The Best Bug Spray and Bug Repellent for 2023
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Its foliage can be silver-gray, purple, yellow, or variously variegated, says Pavlich. The strongly scented foliage offers protection against cabbage worms, beetles, and carrot rust flies. That noxious, chemical smell that can make your eyes water and your throat burn.
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When we put it to the test, we found this lotion insect repellent to be very long-lasting and effective, although we wish that it was odorless, as the bottle claims. We found it to have a chemical odor, though, to the product’s credit, the smell was mild and eventually faded. With a name like Skin So Soft, it’s no surprise that Avon’s Bug Guard Plus ranks among top bug spray picks for those with sensitive skin.
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The top bug sprays on the market can protect you from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, biting flies, no-see-ums, and other types of biting insects. A good starting point for choosing a bug spray is to consider the active ingredient and the delivery method. The active ingredient for most bug sprays is DEET or picaridin, although some of the more natural options use oil of lemon eucalyptus as an alternative. Few bug sprays are more popular than Repel Plant-Based Insect Repellent. It is natural and rapidly biodegradable, so it has no impact on soil or waterways. While no time is stated for ticks, users have found it works against them as well.
Are general-use insecticides safe for indoor use?
This could be harmful to your health if you inhale it, so it’s important to evacuate the area immediately and seek fresh air. If you have been exposed to high levels of insecticide, you should seek medical attention right away. If your AC smells like bug spray, there are a few possible explanations. The most likely explanation is that there is an issue with your air conditioner’s evaporator coil.
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"This is also the best way to apply insect repellent on children." Using a 25 percent DEET formula, this insect repellent wards off some of the most common and annoying backyard biters, like mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, and chiggers. In one hot spot where we’ve been bitten numerous times, we only sustained a bite or two. While we did have to reapply the product, it still felt like a major victory compared to the amount of mosquito bites that are normally incurred.
Other strategies involve using DIY natural and chemical remedies and contracting professional help. Lean into the obvious choice and opt for the endlessly entertaining carnivorous plant. Typically, these hungry wonders, like the Venus flytrap, lure in unsuspecting prey with a scent that mirrors delicious fruits and flowers. Once its hair-like lobes, otherwise known as trichomes, are activated, its leaves snap shut and reopen 10 days after the insect has been completely digested. Of course, you'll need a whole lot of carnivorous plants to tackle swarms, but they make great additions to target the occasional fly or two. If none of these solutions seem to be working and the gnats keep returning, it may be time to call in a professional.
For clothing and gear (but not skin), Sawyer’s permethrin repellent is as effective as similar formulas at repelling ticks and mosquitoes, and its trigger spray is easier to control. Environmentalists will be equally concerned about the danger to insects themselves. Even mosquitoes aren’t all bad, since they are pollinators much like bees. Only one of the products in this list is actually a bug-killer spray; the others are simply repellents that keep people and bugs from harming each other.
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It earns high marks for effectiveness, keeping us protected from any bug bites, even despite exposure to sweat. The lotion formula was as easy to apply as sunscreen, although we wish it were a little less greasy upon application. That being said, we found that the formula has a rather strong odor and it lingered for hours, even requiring that we wash our clothes to remove the smell.
Many pests are attracted to it, such as flies, fruit flies, gnats, bumble bugs, litter beetles (yes, there is such a thing), and so on. Aside from the gross factor, it's also unhealthy to not keep the litter box clean. Luckily, there are things you can do to minimize litter box-related insect problems.
Mixing dust with water ruins the product, and it will not work, so areas prone to moisture are not ideal. If you use an outdoor-rated insecticide inside your house, you risk exposing your family and pets to toxic fumes or odors that irritate the nose, mouth, throat, or lungs. So, be sure that the insecticide you choose is appropriate for where you are planning to apply it.
We’ve tested other brands, and even though they have some drawbacks—mostly centered on the spray pattern—they’re all valid options if the Sawyer or Ranger Ready repellents are unavailable. We also evaluated a number of products containing permethrin, which is particularly useful against ticks (and EPA approved). Unlike the others, permethrin is meant to be used on clothing and gear—think a backpack or tent—but not directly on skin. Permethrin should be used in addition to a skin-applied repellent, not in lieu of one.
"Keep in mind that not all repellents will work the same on different insects," says Emily Mader, a public health researcher at the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEVBD). "Your product label will let you know if the repellent is effective against mosquitoes, flies, and/or ticks." With 25% DEET, this product is known for its protection against deep wood insects. While the spray comes out evenly and is quick to apply, it definitely has a chemical smell. If you’re not a fan of greasy sprays, you might be happy about this quality. This bug spray is a great fit for the whole family due to its 5% picaridin content.
Keep in mind that this isn't a solution for getting rid of existing bugs. Like its brand-mate in this round-up, the Thermacell E55, this Thermacell device is meant to keep mosquitoes from flying into your space with the use of a odor-free, heat-activated repellent. Our product experts like that it also allows you to illuminate your patio or deck, thanks to its built-in, battery-powered lantern. Our experts caution that the product needs to be applied safely and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep it away from sewers and storm drains, where it could enter rivers, lakes and other waterways. If children or pets are present, it's important to keep them away until the spray is thoroughly dry.
Products that combine the two are an obvious answer, and Bullfrog Mosquito Coast does just that. The SPF 50 sunscreen prevents 98 percent of the UVB rays that cause burning. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) state that DEET is safe for skin application, including for pregnant women and children over 2 months old. However, DEET is toxic to pets and can melt plastic and synthetics, so no products on this list include it. These products often include amended ingredients that are safe for use on dogs, cats and other furry friends. Ben’s 30 Tick & Insect Repellent contains 30% DEET as its active ingredient and, according to the company, provides seven hours of protection.
How you use the spray, where and your individual circumstances also contribute to how effective the repellent may be. Professional pest control services can offer tailored solutions and expertise, especially for severe infestations or hard-to-reach areas. While general-use insecticides are suitable for minor infestations, consider seeking professional help if the problem persists or if you’re dealing with complex pest issues. A reliable general-use insecticide makes all the difference in maintaining a pest-free home. These versatile solutions offer effective protection against a variety of common invaders, from cockroaches to fruit flies. Social insects like ants and termites can cover themselves in the product, and carry it back to the colony.
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