Best No-See-Um Repellent: No More Bug Bites
Effectively protect yourself from tiny blood-sucking insects with a no-see-um repellent.
By Editorial Team | Last Updated: June 28, 2023
What is a No-See-Um Repellent?
Hours of Protection
Long-lasting protection is a crucial aspect to consider. Seek repellents that provide extended coverage against bites, ideally lasting several hours. It is a pain to have to keep re-applying the repellent when you go hiking or engage in other outdoor activities. If you anticipate exposure to water or activities that cause sweating, consider repellents that offer water or sweat resistance.
Safety
Checking the active ingredients is also important when selecting a repellent. Ensure the product is safe for use on your skin or clothing. Read the label thoroughly and check for any warnings or precautions, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. It’s also advisable to choose repellents that are registered with relevant regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Look for repellents that are non-greasy, non-sticky, and have a pleasant feel on the skin. If you have sensitive skin or prefer fragrance-free options, seek formulations that cater to those needs. Additionally, there are products specifically designed for children if you require a repellent suitable for them.
Scented or Un-scented?
Some repellents may have a noticeable scent due to their active ingredients. Evaluate the scent and choose a repellent with an odor that is tolerable for you. Alternatively, fragrance-free options are available if you prefer to avoid any additional scent.
1. Best Overall No-See-Um Repellent
SPECS
Hours of protection: 12 hours
Bottle size: 6 fl oz
Active ingredients: 20% Picaridin
Application: Skin and gear
Scent: None
Protect your whole family with the long-lasting Sawyer Products no-see-um repellent spray. This safe and effective formula keeps pests at bay for up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers. Fragrance-free and enriched with 20% Picaridin, this repellent is superior to DEET when it comes to repelling biting flies. It also effectively wards off disease-spreading ticks (including Lyme) and mosquitoes carrying West Nile, Dengue, and Zika viruses. It won’t damage plastics or synthetic coatings, making it safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, and even firearm finishes. The 6-oz Bag-on-Valve (BOV) can ensures even spray application from any angle.
Pros ⊕
- Long-lasting
- Scent-free
- Effective
- DEET free
Cons ⊗
- Takes some time to dry
2. Best No-See-Um Repellent for Skin
SPECS
Hours of protection: 4-6 hours
Bottle size: Two 6 fl oz bottles
Active Ingredients: 7 percent DEET, Aloe and vitamin E
Application: Skin
Scent: Yes
If you are looking for direct skin protection against mosquitoes and a range of irritating bugs, the Cutter Skinsations no-see-um repellent is the one for you. The 7 percent DEET formula not only repels mosquitoes, including those carrying the Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya viruses, but also acts as a barrier against ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas. The light and clean feel of the formula leaves no oily or greasy residue on the skin, accompanied by a delightful fresh scent. Enriched with aloe and Vitamin E, it so it also softens the skin, providing nourishment and comfort. The 360-degree pump allows for easy spraying at any angle, even upside down, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Pros ⊕
- Easy on skin (moisturizing formula)
- Good smell
- Non-sticky
Cons ⊗
- May have to apply more
- Not for gear (DEET can potentially stain or degrade gear)
3. Best No-See-Um Repellent for Gear
SPECS
Hours of protection: Up to 6 weeks
Bottle size: 24 fl oz
Active Ingredients: Permethrin
Application: Gear/clothing
Scent: None
Coat your outdoor gear and clothing with the protective shield of this Permethrin no-see-um repellent spray by Sawyer Products. Specifically designed for outdoor activities like camping, hunting, or travel, it effectively safeguards shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, and netting. With an impressive effectiveness against over 55 types of insects, including disease-carrying ticks (such as those responsible for Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (including those carrying West Nile and Zika viruses), as well as chiggers, spiders, mites, and more, it’s perfect for backpacking, backyard BBQs, and other outdoor ventures.
The long-lasting formula bonds seamlessly to fabric fibers, providing up to 6 weeks or 6 washings of protection without causing stains or damage. After drying, it becomes odorless, ensuring a comfortable experience. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Rhode Island revealed that treating shoes and socks with Permethrin reduces the likelihood of a tick bite by an astounding 73.6 times. Each 24-ounce trigger spray bottle effectively treats five complete outfits, adhering to the updated EPA dosage guidelines of 4.5 ounces per outfit (including a shirt, pants, and socks).
