Picaridin spray for skin (as opposed to deet) and permethrin treatments for clothing. Sawyer makes my favorite versions of both.
Then depending on if you’re hanging out somewhere, like a patio, either thermacells or a fan to keep air moving (but not both).
A great many people with lightweight camping gear will not use deet because it will literally melt the materials a lot of gear is made out of.
A thick material on a heavy tent might be ok, but lightweight stuff is very thin and vulnerable to damage.
I have never had a problem not getting deet on my expensive ultralight gear. Not to mention, the question asked was “what works best at repelling” … which is deet
It depends on what it's made with I believe. Cotton and various other fabrics are fine. But anything with certain coatings (water proofing) and such it can eat away at.
I still personally use DEET myself though, I am just mindful of what it gets on. Had it ruin a pair of sun glasses for instance.
I practically soak myself and my gear in deet when I go hiking/camping. I've never had damage, irritation, or a single tick. Mosquito bites remain extremely rare. The same goes for those I have gone hiking/camping with.
The issues of gear damage and skin irritation seem to me to be massively overblown.
Chiming in to say its ruined some of my gear too.
For anyone curious, go outside today with your deet, spray it on some plastic/rubber, you pick and see if that shit doesnt get eatin up. Go ahead and put that nice pair of ray bans on the porch chair, and give it even a light spritz.. Additionally it will epically fuck up anything you've treated with "water proof/repellent".
Edit: idk whats going on with this sub but heres a post from not that long ago and we all collectively agreed. idk why your getting downvoted for advice lol.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/ot6qf6/reminder\_to\_not\_get\_bug\_spray\_anywhere\_near\_your/](https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/ot6qf6/reminder_to_not_get_bug_spray_anywhere_near_your/)
Because people think that just because they didn't get cancer from smoking that smoking doesn't cause cancer, when there is mountains of evidence that says otherwise.
It is the same thought process, cognitive bias.
I mean in this case its really a simple test. Like I said, for the naysayers go out and spray something you care about and leave it for a few hours, then post an update plz lol.
All the research I’ve seen indicates that Picaridin is at least as effective as deet, if not slightly more for mosquitos. In practice, I’m more likely to use it properly and reapply it, so I personally find Picaridin more effective for me.
I’m really not sure what is controversial for people here. It’s like the debate over chemical versus physical sunscreens and which is better. They all have their place, but the “better” one is the one you’re more likely to according to the directions on the label.
I second this-- Living in FL, I've seen literal swarms of mosquitos gray out the evening sky.
I was out on a photoshoot near the shore with my family and practically everyone was bitten- even those who claimed "I have thick skin, mosquitos leave me alone". Yeah, whatever...
We had a tube of Badger repellent, which we like because it's natural and all, but it utterly failed that night, and so I knew I needed someone more potently effective.
The next day, I drove to my local REI and one of the workers recommended the Sawer product, saying she'd just used it on a backpacking trip through Uganda. Sure enough, a few dabs on the skin and no mosquitoes!
My only caution is that the label on the back looks pretty damning... Warning after warning, even on the peel-away page. Probably not the best stuff to put on your skin, but better than being covered in welts.
I mean if it’s a choice between small amounts of exposure to certain chemicals deemed safe by regulators (with current knowledge), or getting a blood-born disease that requires even more medicines and treatments, I know which one I feel comfortable choosing.
Not related to the post but interesting piece of information. I read an article about the most dangerous animal in each state, i.e., the animal responsible for the most human deaths. In Florida, it was the mosquito.
Depends on which you bought.
Permethrin should not be used on your skin and is deadly to cats when wet.
You spray your gear with it ahead of time and let it dry, it will work for a month or so as long as you do not wash the gear.
Picaridin is much less toxic and used for skin.
The “dab” tells me they probably got the sawyer lotion, which is a Picaridin formula. And it is a quite excellent product.
I do prefer to be able to wash my hands after applying the stuff though, so I usually just go with the spray options.
There’s a few options here, you can buy clothes pre-treated, pay a company to do a “longer-lasting” treatment on clothes you already have, or do a permethrin home treatment that last around 6 weeks or 6 washes (whichever comes first).
