For a slightly stronger, non-DEET natural repellant, reach for Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray -- a Consumer Reports pick. The active ingredient, lemon eucalyptus, has been chemically synthesized, and has therefore been registered with the EPA as an insect repellant (unlike essential or pure oils). It boasts a 30 percent concentration and is effective for up to six hours.
If all-natural mosquito repellants aren't cutting it for you, but you still want to steer clear of DEET, try Natrapel's 8-Hour Wipes. This product contains 20 percent picaridin, an effective alternative to DEET that's approved for kids and adults. Bonus: these wipes are individually wrapped, making them easy to throw in your bag without having to tote around the whole bottle.
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.
