10 Best Insect Repellents

How to choose an insect repellent?

Insecticidal preparations are available in the form of aerosols, sprays, emulsions, ointments, lotions and creams. Such means are most effective in nature and any other open space. It is best to use fumigators in a house or apartment. Fumigation, or killing pests through gases and vapors, is an effective way to remove mosquitoes, flies and ticks from your home. The most common household fumigator is electric. It is a heating element that is powered from a household electrical network. Sources of insecticide are tablet or liquid. In the first case, the plates are placed on a heating pad; in the second, the device is installed with a replaceable cartridge with a tube or wick feed.

The main active ingredient in most repellent and acaricidal products is synthetic insecticides, for example, toluic acid diethylamide (DEET). The organic chemical compound is considered a mild pesticide. It is quite poisonous, but at the same time, the most effective. DEET has a deadly effect on mosquitoes, midges, midges, fleas, horse flies, blood-sucking flies and ticks. The top 10 best products, which are compiled based on product characteristics and customer reviews about it, will help you choose the most convenient form.

The best insect repellents

Experts advise choosing repellents with the longest duration of action. It is best to take a closer look at drugs that have a wide range of effects. Protection should work not only for one type of parasite. An important parameter is the presence of natural ingredients in the composition, for example, fir oil, especially when it comes to a cream, emulsion or lotion.

5 Gardex Baby anti-mosquito bracelet with 3 replaceable cartridges

A domestic manufacturer produces several lines of outdoor insect repellents. The range includes chemicals for family, ultra-strong protection, as well as a spray made from natural ingredients. Gardex pays great attention to children. For the little ones, an aerosol, an extract, bracelets and clips for clothes are produced. The bracelet has the ability to repel “bloodsuckers” in places where they are small.

Active ingredients are natural - essential oils of geranium, citronella, lavender and mint. The characteristics of the drug remain unchanged for three weeks if stored in sealed packaging. The instructions for use indicate that the cartridge must be inserted into a special hole in the bracelet immediately before going outside. Wearing is permitted only under adult supervision.

Pros:

Soft bracelet material
Nice smell
Natural composition of the composition

Minuses:

Gardex Baby is unable to help if there are a lot of mosquitoes
The product should not be used on children under two years of age.
You may have an allergic reaction to the oil

4 Fumigator + Thermacell MR-300 Repeller plates

A portable anti-mosquito device from the USA promises to repel insects over an area of up to 20 square meters. The device can operate uninterruptedly for 12 hours. A special advantage of Thermacell MR-300 Repeller is its portability. It does not depend on the electrical network, heating the plate using a butane gas cartridge. The active ingredient is allethrin. A synthetic pesticide has been successfully used to control mosquitoes, flies and midges. Other advantages include the absence of odor and smoke, so the fumigator can be safely used by families with children and allergy sufferers.

Pros:

Effective for fishing, in the country, during a picnic and when traveling
The fumigator body is made of impact-resistant polystyrene
Compact, lightweight
Silent piezo ignition available
Large area protection
Additionally, it is possible to buy a special mount for wearing on a belt or clothing
The cartridge is protected from leaks and does not stain your hands
Universal for all Thermacell plates

Minuses:

No cons identified

3 Fumigator + liquid Raptor against mosquitoes

The active ingredient of the fumigant is Etoc (ethok, pralletrin). A synthetic insecticide developed in Japan to kill flying parasites. Etok has a neuroparalytic effect on insects. Harmless to people and pets. The Raptor miniature device operates from a regular electrical network. A can of liquid is placed in the heating element, which releases volatile compounds into the air during operation. The effect of the drug begins 10-15 minutes after the fumigator is plugged into the outlet. The solution is used until it evaporates completely.