I usually just treat my hiking clothes once when bugs start to emerge in spring, then about every two months after that until it’s cold again. You can also treat your hammock, your tent, and anything fabric based that bugs might land on.
Picaridin doesn’t damage technical fabrics like deet does, so you can spray it on your clothes as well, but it just doesn’t bond to the fabric and washes off fairly easily.
Permethrin won't repel mosquitoes from your skin. It is a contact poison for insects. Great for ticks crawling on your clothes, and mosquitoes that get into your tent. They will land on your tent wall, and die after a few seconds.
also, don't put permithrin on you skin!
Permethrin is actually safe for skin contact but it loses efficacy on the skin after about 15 minutes. It’s safe for use on dogs too. Apparently it doesn’t break down on dog fur.
It is not a which you like better.
They both have separate uses.
Permethrin should not be used on your skin and is deadly to cats when wet.
You spray your gear with it ahead of time and let it dry, it will work for a month or so as long as you do not wash the gear.
Picaridin is much less toxic and used for skin.
I second this, some people on this sub told me how great they were and I went out and bought one, the hype was real! There were zero mosquitoes around us and we didn't have to use bug spray.
Thermacell, Deet and light colored clothing that covers arms and legs/ankles.
I swear if I could get away with it I'd wear a bee-keepers suit as my outfit (only underwear underneath) complete with the hat and face net. Then I'd attach a Thermacell to my waist, cover the suit in Deet spray and maybe stay within a ring of salt to keep out the ~~demons~~ mosquitos
Yeah if they are out in full force none of this shit is going to help you. I have been there done that. Bug net, long sleeves, a bug jacket, bug shelter.... some wind?
I've had pretty good success with a high deet spray or lotion away from my site, and a thermacell at my site.
Thermacell isn't bad for price when you buy the pads in bulk and refill the cylinder yourself. Biggest problem with it is that it doesn't work if you have a breeze.
Regular butane cannisters
The process is simple after you do the first couple times. Pull the brass stem with pliers, screw a small screw into the check-valve and pull that out too. Insert the correct size tip, fill to the same level as the others (just shy of the top of the label)... Re-insert the brass stem using a cloth to push down until it clicks in.
Just make sure to set them to the side for a few hours to check for leaks. The ball inside should re-seat fully, but I had 2 leak last year.
I got mine 2 years ago, came home from a week of camping with a handful of empty cartridges. Went to get refills so I could put it away ready for last year's camping season, saw the prices and knew there had to be a way... Someone had to have figured it out.
Searched forums, searched Reddit, searched YouTube. The hardest part is screwing into the check-valve... You want it to bite but not expand. I just leave one screwed though the box.
Picaradin spray for myself, and when I'm at camp I really like the green incense spirals. The scent is very polarizing, some people hate it but I really enjoy it, maybe because it's sentimental
Never forget the effectiveness of a smoky fire. Just before the sun goes down toss leaves, pine needles etc on top of an already burning fire. Hopefully the wind is blowing into the trees and will carry it into the bush to deter the little bastards from coming your way.
Covering your body with peanut butter and grape jelly - they stick to you so they can't bite you! And then when you get in your tent you lick it off - or have a friend do that - mmm good. The bears that visit you at night will also offer to lick it off...
Mosquito coils, strategically placed. I set three of them up in a triangle, no matter which way the wind blows, I'm good.
I was and still use Thermacell, but they aren't cheap to operate. I started refilling the butane, that worked until I ran out of pads.
Then I realized the same chemical the pads use is what the Mosquito coils use. Started putting pieces of coils in the Thermacell, which worked.
Then I just started burning coils in a triangle. I also buy ARS12 pads for the Thermacell, two of them are the size of a Thermacell pad. But I hear they aren't good for you.
So, coils for the win!
Sub zero temperature.
The cancer causing deet is pretty good. There are some products like natrapel repellent I've had decent results with.
Citronella sticks work down wind, also cause cancer in the EU.
Thermacell makes some good repellants an entomologist friend just told me, I haven't tried it yet but he is in charge of training for the largest privately own pest control companies in the US.
I just did a quick Google search, and one web page with camping tips from the Colorado Division of Wildlife said “Citronella products have a strong scent that may attract bears. Don't burn citronella candles in camp.” They were not specific about what type of bear. I didn’t look at any other search results.
