It’s that time of year when it’s hard to avoid mosquitoes, ticks and other pests.
Although very small, these insects can leave more than an itchy bump.
Mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile virus, and ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. So, to better stay protected and keep pests away, you may want to consider insect repellent.
Every year, Consumer Reports tests lotions, sprays and wipes, including herbal repellents, on real people using real mosquitoes to find the best insect repellents. Here’s how the tests work:
A repellent fails if a mosquito bites twice in a single 5-minute session. Or if there is one bite in each of two consecutive 5 minute sessions.
Results showed that the most effective mosquito and tick repellents contain 25 to 30 percent Deet as the active ingredient.
The best rated were:
- Ben’s Tick and Insect Wipes
- Ben’s Wilderness Formula Tick and Insect Repellent Pump
- 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent
“Our reviews include more than 50 repellents and more than 20 recommended ones, so it should be easy to find a way to defeat insects that works for you,” said Catherine Roberts of Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports found products containing 30 percent lemon eucalyptus oil to be good alternatives, such as – Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Pump.
Some high scorers also contain 20 percent picaridin, like the Sawyer Premium Bug Pump. Applying repellent correctly is just as important as the type you use.
Follow label directions and apply a thin layer to all exposed skin. You can also spray on your clothes, but do not apply it under your clothes.
NBC Chicago
