Best Mosquito Products with DEET
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How We Found the Best Mosquito Products With DEET
DEET Products We Reviewed:
Best Mosquito Products With DEET
Summer is a popular season – people often look forward to pool parties, camping trips, and vacations. However, summer is also when one of the world’s least favorite insects comes out: the mosquito.
Mosquitos are pesky because of the infamous bites they leave. While some people attract them more than others, we have all experienced the unpleasantness these insects can bring. A cloud of mosquitos can ruin a night with friends by the fire pit or discourage us from attending outdoor events.
When you invest in a good mosquito repellent product, you can save yourself a lot of frustration. DEET is a popular and strong ingredient used in a lot of mosquito repellent. Read on to see some of the best DEET products.
BEST 100% DEET
Repel 100 Insect Repellent
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Convenient carrying size
- Available in other smaller, convenient sizes
- Effectively repels mosquitos, gnats, flies, etc
- Affordable
- Non-pressurized for safe travel
Cons
- Strong, chemical-like smell
- Oily and slimy residue
- May leave oily stains on clothing
Features & Specs
- 98.11% DEET
- Packs of 1, 2, and 6
- Available in: .475 ounces, 1 ounces and 4 ounces
- 10 hours of protection
Repel 100 Insect Repellent uses 98.11% DEET to repel mosquitos. The convenient spray bottle is 4 ounces and easy to carry around – perfect for traveling and camping.
The formula has been developed to protect for as long as ten hours, repelling harmful and obnoxious mosquitos that may or may not be carrying infectious viruses.
Formulated for severe insect conditions, this powerful repellent will keep you bite-free.
BEST 40% DEET
Repel Sportsmen Max Insect Repellent 12-pack
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Effectively protects against bug bites
- Long-lasting protection
- Not oily
- Non-pressurized for convenience
- Convenient size
- Good for travel
Cons
- Strong smell
Features & Specs
- 40% DEET
- Pack of 12
- 6 ounces per bottle
- 8 hours of protection
Repel Sportsmen Max Insect Repellent uses 40% DEET to deliver protection against mosquitos, ticks, gnats, flies, fleas, and other biting insects.
The long-lasting protection is designed to withstand insects for up to eight hours. It can be sprayed directly on the skin, but it is also safe to spray over clothing.
When used in tandem with sunscreen, users have found that both products still work effectively. This spray will ensure mosquitos and other biting insects stay far away, keeping you itch and bite-free.
BEST WIPES
Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Convenient, easy to use
- On the go protection
- Also repels ticks, chiggers, gnats, and fleas
- Odor-free
Cons
- Not individually wrapped
- Not water resistant
- Can irritate some sensitive skin
Features & Specs
- 1.44-ounce pack
- Each pack contains 15 large wipes, which could be cut in half for 30 wipes
- Travel size
- Contains 30% DEET
For outdoor enthusiasts on the go, Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes with 30% DEET provides wipe-on protections with the convenience to wipe as you go and when you need. The pack contains 15 large wipes, which could easily be cut in half to extend the use of the pack.
Most users said one wipe covered their entire body and kept them pest-free for the majority of the day. After time spent in the water or profuse sweating, they grabbed another wipe for reapplication. Each 5”x7” wipe contains 30% DEET, making it safe to use on adults as well as children. The wipes also contain picaridin – similar to DEET – and oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant based active ingredient approved by the CDC. Working together, these three ingredients will keep you protected from mosquitoes up to six hours.
BEST PUMP SPRAY
Sawyer Maxi-DEET
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Effective for up to 10 hours
- 98% DEET
- Oil-free
- Minimal scent
Cons
- Toxic
- Not waterproof
- Reports of 4-oz size having nozzle issues
Features & Specs
- 98% DEET
- 2-ounces
- Can be applied to skin
- TSA approved
When it comes to extreme bug density, you need to call out the big guns: Sawyer Maxi-DEET. This travel approved spray bottle allows you bug coverage whether you’re weeding in your backyard, camping in Brazil, or beaching it in Tahiti. It’s 2-ounce size means you can slip it in your carry-on luggage without any troubles with the TSA and have it handy once you arrive at your destination.
You can spray it on clothing, hats, backpacks, and even skin; just use extra caution around the eyes, nose, and ears. Sawyer Maxi-DEET offers double protections: it works against mosquitoes and other biting insects, including ticks, and in doing so protects you from the many diseases these insects carry. It is not waterproof, so you’ll need to reapply after you’ve gone swimming.
