & Dry

Best DEET repellent spray

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For a full day or evening spent outdoors, experts say Off! FamilyCare Smooth & Dry can provide the protection you need with a lower concentration of DEET. This aerosol spray contains 15 percent DEET, which proved to be effective for seven hours in tests. OFF! insect repellent reviews say this formulation doesn't feel greasy on the skin, and some prefer its "fruity" scent to other DEET-based insect repellents. Additionally, this repellent dries quickly, which makes it easier to apply. As with any insect repellent containing DEET, you can damage fabrics, painted surfaces, sunglasses, watches and other objects made of synthetic materials that come in contact with your skin after applying it. Although the EPA deems DEET safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics says to refrain from using it on babies until they are 2 months of age.

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3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent 12 Lotion

Long-lasting mosquito repellent

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Experts recommend 3M Ultrathon with 34 percent DEET in densely wooded or wet areas, especially where there's a greater risk for insect-borne illness. Reviews say 3M Ultrathon is particularly effective for eight hours or longer, because the DEET is encapsulated in a polymer and releases slowly. Additionally, this bug repellent lotion contains no alcohol, which means less absorption of the DEET into the skin (and no chance of a skin reaction by people who are sensitive to alcohol). As with any DEET product, it can cause damage to synthetic materials, and the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend using mosquito repellers containing more than 30 percent DEET on children. Ultrathon is also available in an aerosol with 25 percent DEET and in a pump spray with 19 percent DEET.

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