Personal mosquito repellents work by making you harder for a mosquito to find or land on, which reduces bites and the discomfort and disease risk that come with them. With shelves full of options, the practical question is which active ingredient to choose and how to apply it correctly. This guide compares the main EPA-registered options, alongside the fogger guide in this section.
Choose a Proven Active Ingredient
Public-health authorities, including the CDC and EPA, point consumers toward repellents with active ingredients that have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. The most widely recommended are:
- DEET — the long-studied standard. Higher concentrations extend how long it lasts (not how strongly it works); products commonly range from about 10% to 30%+.
- Picaridin — comparable effectiveness to DEET for many people, often preferred because it is less greasy and does not damage plastics.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) / PMD — a plant-derived option registered for effectiveness; note it is generally not recommended for children under three.
- IR3535 — another registered active found in some products.
Match the Product to the Situation
The "best" repellent depends on your circumstances:
- Duration of exposure: a short walk needs less than an all-day hike; higher-concentration products last longer between applications.
- Who is using it: follow the label's age guidance, OLE/PMD is not for children under three, and apply carefully on children per label directions.
- Environment: heavy mosquito or tick pressure, or travel to areas with mosquito-borne disease, argues for a well-proven active like DEET or picaridin.
- Preferences: picaridin's lighter feel or an OLE product's plant origin may sway your choice, as long as it is EPA-registered.
Apply It Correctly and Safely
A good repellent only works if used as directed on the label:
- Read and follow the label for how much to apply, how often to reapply, and any age restrictions.
- Apply to exposed skin and clothing, not under clothing, and avoid the eyes, mouth, and cuts.
- On children: apply to your own hands first and then onto the child, keeping it off their hands, eyes, and mouth. Do not use repellent on infants younger than the label allows.
- Do not combine a sunscreen-plus-repellent in one product if you need to reapply sunscreen frequently; apply sunscreen first, then repellent.
- Wash treated skin when you return indoors, and wash treated clothing separately.