Pros:

The versatility of the device - it can function not only with liquid, but also with plates
Provides excellent protection throughout the night
There is a light indicator showing device activity
Suitable for vertical and horizontal sockets
Acceptable cost

Minuses:

Not detected

2 Gardex Family mosquito repellent aerosol

Another member of the Gardex outdoor protection family, it provides reliable protection against flying blood-sucking pests. The duration of action is up to four hours. It can be applied not only to skin, but also to clothing made from natural fabrics. The composition contains repellent DEET 18%, ethanol, deodorized liquefied hydrocarbon mixture, eloe vera extract. The manufacturer recommends first spraying Gardex Family onto the palm of your hand, then spreading it over exposed areas of the body. It is not recommended to use the drug for nursing mothers, women expecting a child, and children under 12 years of age. The repellent can be used on skin no more than twice a day, on fabric - without restrictions.

Pros:

The aerosol repels mosquitoes for the time stated by the manufacturer
A large amount of product lasts a long time
Does not leave stains on clothes
Does not cause itching, flaking or redness of the skin
High-quality spray without leaks

Minuses:

Strong smell
Not suitable for children

1 Aerosol OFF! Extreme against mosquitoes and ticks

The repellent spray works for 4 hours after application to the skin. For 5 days, when sprayed on clothing, it repels ticks. It prevents other insects from approaching a person for up to 30 days. Active ingredient – DEET 30%. Protects against various types of ticks, including encephalitis. Not suitable for spraying on children's skin, but acceptable when used on children's clothing. Adults are allowed to apply to the face, avoiding contact with the eyes. OFF! Extreme is recommended to shake well before use and then spray outdoors in the direction of the wind at a distance of 20-25 centimeters from the skin.

Pros:

Effectively protects many types of parasites
Economical consumption
Convenient and compact can
High price

Minuses:

Very pungent smell

Repellent properties of essential oils

With the help of essential oils, you can easily repel insects, avoiding the use of all kinds of chemical fumigators, spirals, sprays and ointments, the effects of which are known to be not beneficial for the human body. Certain essential oils have been proven to be healthy alternatives to modern repellents. Cloves, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Frankincense, Geranium, Citronella... the list goes on for a long time. Moreover, different insects are more sensitive to different essential oils. For example, midges do not like the smell of Citronella, Patchouli, Mint; mosquitoes do not tolerate Lavender and Lemongrass; Ticks are afraid of Sage and Thyme. Cedarwood oil repels mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches. Tea tree oil helps not only relieve inflammation and swelling, but also cope with allergic reactions to insect bites.

Using natural essential oils to control insects is easy. Use our tips on choosing the method that suits you and enjoy the resulting effect.

Aroma lamp (ideal for indoor spaces). If you mix Clove, Lavender, Geranium and Tea Tree oil in equal proportions and drip the mixture into an aroma lamp, then neither mosquitoes nor flies will simply fly into the room.
Scented candles with essential oils. Mosquitoes do not like smoke and everything associated with it, as well as essential oils, so candles can be a very convenient way to repel annoying insects and at the same time enjoy your favorite scents. Scented candles work as intended as long as they burn (up to 35 hours). With this method, aromatherapy acquires additional benefits that are relevant to us.
Spraying essential oils into the air using a spray bottle or a special diffuser will help make the procedure more effective. Here, the best option would be to preventively spray the mosquito net with a solution of essential oils; this will additionally repel insects from the windows of the house - now insects will not be tempted to crawl into small cracks and holes in the net.
If you don’t have special devices at hand, such as an aroma lamp or an oil spray, you can use improvised means - drop essential oil onto any heated surface (fireplace, stove, regular candle, frying pan).

Well, if you have been bitten by mosquitoes or midges, and are haunted by skin itching or even inflammation, in the Aroma Pharmacy section you can find tips on which essential oils will help soothe the skin. Tea tree oil can be called universal in this sense, which should definitely be in your home medicine cabinet.

Essential oils can help remove fleas from pets. There are also several effective ways for this: you can spray the animal with water with essential oils dissolved in it (previously diluted with an emulsifier) from a spray bottle. Essential oils of Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, and Pennyroyal are suitable for this. The procedure must be carried out outside so that insects do not crawl around the house. Care must be taken to ensure that essential oils do not get into your pet's eyes when spraying it.

