Bugs Be Gone! How to Choose the Right Insect Repellent

Ben’s Repellent makes formulas that specifically target ticks, mosquitos, and no-see-ums. Knowing which bug sprays to use and how much can make your summer more enjoyable.

If you’re tired of being swarmed by bugs outside, chances are Ben’s Repellent has a spray to help. Learning more about biting insects and which spray formulas work best to ward them off in different conditions could prevent them from interfering with your outdoor adventures.

Ben’s Repellent repels mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, fleas, midges, chiggers, sand fleas, stable flies, and other biting bugs. We’ll run through the brand’s different types of repellent so you can select the right deterrent for your conditions and use.

Bugs Bite

At best, bug bites hurt and make you itch. At worst, you can contract fevers, viruses (Zika and West Nile), or Lyme disease. We think you’ll agree — bite prevention is a must-pack for a variety of outdoor activities.

Defending against these bites takes more than a one-size-fits-all approach, though. Things to keep in mind with the spray include which insects you want to repel, and how long you need it to last.

The heavyweight ingredient in bug sprays is DEET. It’s an active ingredient recommended by the CDC to repel disease-carrying insects. DEET is proven to ward off insects, and when you’re in the thick of it, you’ll be grateful for it. Other powerful ingredients include permethrin and picaridin. Permethrin is used solely on clothes and gear— not skin, and picaridin is an odorless, non-greasy option that you can use on skin or gear and apparel.

Below, you’ll find sprays with a range of active ingredients and uses. Ben’s Repellent makes skin-friendly water-based sprays, max-strength DEET sprays, tick-specific sprays, and clothing-only sprays that contain permethrin to repel for weeks.

Targeted Formulas

Ben’s Tick Repellent 6 Oz. Eco Spray

Ben’s Tick Repellent provides protection against ticks that lasts 12 hours. It is specifically designed to repel ticks and uses a picaridin formula for use on the entire family during hikes, hunts, camping, or picnics. The bottle has a continuous spray for easier application on skin and clothing.

Ben’s 30 DEET 3.4 Oz.

The travel-sized Ben’s 30% Tick & Insect Repellent has enough DEET to repel biting insects, including ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and yes, even no-see-ums. Additionally, the pump spray is fragrance-free and uses a water-based formula that results in less repellent evaporating off your skin.

Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent DEET 1.25 Oz.

Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent contains only DEET, with no additives, and protects up to 10 hours. This formula is intended for areas of heavy infestation to repel insects like mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and ticks. The fragrance-free spray comes in a packable 1.25 ounce size.

Ben’s Complete Clothing & Gear 6 Oz.

Ben’s Complete Clothing & Gear features an easy-to-use continuous foaming spray to apply evenly to clothing and gear. From there, the 0.5% permethrin treatment bonds tightly with the fabric and should repel or kill insects on contact.

The brand states that the formula works for up to 2 weeks and through several wash cycles. Fortunately, that’s enough protection for all but thru-hikes.

Bite Defender

Hikers can spray their go-to pants, boots, and packs ahead of a trip with a permethrin treatment. Then, they can wait until they step out of the car and onto the trail to apply a water-based spray with DEET for optimum effectiveness on long days.

Whether you’re hiking in the woods or having a picnic in your backyard, chances are there’s a biting insect ready to make you its next meal. Consider playing a little defense this summer and prepare for pests with a targeted repellent.

And don’t forget the travel-sized sprays that are available in three-packs — keep one in your pack, one in your car, and one at home. Don’t let insects keep you from enjoying your outdoor adventures this season.

This post is sponsored by Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent. Find out more about Ben’s Repellent here.