BEST LOTION
Sawyer Products Ultra Insect Repellent
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Effective formula
- Protects against mosquitos as well as ticks, flies, fleas, etc
- Airline/ travel-friendly
- Controlled release
- Freeze Thaw Stable
- Fragrance-free
- Non-staining
- Not oily or sticky
Cons
- May decrease effectiveness of sunscreen
- Not waterproof
Features & Specs
- 11 hours of protection
- 30% DEET
- 3 ounces and 4 ounces
- Packs of 1 and 2
- Liposome-based
Using 30% DEET, Sawyer Product Ultra Insect Repellent is a liposome-based lotion designed to repel mosquitos, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and other biting insects.
Convenient and easy to use, this lotion is effective without leaving a greasing residue. It is made to be sweat-proof and contains no odor or fragrance for a more pleasant experience. It is also non-staining.
This formula uses controlled release technology, meaning it will give you extended protection as long as 11 hours. It is great for backyard use, camping, or outdoor work. The three-ounce bottle also makes it great for traveling.

Off! Clip On Starter Review
| Updated for 2021Overall Rating: ProsNo odorNo slick, sticky sprayCan be placed on a table near youLasts up to 12 hours ConsRefills can be expensiveNot good...

Avon Insect Repellent Review
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2021 Mosquito Forecast
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DEET has been proven to be safe, and there is no direct evidence proving that DEET normally harms the nervous system.
Additional Advice
With so many products on the market, it can be a little confusing and difficult to know which ones to buy. Sometimes having a little extra knowledge and information can help you make better-informed decisions. Continue reading to learn a little more about DEET, mosquitos, and how you can protect yourself.
About DEET
DEET is a very well-known and popular insect repellent. It is often times the active ingredient used in various insect repellent products. The EPA estimates that about one-third of the U.S. population uses DEET to combat mosquitos as well as ticks and other biting insects.
DEET was originally developed by the U.S. Army for military use, but since it’s been registered for general public use, it is highly depended on. Nearly 30 different companies have made products that contain DEET. It is highly effective and works by making it hard for biting bugs to smell people.
Contrary to some popular belief in recent years, DEET is safe to use. While a small number of users may experience negative reactions to DEET, they are very rare. Generally, DEET has been proven to be safe, and there is no direct evidence proving that DEET normally harms the nervous system.
Why Use Mosquito Repellent?
The obvious answer to this question is to keep mosquitos away, which in turn prevents them from biting. Mosquito bites usually leave bumps that are very itchy and irritating. One mosquito bite is bad enough, but multiple bites can spell out misery for some people.
Additionally, protection against mosquitos is important because some mosquitos can carry harmful viruses. A well-known virus carried by mosquitos is the West Nile virus. Other viruses they can transmit to humans are yellow fever, malaria, and some kinds of brain infections.
While you may want to guard yourself against mosquitos because they are an annoyance and cause irritating and itchy bites, the larger picture shows that they can transmit these harmful viruses. It is very important to protect yourself and your loved ones, as no one knows which mosquitos are carrying which viruses.
About Mosquitos
Mosquitos, which is Spanish for “little fly,” are flying insects that feed mostly on fruit and plant nectar. Some people may not know this, but only the female mosquitos bite humans and animals. They do this because they use the protein found in our blood to help her develop her eggs.
There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitos in the world, and about 175 of them are found within the United States. Some of these species are known to carry certain viruses that can be transmitted to humans through a bite.
Mosquitos start their life in the water. The water is vital to eggs. Once hatched, the young mosquitos will feed on organic material within the water until they are developed enough to fly away.
The reason that mosquitos come out in the summer is simple: they enjoy the warmer temperatures. Should they live long enough, a mosquito will hibernate at temperatures less than 50 degrees. When the temperature reaches over 80, mosquitos are happy to come out.
However, the lifespan of a mosquito averages at about two months. That’s not very long, but the females are known to lay up to 300 eggs at a time. At that rate, it is easy to see how the species carries on as it does.
Tips to Guard Against Mosquitos and Other Biting Insects
The first mode of protection is simple: use bug sprays, lotions, wipes, etc. when you know you are going to be outside for an extended period of time. Any preventative measure such as these will significantly decrease your chances of getting bit.
If you know you are likely to get bit, wear appropriate clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots. Hats are generally helpful, too. If it’s hot outside, wear light fabrics. Tucking in your shirt can help.
Utilize mosquito netting. There are several netting products available as small as hat netting to as large as hammock netting. These products physically create a barrier that insects can’t get through. They are great for outdoor activities, especially camping, and are extremely effective.
Always check yourself when you come inside from a long outing. Aside from mosquitos, other insects can find their way into your clothing. Ticks are a big one to check for. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so always double check to make sure you did not bring any bugs in with you on your person, clothing, or items.