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There are sprays, lotions, and even wipes that can keep insects at baybut also plenty of pretenders.
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
Sawyer
Picaridin Insect Repellent
Amazon
REI
This Sawyer repellent won anOutdoor Award in 2022.
Its also fragrance-free and available in both a pump spray bottle and acontinuous spray can.
This was the fourth brand I tried, and after I started using this, absolutely no more ticks.
Controlled Release Insect Repellent
Heres another one of Dr. Camps go-tos.
Dr. Connally recommends using a permethrin-based spray for an additional degree of protection outdoors.
She likes Ranger Readys products because theyre unscented and shouldnt feel noticeable on your gear.
This particular spray from the brand will last for up to five washes or 40 days of exposure.
Just verify youre prepared topack outany used wipes and wrappers if youre somewhere out in nature.
What should you look for in an effective bug spray?
She adds that you should be able to find a registration number on the products packaging.
The most common registered ingredients are DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, and permethrin.
Theyre all considered effective, but each has its pluses and minuses.
That doesnt mean itll hurt to try them.
