Best Bug Repellent For Camping
Bug bites and stings can quickly make a camping trip uncomfortable and can also be harmful to your health. Picking the right bug spray is essential to keep these pests away and have a peaceful outdoor adventure. Knowing the types of bugs you’ll likely see while camping, like mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and ants, is the first step in choosing a good bug spray.
Common Bugs Encountered While Camping
Bugs like mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and ants are expected to be seen while camping. People know mosquito bites are itchy and can spread disorders like malaria and the West Nile virus. Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be spread by ticks, which makes them a problem for campers.
Certain types of flies, like biting ones that can hurt, can be a bother. Ants can get into campsites to find food; some species can bite or sting you severely. Campers should be careful not to come across these pests by using bug spray and wearing protective clothing outside.
Key Features To Look For In Bug Repellents
When picking out a bug spray for camping, a few critical factors can help you pick the best one for your needs. Here are some essential things to think about:
Effectiveness Against Different Bugs:
Look for an insect repellent that works on many different types of bugs, such as mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and ants. This will completely protect you while you’re camping.
DEET Concentration:
DEET is a common active ingredient in bug sprays, and it is known for working well. Higher concentrations of DEET protect longer, but it’s still essential to follow safety rules, especially when kids are around.
Duration Of Protection:
Consider how long the spray will keep bugs away. Different repellents may need to be reapplied more often, while others may work for several hours.
Application Method:
Some types of bug sprays are sprays, lotions, and wipes. Select a bug spray with an application method that is easy and comfortable for you.
Skin Sensitivity Considerations:
If you have sensitive skin, choose a gentle insect repellent that will not cause reactions or irritations.
Natural Vs Chemical-based Repellents:
Some people like natural bug sprays made from plant-based materials, like lemon eucalyptus oil. Some may work better than chemical-based repellents, but not all will.
By paying attention to these critical factors, you can choose a bug repellent that will keep bugs away from you while camping.
Top Picks: Best Bug Repellents For Camping
1. Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
Pros: It protects for a long time, doesn’t have a scent, and is a light mist.
Cons: None reported.
Products from Sawyer, over 15,000 people have reviewed the 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent on Amazon, making it a popular choice. It protects against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, and chiggers for a long time because it contains 20% picaridin. Its fragrance-free formula and light mist application make the experience pleasant, and keep the skin feeling good all day. Whether you spray it on your skin or clothes, this insect repellent will keep bugs away.
2. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray
Pros: It’s made from natural ingredients, keeps mosquitoes away effectively, and smells nice.
Cons: It’s not safe for kids younger than three.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray is made from plants and has an intense 30% concentration of lemon eucalyptus oil. Because it is made from natural ingredients, it keeps mosquitoes away for up to six hours. It is registered with the EPA as a bug spray that can be put on the skin. This gives people who like being outside peace of mind. Of course, it’s important to remember that the FDA says it’s unsafe for kids younger than three.
3. OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent
Pros: It’s cheap, has 25% DEET, and protects for a long time.
Cons: It might make your skin feel oily.
OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent is a cheap 25% DEET formula option. It is a popular choice among campers because it keeps bugs like mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, and gnats away for up to 8 hours. The powder-dry formula makes it feel light and non-sticky, but some people may find it a little greasy when they put it on.
4. Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent
Pros: It works well on fabrics, protects for a long time, and is easy to use.
Cons: Not for direct skin application.
The Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent aims to keep bugs away from fabrics. Permethrin, a potent insecticide safe for clothing, is used to make it. Experts say that sprays made with permethrin should only be used on outerwear to keep ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests away by binding to and settling into fabrics. This 12-ounce bottle can protect two complete outfits for up to six weeks or six washes, whichever comes first. Over 5,000 Amazon customers have given this bug spray 4.6 stars, making it a good choice for camping trips.
5. Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion
Pros: It protects for a long time, has a time-release formula, and isn’t greasy.
Cons: It has a lot of DEET in it.
This lotion from Ultrathon keeps bugs away and comes in a 2-ounce tube. It has a rich, creamy formula that goes on quickly. This lotion has a lot of DEET in it, so bugs won’t be able to bite you for up to 12 hours. Its time-release formula makes a barrier that stays strong for hours after you apply it. Some experts say that DEET concentrations above 30% are harmful, but the slightly higher concentration in this formula gives long-lasting protection. Overall, this lotion is praised for how well it works and how long it lasts.
Conclusion
Picking the best bug spray for camping is essential for a comfortable time outside. When choosing a repellent, consider how well it works, how much DEET it contains, and how it is applied. Each of these top picks has its benefits, so pick the one that fits your needs and tastes the best to enjoy a camping trip without bugs.
