There’s so much to love about summer days and nights in the wilderness: the views, the flowers, the warm weather. And one thing to decidedly not love: summer’s swarms of mosquitoes, blackflies, no-see-ums, and ticks. Nothing can ruin a trip faster than the incessant whining and itchy welts of biting bugs. And what’s worse, insects can spread serious diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, Malaria and Zika.

Luckily, we have plenty of defenses. From the best bug sprays to insect-repellent clothing to anti-bug camp gadgets, here’s how to thwart those bloodsuckers.

In this article, you’ll learn about:

• spray-on bug repellents
• bug-repellent clothing and clothing treatments
• portable bug repellents

Bug Repellents

As one of the most popular, easiest, and cheapest ways to keep insects away, bug sprays (or wipes, lotions, or roll-ons) work by preventing bugs from biting you, or sometimes, even landing on your skin in the first place. There are all kinds of formulas out there, but some just plain don’t work. These three easy-to-find options have been proven to be safe and effective by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

DEET

This synthetic chemical is the gold standard in bug protection. It was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, and has been widely used by the public for decades. It’s highly effective and considered safe for kids, but keep in mind that it can damage some kinds of plastics (like synthetic fabrics, sunglasses, tents) and waterproof/breathable membranes.

Bug repellents come in a variety of concentrations of DEET, up to 100%. The higher the concentration, the longer the product will work. So if you’re planning to be outdoors for only an hour or two, 10 or 20% DEET products should be fine. Go higher if you’ll be out all day.

Picaridin

Developed in the ’80s, this synthetic chemical is based on the compound piperine, which is found in the plants that produce black pepper. It works about as well as DEET, without the plastic-damaging effect, and smells less chemical-y. 

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

This natural extract is also quite effective at repelling bugs, though it doesn’t last as long as the chemical options. Note: It’s not recommended for kids under age 3. 

Bug Clothing

Bug sprays work well on exposed skin; bug-repellent clothing, on the other hand, covers a lot more real estate. While you have to reapply bug sprays every few hours, the protection you get from bug clothing can last several weeks to the life of the garment, and you don’t have to apply anything to your skin. If you live or travel in very buggy areas, these clothes and accessories can be a lifesaver. Note: You’ll probably still have to use some kind of bug spray, as the anti-bug powers of bug clothing can’t protect exposed hands, arms, or other skin. 

Bug clothing comes in two broad categories: physical barriers and chemically treated clothing.

Physical barriers

These items work by physically blocking insects from getting to your skin. They tend to be lightweight, affordable, and packable, and many are chemical free. Downsides: Some items suffer in the breathability department, and nets can be annoying to wear. 

The classic example is a head net that drapes over your hat to shield your face and neck. You can also find entire net shirts that work the same way. Other shirts, pants, and accessories use particularly dense weaves and strategic mesh panels to stymie bugs; many double up on protection with a chemical treatment, too. 

Chemical treatments

Permethrin is like DEET for your clothes: It’s neurotoxic to insects, yet considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. It comes in two forms. The first option is apparel that has permethrin bonded to its fibers. You can find this in a wide variety of items, from bandannas to shirts, pants, and socks, and the protection lasts for about 70 washes. 

Then there are spray-on permethrin treatments that you can apply to any article of clothing. These are considerably cheaper, but don’t last nearly as long (usually three to six washes) before you need to reapply them. 

Portable Bug Repellers

One more option for campsites, fishing spots, and anywhere else you’ll be hanging out outdoors are these small devices. They emit a cloud of mosquito repellent (allethrin, a synthetic insecticide based on chrysanthemums) to ward off biters, protecting your immediate surroundings. Some run on stove fuel canisters, while others are powered by rechargeable batteries. Though a bit more expensive than other options, they’re packable and effective (unlike candles infused with natural citronella oil, which haven’t been proven any more effective than normal candles), but they don’t work in windy conditions, which will blow away mosquitos anyway. 

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.