There is an easier way to get rid of fleas - simply add the above essential oils to the shampoo for washing pets (20 drops of essential oil per 2 tablespoons of shampoo), when washing, you need to gently rub the product into the skin, wait about 5 minutes, rinse and wipe pet's fur with a dry towel. This simple technique will calm your pet and help you forget about fleas for a long time.

The best insect killers

Acaricides are specialized drugs that do not repel blood-sucking parasites, but destroy them. They contain synthetic components. Acaricidal treatment not only kills existing insects, but also prevents the appearance of new ones.

5 Fumigator Raptor Instant liquidation system

An aquafumigator works effectively if you need to get rid of flies, cockroaches, fleas, ants and mosquitoes. The active ingredient is cyphenothrin. A non-systemic pesticide deals a quick and devastating blow to parasites, destroying their nervous system. Its distribution in the air is carried out by steam. The vapor-forming agent is placed in a metal container installed in a plastic container, which is partially filled with water.

Contact with liquid results in an intense thermal reaction. The resulting vapors easily penetrate into the most inaccessible places - into ventilation ducts, under baseboards, small cracks in walls and floors. The Raptor Instant Elimination System is convenient and easy to use. There is no need to control the distribution of the product. Safe for people and pets.

Pros:

Effective against all types of insects
The fumigant has excellent penetrating ability
Affordable price
No harm to humans and animals

Minuses:

An impressive list of precautions that must be observed during application
After use for two days, an unpleasant odor remains in the room
The need for general cleaning with thorough washing of all surfaces in the house
You must not be in the house while the fumigator is operating.

4 Electric trap Tefal Mosquito Protect MN4015F1

The anti-mosquito lamp attracts blood-sucking insects only with the help of ultraviolet radiation without the use of chemicals. The manufacturer makes an application for a device that captures mosquitoes and midges using a vacuum system. The wavelength is initially adjusted in such a way that no household pest can escape it. The device does not have a replaceable unit that contains captured parasites. In the morning you will find dehydrated “bloodsuckers” in the open container of Tefal Mosquito Protect MN4015F1; all you have to do is shake them out.

Pros:

No pesticides
There is no odor during operation
Durable performance
No need to buy additional accessories
Complete safety for humans and the environment

Minuses:

There is noise from the fan

3 Fumigator + Mosquitall liquid Universal protection

The fumigant is designed to protect against biting midges, mosquitoes and mosquitoes in the house, apartment, and country house. The impact begins five minutes after the device is connected to the network. In half an hour, all the hated pests will be destroyed. The active substance heats up and is evenly distributed in the air, leaving no odor. It works throughout the night even in ventilated areas. The protection time is 60 nights. Mosquitall fits into a standard socket. Can be used in combination with liquid or plates. After one batch of the substance has evaporated, it is replaced with a spare bottle. Ideal for people suffering from allergic reactions.

Pros:

Minimum fumigant consumption - it lasts for two months if turned on only at night
Efficiency is proven in practice in just a few minutes, mosquito squeaks and bites no longer bother you
The device is accessible, inexpensive and easy to use
Safety for children

Minuses:

It is not always possible to find removable bottles on sale; it can be cheaper to buy a new set

2 Spray Mosquitall Protection against ticks

A strong remedy against forest and taiga ticks, mosquitoes, midges and midges. The period of protective action is 10-15 days. The spray can only be applied to clothing, travel and sports equipment. The liquid structure of the drug is evenly distributed throughout the tissue. The active ingredients DEET 15% and alphacypermethrin kill ticks and also repel other blood-sucking insects. Mosquitall affects the respiratory system of the parasite and causes its inevitable death.