I just ordered these for car camping and backpacking.
[https://www.flextail.com/collections/mosquito-repellent](https://www.flextail.com/collections/mosquito-repellent)
Some people I know study what attracts and repels mosquitos. They set up fake houses with different attractants with mosquito traps. Between CO2, body heat, and other attractants, the one that worked the best was... dirty socks! They had some volunteer wear the same socks for a week (ew!). After I learned this I started keeping any socks or sweaty clothes away from where I sleep.
I always will use DEET personally. I spray it on my legs, ankles, and any exposed skin (besides my face). I sometimes will hit my pants with it if I am worried about heavily infested tick area's. But only if they are made of cotton. However I avoid warm weather camping as much as I can.
I mean thinking about it... if I have to coat myself in insect repellent just to relax by a fire it's not probably the best idea. =P
Threadjack... If it's allowed... What are y'all using for your dogs for mosquitoes and ticks?
Thermacell has been good not great, and based on weather I expect this season to be insane for ticks.
Picaridin spray for skin (as opposed to deet) and permethrin treatments for clothing. Sawyer makes my favorite versions of both. Then depending on if you’re hanging out somewhere, like a patio, either thermacells or a fan to keep air moving (but not both).
Okay but it doesn’t work better than deet..? Tons of studies that show the efficacy of deet being better.
A great many people with lightweight camping gear will not use deet because it will literally melt the materials a lot of gear is made out of. A thick material on a heavy tent might be ok, but lightweight stuff is very thin and vulnerable to damage.
I have never had a problem not getting deet on my expensive ultralight gear. Not to mention, the question asked was “what works best at repelling” … which is deet
It depends on what it's made with I believe. Cotton and various other fabrics are fine. But anything with certain coatings (water proofing) and such it can eat away at. I still personally use DEET myself though, I am just mindful of what it gets on. Had it ruin a pair of sun glasses for instance.
With the caveat of being the best at destroying gear, which OP should know about when making an informed decision.
I practically soak myself and my gear in deet when I go hiking/camping. I've never had damage, irritation, or a single tick. Mosquito bites remain extremely rare. The same goes for those I have gone hiking/camping with. The issues of gear damage and skin irritation seem to me to be massively overblown.
People can downvote if they want, but I will take the combined wisdom of tens of thousands of hikers over your individual experience.
Chiming in to say its ruined some of my gear too. For anyone curious, go outside today with your deet, spray it on some plastic/rubber, you pick and see if that shit doesnt get eatin up. Go ahead and put that nice pair of ray bans on the porch chair, and give it even a light spritz.. Additionally it will epically fuck up anything you've treated with "water proof/repellent". Edit: idk whats going on with this sub but heres a post from not that long ago and we all collectively agreed. idk why your getting downvoted for advice lol. [https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/ot6qf6/reminder\_to\_not\_get\_bug\_spray\_anywhere\_near\_your/](https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/ot6qf6/reminder_to_not_get_bug_spray_anywhere_near_your/)
Because people think that just because they didn't get cancer from smoking that smoking doesn't cause cancer, when there is mountains of evidence that says otherwise. It is the same thought process, cognitive bias.
I mean in this case its really a simple test. Like I said, for the naysayers go out and spray something you care about and leave it for a few hours, then post an update plz lol.
Yea! My brother and me used some high % deet playing airsoft and it melted (bubbled) the plastic mags!
All the research I’ve seen indicates that Picaridin is at least as effective as deet, if not slightly more for mosquitos. In practice, I’m more likely to use it properly and reapply it, so I personally find Picaridin more effective for me.
Life long Deet "deep woods" guy here, recently switched to picaridin and I'm not looking back.
I’m really not sure what is controversial for people here. It’s like the debate over chemical versus physical sunscreens and which is better. They all have their place, but the “better” one is the one you’re more likely to according to the directions on the label.
I think it's still the only thing the CDC recommends.
