Learn what to look for before purchasing bug spray

The last thing you want is to be in camp as dusk removing ticks from your pants and be nearly eaten alive by mosquitoes. To prevent this, it is essential to choose the right insect repellent that fits your situation. Depending on where you go, what you do, and for how long, you may need different types of repellents to deter bugs while backpacking.

 

Key Information

When purchasing insect repellent, try to look past the brand. While some popular brand names may be a great choice, some are just as effective as the off-brands and store brands. Search the label for important information about the repellent, including:

• Active ingredient - Each active ingredient has pros and cons that may be important to you. For more information about active ingredients in insect repellents, see our Understand the Ingredients article.
• Concentration - The concentration, or percentage, of the active ingredient used in the repellent - generally, the higher the concentration, the longer the repellent will be effective before a reapplication is necessary.
• Targeted insects - Different repellents might be more effective against certain insects such as mosquitoes or ticks.

Repellent-treated Clothing

If you are heading into a highly bug-infested area, consider wearing clothing treated with permethrin, an insecticide engineered specifically for fabrics (such as clothing or tents). You can achieve a high level of protection by using both:

• permethrin-treated clothing (long pants, long-sleeve shirt)
• a high-concentration or controlled-release version of DEET on exposed skin.

Sprays vs. Lotions

Sprays may allow active ingredients to evaporate faster than lotions, reducing the duration of their effectiveness. Sprays, though, can be useful when spraying repellents on clothing (if insects are biting you through your shirt, for example). Remember, however, that DEET (but not picaridin) can damage most synthetic fabrics. DEET does not damage cotton, wool or nylon.

Alcohol is used to "cut" DEET, picaridin and IR 3535 in lower-concentration repellents (such as repellents marketed with a 20% concentration of an active ingredient). Alcohol usually causes skin pores to open wider, possibly allowing the body to absorb more of the repellent's active ingredient. (Alcohol may irritate some sensitive skin types as well). This may not appeal to those who use a conventional (chemical-based) repellent. Water-based sprays, which are far less common, do not have the same effect.

These factors, Avery says, makes a stronger case for 100% DEET for anyone using liquid repellents. "One-third of a dosage of 100% DEET is the same as a normal dose of 30% DEET without the negatives of alcohol," he says.

 

Additional Resources

• Wild Backpacker - Insect Repellent Active Ingredients
• Wild Backpacker - Insect Repellent FAQ
• REI: Expert Advice - How to Choose Insect Repellent

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