There is nothing quite as annoying as a bug buzzing around you when you are trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether that’s a barbecue in the backyard, a day at the beach, hiking the trails or hanging by the pool… Fortunately, there are some highly effective bug sprays out there. Now, finding the right bug spray depends on two main factors: longevity and effectiveness.
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Insect repellents are distinguished mainly by their active compounds. The options vary; some are plant-based, picaridin based, permethrin based, and others whose active compound is DEET. Note that all these bug sprays work, and the question as to which one is more effective is still a raging debate.
Each of these bug sprays has its merits and pitfalls. That said, note that your choice will depend on which one will work best for you and why. Read below for a summary of five highly recommended bug sprays on the market.
5 bug sprays:
- Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Clothing
- If you’re not too crazy about having repellent on your skin, then you can always go for this Permethrin Clothing insect repellent trigger spray. Permethrin clothing is one of the more long-lasting varieties, and all you have to do is spray it on your clothes, shoes, or any gear you want. This trigger spray is mostly a tick repellent, and it can last for as long as six weeks. Ensure you let it dry out completely before you wear your clothes or use your gear. Obviously, check your labels and read instructions clearly before spraying on your clothing.
- Natrapel Insect Repellent Spray
- This picaridin based product is more effective against ticks and mosquitoes. Research conducted by the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology indicates that having picaridin as the active compound results in high efficiency and also causes little to no irritation. Consumer product reviews also point out that the higher the percentage of this compound in the repellent spray, the better the results.
- Eucalyptus-Pump Spray Insect Repellent
- This oil of lemon eucalyptus concentrate provides protection mainly against mosquitoes for a period of up to six hours. It’s an excellent choice for places with a mosquito infestation, and you can use it on the skin without the risk of irritation. The oil of lemon eucalyptus concentration stands at 30 percent, providing the perfect balance of protection and comfort.
- Ben’s 100% Deet Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent
- If you are in the market for an all-round insect repellent, then this is it. This product comes with a 98 percent concentrate of DEET as the constituent compound and offers 10 hours of active protection. It shields you from flies, fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and a variety of other creepy crawlies. In terms of utility value, this DEET product ranks right up there with the best of them.
- Bug Soother Spray
- This natural insect repellent is super-effective at repelling gnats, no-see-ums, sand fleas, black flies, and some mosquitoes. Bug Soother is made with simple, skin loving ingredients- including lemongrass oil, and vanilla for an amazing scent that people love, but bugs hate. Outdoor enthusiasts and backyard BBQers can repel insects and smell good at the same time.
*BONUS
- Insect Shield Sport Crew Clothing
- As the only clothing based variety on this list, the Insect Shield Sport Crew clothing is perhaps the most convenient of the bunch. The concept here is to have permethrin baked into the fabric of socks or clothes (including a bandanna) instead of spraying yourself physically. The longevity varies, with some providing protection for up to and beyond ten weeks.
Bottom Line
The technology on bug sprays is pretty extensive, making the process of identifying the best one, overall, a bit difficult. For this reason, the recommendation is that you identify your specific bug problem before you make a purchase, this will give you a clear indication of which one will work best for you.
Let us know your favorite and don’t forget to like and share!
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