Pros:

Convenient spray dispenser
Moderately tolerable aroma that fades quickly
Long-term protection
Economical consumption

Minuses:

Chemical smell

1 Raid aerosol against crawling and flying insects with the scent of lavender

The product contains cypermethrin, imiprothrin, prallethrin. A complex of synthetic insecticides will reliably protect against bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, fleas, flies, skin beetles, mosquitoes, wasps and moths. Raid Lavender has a pleasant fragrance that minimizes chemical odor. The peculiarity of the drug is that it cannot be sprayed on skin and clothing. For acaricidal treatment of a room, it is necessary to spray the aerosol into the air at a distance of one meter from the walls. To eliminate moths, acaricide is used in wardrobes. After exposure, it is necessary to ventilate the rooms for 20 minutes.

Pros:

When the aerosol is sprayed, the insect dies instantly
The use of an insecticide forces all insects to leave the room for a long time
Wide range of protection
Convenient can and dispenser
Acceptable cost

Minuses:

It is necessary to ventilate the house
Ineffective against bedbugs

What is the best insect repellent to buy in 2021?

The choice of a protective drug depends on the purpose of its use. If you plan to scare away or completely get rid of mosquitoes in your house, apartment or country house, experts recommend choosing fumigators. Plates or liquid is a matter of taste. Modern fumigation devices usually come in a two-in-one form. This was done for the convenience of buyers who will not be limited in choice. As practice shows, newfangled devices, for example, mosquito lamps from well-known brands, have proven themselves in the fight against parasites. In addition, their action without pesticides in the composition certainly will not cause any harm.

When going on a picnic or on a trip, fishing or hunting, you must remember that in this case completely different means are needed. Their range is varied - for every budget and taste. It is important to use such chemicals only outdoors. For children, it is optimal to buy products from special lines. If you are faced with the task of destroying all blood-sucking, flying, crawling and troublesome domestic parasites, you will have to pay attention to acaricides. Only they can cleanse the house of harmful “neighbors.” When choosing the best insect repellent, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions so as not to harm yourself and your loved ones.

Selection of mosquito repellents for children under one year of age and adults:

When purchasing a mosquito repellent, you should pay attention to the information on the label about the active substance in the composition and its concentration. It is this information that will determine how to use the repellent: on clothing, on skin, or on clothing and body.

Water-based repellents allow the skin to breathe, but their repellent protection ends faster.

Preparations that are oil-based are more stable. They are more difficult to wash off with water, so they work even in any rain.

Well, now let’s take a closer look at the brands’ products, which are distinguished by their effectiveness and are presented in pharmacies of the Solnechnoye Zdorovye chain.

Aerosol against midges, mosquitoes, horseflies “GARDEX EXTREME”

Aerosol repellent "GARDEX EXTREME" can be applied to clothing and skin. It provides strong, long-lasting protection against the bites of horse flies, mosquitoes, mosquitoes, black flies and ixodid ticks, making this repellent ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

The protective effect of the GARDEX EXTREME aerosol, when applied to the skin, will last for 7-8 hours, and if applied to clothing, then up to 5 days.

This repellent can be applied to the skin no more than once a day.

To prevent the product from getting into the eyes or respiratory tract, when applying it, you must first spray it onto the palm of your hand and then apply it to open areas of the body.

When applied to clothing, this repellent must be sprayed at a distance of 10 to 20 cm. Before application, clothing must be removed, treated, dried and then put on. You can also apply the aerosol to shoes and any equipment made from natural fabrics.

Upon contact with the treated surface, the insect is paralyzed, which prevents it from biting.

Remedy for blood-sucking insects "DETA"

"DEET" reliably protects against horse flies, mosquitoes, midges and ticks for 6 hours. This product is water-based and comes in a spray bottle, which is very convenient when applying it to the skin and clothing. There is no alcohol in the composition, so DEET aerosol does not dry out the skin after application and does not leave stains on clothes.

The high effectiveness of the product is ensured by the presence of fir oil in its composition - a natural repellent; blood-sucking insects cannot stand its smell. Therefore, this aerosol has a strong deterrent effect. Insects will fly nearby, but will not be able to land on your skin.

For effective protection against ticks, Deta aerosol should be applied to clothing that should be treated until lightly moistened, and more attention should be paid to those areas adjacent to the ankles, wrists and neck.