10 bestInsect Repellant For Travelof July 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent E-Series E552CHRCA Rechargeable Repeller; 20’ Mosquito Protection Zone; Includes 12-Hour Repellent Refill; No Spray, Flame or Scent; Bug Spray Alternative
Thermacell
9.7
2
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable Adventure EX-Series EX90; Patio Shield with 9-Hour Battery, Includes 12-Hour Refill, Rubber Armor & Carabiner; Scent Free Bug Spray Alternative
Thermacell
9.4
3
OFF! Deep Woods Insect and Mosquito Repellent, Bug Spray for Camping, Bug Repellent Safe for Clothing, 255 g (Packaging May Vary)
OFF!
9.1
15% off
4
OFF! FamilyCare Insect and Mosquito Repellent, Bug Spray with 7% Deet, Ideal Camping, Hiking, and Hunting Essentials, Bug Repellent Safe for Clothing, Summer Scent, 175mL (Packaging May Vary)
OFF!
8.8
5
Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 37ml Pump, Pack of 4
Ben's
8.5
Other
ZAP IT! Bug Zapper Battery Powered (2xAA Included) Bug Zapper Racket, 3,500 Volt
Natrapel Icaridin Insect Repellent 100mL, Picaridin Bug Spray for Mosquitoes & Ticks
OFF Gentle DEET Free Insect and Mosquito Repellent, Bug Spray for Camping, Bug Repellent Safe for Clothing, 142 g, (Packaging May Vary)
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Radius, Gen 2.0, Rechargeable; Black; Includes 12-Hour Mosquito Repellent Refill; No Candle or Flame, Long Lasting Deet Free Bug Spray Alternative
6
Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 177ml Eco Spray
Ben's
8.2
7
Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller, Gen 2.0 with 16 Hours of Repellent; 15 Foot (4,5 m) Zone of Mosquito Protection; Long Lasting, Deet Free Bug Spray Alternative, Scent Free
Thermacell
7.9
8
OFF! Botanicals Deet Free Insect and Mosquito Repellent Lotion, Made from Plant-Based Formula, 118 mL
OFF!
7.6
9
Natrapel Icaridin Insect Repellent 170g, Picaridin Bug Spray for Ticks & Mosquitoes
Natrapel
7.3
10
Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller; Includes 12-Hour Refill; 15 Foot (4,5 m) Zone of Protection; Highly Effective Mosquito Repellent; Deet Free Bug Spray Alternative; Scent Free
Thermacell
7.0
A Guide to Selecting the Best Insect Repellant For Travel
Choosing the right insect repellent for travel is important to protect yourself from bites and potential diseases, especially in areas where insects like mosquitoes and ticks are common. The best repellent for you depends on your destination, the types of insects you might encounter, your skin sensitivity, and how long you need protection. Understanding the key features of insect repellents will help you make a safe and effective choice.
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient is the main chemical or natural substance that keeps insects away. Common active ingredients include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and permethrin. DEET and picaridin are widely used and effective against a broad range of insects, while oil of lemon eucalyptus is a plant-based option. The choice of active ingredient is important because it affects both the effectiveness and the suitability for your skin or age group. If you are traveling to areas with a high risk of insect-borne diseases, stronger ingredients like DEET or picaridin are recommended. For those with sensitive skin or for children, milder or natural options may be preferable.
Concentration
Concentration refers to the percentage of the active ingredient in the repellent. Higher concentrations generally provide longer-lasting protection, but not necessarily stronger protection. For example, a repellent with 10% DEET may protect for about two hours, while 30% can last up to six hours. When choosing concentration, consider how long you will be outdoors and how often you are willing to reapply. For short outings, a lower concentration may be enough, but for extended exposure, a higher concentration is more practical.
Formulation Type
Insect repellents come in various forms such as sprays, lotions, wipes, and wearable devices. Sprays and lotions are the most common and allow for even coverage, while wipes are convenient for travel and quick application. Wearable devices like wristbands are less effective for full-body protection but can be a supplement. Your choice should depend on your personal preference, ease of use, and the areas of your body you need to protect. For full coverage, sprays or lotions are usually best.
Duration of Protection
This refers to how long the repellent will keep insects away after application. Duration is influenced by the active ingredient and its concentration. Some products offer protection for just a couple of hours, while others can last all day. If you plan to be outside for long periods without the chance to reapply, look for a repellent with a longer duration. For shorter activities, a product with a shorter duration may be sufficient.
Suitability for Skin and Age
Not all repellents are suitable for everyone. Some ingredients or concentrations may not be recommended for young children, pregnant women, or people with sensitive skin. Always check the label for age recommendations and any warnings about skin sensitivity. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic or natural formulations. For children, use products specifically labeled as safe for their age group.
Water and Sweat Resistance
If you will be swimming, sweating, or in humid conditions, water and sweat resistance is important. Some repellents are designed to stay effective even when exposed to moisture, while others may need to be reapplied after getting wet. If your travel involves outdoor activities or hot climates, choose a repellent that is labeled as water or sweat resistant to ensure continuous protection.
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