Tell mosquitoes and ticks to bug off with Sawyer's Picaridin Insect Repellent, which has been dubbed the "Fisherman's Formula" for good reason. It keeps blood-hungry pests away all day long, without any need to reapply, thanks to a 20 percent concentration of picardin. It conveniently comes in both a lotion and spray, and is available in sizes ranging from a half-ounce spray tube to a gallon jug. Note that the lotion is effective for up to 14 hours and the spray is effective for up to 12 hours.
Though potent DEET bug repellants aren't necessary for casual summer fun, like short hikes, backyard BBQs and the pool, they can come in handy in more extreme situations. For example, if you're heading to a tropical locale for summer vacation, or anywhere the Zika virus, West Nile, Lyme disease and other bug-borne diseases are an issue, Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellant Aerosol Spray is a good option. It contains 25 percent DEET.
If you prefer a lotion over a spray, Watkins Adults Insect Repellent Lotion contains 28 percent DEET and is approved for deep woods adventures, as well. As a testament to its effectiveness, this repellant lotion has been the tried and true go-to for the Canadian military and law enforcement for over three decades.
3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Aerosol is another DEET option with a 20 percent concentration. This one is sweat- and waterproof, making it ideal for adventures that involve splashing around outdoors. What makes this product different from some of the other DEET options is that it has time-release technology, allowing it to provide eight hours of consistent protection against mosquitos, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, ticks and other bugs.
If you're going to be outdoors all day, you need protection from bugs and the sun. Double down on your bug spray investment with this SPF and insect repellent in one. BullFrog Mosquito Coast Spray keeps bugs away for up to 8 hours with IR3535 -- a DEET-alternative that's recommended and approved by the CDC and EPA. Unlike DEET formulations, there is no need to wash it off when returning indoors. Bonus: its water-resistant SPF 30 lasts for up to 80 minutes of splashing around.