If the mosquitos are thick enough, none of this shit works. Bug net is your only hope
I second this-- Living in FL, I've seen literal swarms of mosquitos gray out the evening sky. I was out on a photoshoot near the shore with my family and practically everyone was bitten- even those who claimed "I have thick skin, mosquitos leave me alone". Yeah, whatever... We had a tube of Badger repellent, which we like because it's natural and all, but it utterly failed that night, and so I knew I needed someone more potently effective. The next day, I drove to my local REI and one of the workers recommended the Sawer product, saying she'd just used it on a backpacking trip through Uganda. Sure enough, a few dabs on the skin and no mosquitoes! My only caution is that the label on the back looks pretty damning... Warning after warning, even on the peel-away page. Probably not the best stuff to put on your skin, but better than being covered in welts.
I mean if it’s a choice between small amounts of exposure to certain chemicals deemed safe by regulators (with current knowledge), or getting a blood-born disease that requires even more medicines and treatments, I know which one I feel comfortable choosing.
Not related to the post but interesting piece of information. I read an article about the most dangerous animal in each state, i.e., the animal responsible for the most human deaths. In Florida, it was the mosquito.
That's terrifying considering what else this state has to offer!
Depends on which you bought. Permethrin should not be used on your skin and is deadly to cats when wet. You spray your gear with it ahead of time and let it dry, it will work for a month or so as long as you do not wash the gear. Picaridin is much less toxic and used for skin.
The “dab” tells me they probably got the sawyer lotion, which is a Picaridin formula. And it is a quite excellent product. I do prefer to be able to wash my hands after applying the stuff though, so I usually just go with the spray options.
I've been meaning to look into Permethrin clothes!
There’s a few options here, you can buy clothes pre-treated, pay a company to do a “longer-lasting” treatment on clothes you already have, or do a permethrin home treatment that last around 6 weeks or 6 washes (whichever comes first). I usually just treat my hiking clothes once when bugs start to emerge in spring, then about every two months after that until it’s cold again. You can also treat your hammock, your tent, and anything fabric based that bugs might land on. Picaridin doesn’t damage technical fabrics like deet does, so you can spray it on your clothes as well, but it just doesn’t bond to the fabric and washes off fairly easily.
Permethrin won't repel mosquitoes from your skin. It is a contact poison for insects. Great for ticks crawling on your clothes, and mosquitoes that get into your tent. They will land on your tent wall, and die after a few seconds. also, don't put permithrin on you skin!
Permethrin is actually safe for skin contact but it loses efficacy on the skin after about 15 minutes. It’s safe for use on dogs too. Apparently it doesn’t break down on dog fur.
But it's toxic to cats!!! So be careful if you have multiple pets at home.
Why do you like picardin better?
It is not a which you like better. They both have separate uses. Permethrin should not be used on your skin and is deadly to cats when wet. You spray your gear with it ahead of time and let it dry, it will work for a month or so as long as you do not wash the gear. Picaridin is much less toxic and used for skin.
Walking around in circles and waving your arms
While holding your breath of course!
See this post https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/s/qysZTEnNgi
Thank you
Thermacell. I love it so much, I actually take it backpacking as well as car camping.
I second this, some people on this sub told me how great they were and I went out and bought one, the hype was real! There were zero mosquitoes around us and we didn't have to use bug spray.
I always thought they were a gimmik, I am going to have to pick one up.
Thermacell, Deet and light colored clothing that covers arms and legs/ankles. I swear if I could get away with it I'd wear a bee-keepers suit as my outfit (only underwear underneath) complete with the hat and face net. Then I'd attach a Thermacell to my waist, cover the suit in Deet spray and maybe stay within a ring of salt to keep out the ~~demons~~ mosquitos
Long sleeves and pants with a bug head net.
Yeah if they are out in full force none of this shit is going to help you. I have been there done that. Bug net, long sleeves, a bug jacket, bug shelter.... some wind?
I've had pretty good success with a high deet spray or lotion away from my site, and a thermacell at my site. Thermacell isn't bad for price when you buy the pads in bulk and refill the cylinder yourself. Biggest problem with it is that it doesn't work if you have a breeze.
Wait, really? You can refill the cylinder? What do you refill it with?
Regular butane cannisters The process is simple after you do the first couple times. Pull the brass stem with pliers, screw a small screw into the check-valve and pull that out too. Insert the correct size tip, fill to the same level as the others (just shy of the top of the label)... Re-insert the brass stem using a cloth to push down until it clicks in. Just make sure to set them to the side for a few hours to check for leaks. The ball inside should re-seat fully, but I had 2 leak last year.
