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The most dependable approach is to layer protection: use an EPA-registered repellent according to its label, cover exposed skin with loose-fitting clothing, and reduce mosquitoes’ access to indoor and outdoor spaces. No single measure guarantees you will avoid every bite, and local mosquito and disease risks vary.
Choose and use an EPA-registered repellent
The CDC advises: “Use proven EPA-registered insect repellents.” Look for the EPA registration number on the product label, then choose a product whose active ingredient, stated protection time, and directions fit your setting. The CDC’s mosquito-bite prevention guidance points readers to an EPA-linked search tool that can filter repellents by protection time, active ingredient, and other product information.
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CDC lists these active ingredients in relevant repellents: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanone. This list is not a ranking; no one ingredient is established here as the best choice for everyone. CDC says not to use OLE- or PMD-containing products on children younger than 3. Effectiveness of repellents that are not EPA-registered, including some marketed as natural, is not known; “natural” by itself does not establish that a product works.
Apply repellent safely
- Follow the product label and reapply only as directed. Do not apply repellent to skin underneath clothing.
- If you use sunscreen, put it on first and repellent afterward.
- For a child’s face, an adult should put repellent on their own hands, then apply it to the child’s face.
Cover skin and protect clothing
Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce exposed skin. Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so clothing alone may not be enough in a high-bite setting.
#1 Best Overall
- REPELS MOSQUITOES: Repels mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
- CONTAINS 98.11% DEET: Formulated for protection in severe insect conditions.
- PROTECTS FOR UP TO 10 HOURS: Provides long-lasting protection, so you don't have to limit your family’s adventure because of mosquitoes.
- ALSO REPELS TICKS, GNATS, BITING FLIES, CHIGGERS & FLEAS: Repel these annoying bugs that can spoil the outdoors.
- PUMP SPRAY: Perfect for outdoor travel – the compact size stores perfectly with whatever adventure gear you're taking that day.
Clothing and gear can be treated with permethrin, or you can use items sold as permethrin-treated. Follow the product instructions. Permethrin products intended for clothing or gear must not be applied directly to skin; use a skin repellent separately if needed.
Keep mosquitoes out of the home
Block entry
Use screens on windows and doors, and repair holes. Air conditioning can also help keep mosquitoes from coming indoors when it is available. CDC’s home prevention advice recommends these measures.
Rank #2
- Two 4 oz cans of OFF Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol protect against mosquitoes
- Outdoor bug repellent is formulated with 25% DEET and provides long lasting protection from mosquitoes, making this DEET mosquito repellent an ideal bug spray for camping, hiking, running and your favorite outdoor activities
- OFF mosquito spray offers effective protection from mosquitoes that may carry the Zika, Dengue, or West Nile viruses plus ticks that may cause Lyme disease, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers
- OFF bug spray with DEET comes in a convenient aerosol spray bottle for easy application
- Mosquito repellent spray goes on powder-dry, not oily or greasy, so you don't know you're wearing it and it doesn't stain
Remove places where mosquitoes can lay eggs
Once a week, check indoors and outdoors for items holding water. CDC recommends emptying and scrubbing, turning over, covering, or throwing away them. Examples include tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and trash containers. Regularly addressing these water-holding items reduces egg-laying opportunities around the home.
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- Strollers and baby carriers: Cover them with mosquito netting, as CDC recommends. Keep the netting positioned so it protects the child without obstructing breathing or visibility.
- Sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened room: Use a mosquito net. For travel, CDC recommends choosing lodging with screens or air conditioning when possible and carrying a net when sleeping outdoors or when screened rooms are unavailable. See the CDC travel guidance on avoiding bug bites.
- Trips with local mosquito risks: Pack EPA-registered repellent and loose-fitting long clothing. Mosquitoes may bite during the day as well as at night, so do not assume nighttime precautions are sufficient. Check current guidance for your destination rather than assuming risk is the same everywhere.
How to compare repellents
When choosing between products, compare the details that appear on the label and in the official product information:
Rank #3
- Non-greasy, lightweight bug repellent spray dries quickly, not sticky
- Long-lasting protection from this OFF! mosquito repellent spray lasts up to 8 hours to keep you protected from mosquito bites day or night
- Odorless formula that helps you avoid mosquito bites during mosquito season
- OFF insect repellent spray is proven to repel mosquitoes, and ticks
- Easy-to-apply aerosol bug spray makes it simple to spray, spread and go
- Whether the product has an EPA registration number.
- Its active ingredient and whether it is suitable for the intended user, including a child’s age.
- The protection time stated for that product and its reapplication directions.
- Whether it suits the setting, such as routine outdoor use or travel.
These criteria help you choose a product for your needs; they do not establish a universal winner or imply that any repellent provides complete protection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- KILLS FAST: Kills mosquitoes, listed ant types, fleas and other listed insects.
- QUICKFLIP HOSE-END SPRAYER: Hose-end-sprayer activates spray at the flip of a switch – just grip, flip and go.
- LASTS ALL SUMMER: Controls up to 12 weeks against house crickets, carpenter ants, harvester ants, lady beetles and earwigs.
- COVERAGE: 1 bottle treats up to 5,000 square feet of lawn.
- NO MIXING REQUIRED: Attach the sprayer to a garden hose to treat your lawn, landscape and outdoor surfaces where insects hide.
Rank #4
- One 4 oz bottle of OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent protects against black flies, gnats, and no-see-ums. Repels mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus
- Outdoor mosquito spray is formulated with a botanically inspired active ingredient and contains no added dyes, making it ideal for camping, hiking, running and your favorite outdoor activities
- OFF! bug spray offers effective protection from mosquitoes
- OFF! mosquito repellent comes in a convenient bottle with a spray pump for easy application before enjoying the outdoors
- Convenient bottle is perfect to pack in a backpack for bug repellent on the go
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