Pros ⊕
- Very long-lasting
- Very effective
Pet-friendly
Cons ⊗
- Must use carefully (not for direct skin application)
- Permethrin can be harmful to aquatic life.
4. Best All-Natural No-See-Um Repellent
SPECS
Hours of protection: 6 hours
Bottle size: two 4 fl oz bottles (more options available)
Active Ingredients: 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, DEET free. Packaged with 25% post-consumer recycled materials.
Application: Skin or gear
Scent: Yes (Lemony)
You can get all-natural protection on your next adventure with Murphy’s Naturals Eucalyptus Oil no-see-um repellent spray. Free from harsh chemicals like DEET, this natural formula provides up to 6 hours of effective defense against mosquitoes, allowing you to fully enjoy your outdoor activities. Additionally, the specially formulated spray offers protection against deer ticks for up to 4 hours, lone star and brown dog ticks for up to 8 hours.
Harnessing the power of natural plant-based ingredients, this spray contains 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, combined with distilled water and ethanol made from corn. Whether applied to your skin or gear, you can rest assure that this plant-based repellent won’t harm your belongings. With no dyes, synthetic fragrances, or harsh chemicals, this repellent provides a gentle and environmentally friendly option for mosquito and tick protection. Choose a repellent recommended by the CDC and embrace the outdoors with confidence, knowing you’re protected naturally.
Pros ⊕
- Plant-based and all-natural
- DEET free
- Non-greasy and lightweight
Cons ⊗
- Strong scent (some find it stinky stinky)
- Shorter duration of effectiveness
5. Best Airborne No-See-Um Repellent
SPECS
Hours of protection: 12 hours
Bottle size: 1 fuel cartridge 0.41 fl oz
Active Ingredients: Allethrins, DEET free
Application: Air
Scent: None
Experience effective mosquito protection with the Thermacell Mosquito Patio Shield no-see-um repellent. This sleek and compact device creates a 15-foot zone of protection, keeping mosquitoes at bay on your patios, decks, pools, and more. Powered by a heat-activated 12-hour fuel cartridge, it emits a scent-free repellent that effectively drives away mosquitoes without the need for cords or batteries. The unscented repellent mats provide up to 4 hours of protection each and change color when it’s time for replacement.
With Thermacell, you can repel mosquitoes without the use of sprays or lotions on your skin, and without smoke, flames, or harsh odors like citronella. The device is compatible with all mat and fuel refills, including multi-insect repellent options. Rest easy knowing that the plant-inspired repellent formula is independently tested, EPA reviewed for safety and effectiveness, and is people and pet friendly.
Pros ⊕
- Good for sensitive skin
- Repels up to 15 ft zone
- Scent-free
- DEET free
Cons ⊗
- Must replace cartridge (more cost)
- Dependent on weather conditions
6. Best No-Scent No-See-Um Repellent
SPECS
Hours of protection: 12 hours
Bottle size: 3.4 fl oz
Active Ingredients: 20% Picaridin, DEET free
Application: Skin or gear
Scent: None
Want the power of effective bug protection with an unscented bug spray? Containing Picaridin 20%, the Ranger Ready no-see-um repellent is a great option. This non-greasy and odorless formula provides full-body application for up to 12 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitos, and up to 8 hours against gnats, flies, chiggers, no-see-ums, and fleas. With a DEET-free composition, this bug spray is safe for the whole family, including children (over 1 year old), adults, and even during pregnancy.
This repellent is travel-friendly meeting TSA regulations making it perfect for on-the-go use. It is also quick drying without causing stains or damage to clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear. With a convenient 360-degree mist spray, each bottle offers over 30 applications, delivering long-lasting and reliable full-body protection against ticks, mosquitos, gnats, black flies, and other biting insects.
Pros ⊕
- Scent-free
- Very effective
- Non-greasy
- DEET free
- Long-lasting
Cons ⊗
- Packaging isn’t the best
- Expensive
VISION
We believe that camping should be an immersive and enjoyable experience for everyone, which is why we prioritize conducting in depth research on all products to make sure you get the best suited gear for your next adventure.
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission.