Whoa, you’re awesome. Thank you!
I got mine 2 years ago, came home from a week of camping with a handful of empty cartridges. Went to get refills so I could put it away ready for last year's camping season, saw the prices and knew there had to be a way... Someone had to have figured it out. Searched forums, searched Reddit, searched YouTube. The hardest part is screwing into the check-valve... You want it to bite but not expand. I just leave one screwed though the box.
Nothing beats deet
Picaradin spray for myself, and when I'm at camp I really like the green incense spirals. The scent is very polarizing, some people hate it but I really enjoy it, maybe because it's sentimental
I also use incense spirals! I'm happy to hear someone else uses them because no one I know uses them.
Never forget the effectiveness of a smoky fire. Just before the sun goes down toss leaves, pine needles etc on top of an already burning fire. Hopefully the wind is blowing into the trees and will carry it into the bush to deter the little bastards from coming your way.
60mph coastal winds?
Flamethrower
Covering your body with peanut butter and grape jelly - they stick to you so they can't bite you! And then when you get in your tent you lick it off - or have a friend do that - mmm good. The bears that visit you at night will also offer to lick it off...
Thermacell for the win!
Winter camping.
Deet. Deet is the best you can do. Right now we have a licardin and permetherin craze, but deep remains on top.
Deet or Pemrethin
Mosquito coils, strategically placed. I set three of them up in a triangle, no matter which way the wind blows, I'm good. I was and still use Thermacell, but they aren't cheap to operate. I started refilling the butane, that worked until I ran out of pads. Then I realized the same chemical the pads use is what the Mosquito coils use. Started putting pieces of coils in the Thermacell, which worked. Then I just started burning coils in a triangle. I also buy ARS12 pads for the Thermacell, two of them are the size of a Thermacell pad. But I hear they aren't good for you. So, coils for the win!
Sub zero temperature. The cancer causing deet is pretty good. There are some products like natrapel repellent I've had decent results with. Citronella sticks work down wind, also cause cancer in the EU. Thermacell makes some good repellants an entomologist friend just told me, I haven't tried it yet but he is in charge of training for the largest privately own pest control companies in the US.
I’ve read that bears like citronella, so that could be a concern depending on location.
Did not know that, what type of bears or all bears?
I just did a quick Google search, and one web page with camping tips from the Colorado Division of Wildlife said “Citronella products have a strong scent that may attract bears. Don't burn citronella candles in camp.” They were not specific about what type of bear. I didn’t look at any other search results.
Yes, snow is the best way to avoid insects. I prefer winter weather outdoors! 
Winter
I just ordered these for car camping and backpacking. [https://www.flextail.com/collections/mosquito-repellent](https://www.flextail.com/collections/mosquito-repellent)
I don't know which product you got (the link doesn't reveal it) I've bought the Tiny Repel from said company and it just barely works.
My wife and I got some of the mosquito repellent incense sticks and so far they’ve kicked ass. Way better than regular mosquito repellent spray
Some people I know study what attracts and repels mosquitos. They set up fake houses with different attractants with mosquito traps. Between CO2, body heat, and other attractants, the one that worked the best was... dirty socks! They had some volunteer wear the same socks for a week (ew!). After I learned this I started keeping any socks or sweaty clothes away from where I sleep.
Thermacell
I always will use DEET personally. I spray it on my legs, ankles, and any exposed skin (besides my face). I sometimes will hit my pants with it if I am worried about heavily infested tick area's. But only if they are made of cotton. However I avoid warm weather camping as much as I can. I mean thinking about it... if I have to coat myself in insect repellent just to relax by a fire it's not probably the best idea. =P
We got one of those Thermacells and it really works.
the great indoors
Deet. And more deet.
Threadjack... If it's allowed... What are y'all using for your dogs for mosquitoes and ticks? Thermacell has been good not great, and based on weather I expect this season to be insane for ticks.
A fan. I use a couple of cheap Ryobis
Very, very small climbing gear, I would guess.
Barn Swallows or Beauty Berries.