Mosquito Repellent
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU
Updated October 2025
Mosquitos are a nuisance whether you are at home or abroad. The biting ,the itching, the scratching – it is no fun! On top of that, there is the added risk of mosquito-borne diseases when you are traveling abroad, such as malaria, yellow fever, zika, and more!
Read on to learn about what to look for in a mosquito repellent, how to use it and which ones are our favorite.
Please note, this post contains affiliate links that we may earn a commission on to support our small, family business.
1. DEET IS STILL THE PREFERRED PRODUCT FOR MOSQUITO PROTECTION
DEET has been around for a while and is the go to choice for mosquito repellents, particularly when you are at risk of serious diseases. It works by making it hard for bugs to smell us. It does not kill them. It has 60 years of safety data and DEET 10-30% is considered safe in pregnant women and down to age 2 months by both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
2. HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR YOU
There are a lot of different DEET products on the market so pick the one that best suits your needs.
First, look at concentration. Concentration affects how long it lasts but that effectiveness plateaus around 50%. You can find products as high as 100% DEET but they are not considered more effective or longer lasting than 50% DEET products. Use a product below 30% DEET for children and pregnant women according to the AAP.
Second, consider what form you prefer or will be most convenient. Sprays and lotions are common but there also are wipes which are easier to carry but more expensive.
Third, choose which amount or size of bottle is suitable for your trip. You want enough to avoid having to buy much or any more when traveling. But remember, airlines have limits on liquids in your carry-on. This may mean buying a smaller bottle that is carry-on friendly or packing a larger bottle in your checked bag.
Additionally, avoid combo products with sunscreen due to differences in how to apply the product. Sunscreen should be applied frequently and liberally. Repellant should be applied sparingly and at the lowest necessary concentration.
Pay close attention to the directions, including how to apply the product. Repellant only needs to be applied on exposed skin. If using on the face, do not spray directly on the face. Spray on your hands then apply to the face.
This is one of our favorite DEET products for travelers. Here is why:
- It only needs to be applied 2-3 times per day
- Everyone in the family can use it (2 months and up)
- It is in carry-on size containers
- It is from a trusted reliable brand
3. IF YOU WANT TO USE A DEET-FREE OPTION, CHOOSE WISELY
There are a variety of DEET-free repellant products on the market, but they are not all considered equal. Some have more data on safety and efficacy than others. When you are traveling and may be at risk for more serious mosquito-borne diseases, you need something that you know is safe and effective.
A common alternative is picaridin which is also considered safe and effective by the EPA. Here is a one with 20% picardin that lasts for 12-14 hours. Some people prefer picaridin because it is odorless and not as sticky or greasy as DEET.
A plant-based alternative is lemon eucalyptus oil which is not as well studied but appears to be about as effective as DEET 15%. Do not use it on children under age 3 as it has not been well studied.
Be skeptical of other natural alternatives, such as citronella oil, cedar oil, etc. They have been found to work only for a short period of time. This is especially concerning for travelers when you will most likely be out and about for long periods of time. Additionally, these products do not have to be registered with the EPA for safety.
At Odyssey Travel Health, we take travel health seriously. So if you are looking for advice or preventative medicine for your trip, book an appointment with us now!
References:
CDC
EPA
AAP
AAD
Pharmacist Letter “ Be Ready for Questions About Insects and Tick Repellants” June 2022 (Accessed April 6, 2023)
At Odyssey, we believe in making it as convenient as possible for you to get the care you need for travel. You already have enough on your plate to prepare for your trip. This part should be easy! We have been doing this for over 8 years. We know what you need and will answer your questions. We also are 5-Star rated on Google and provide excellent customer service to all international travelers in Washington State.
Are you ready check this part of your trip off your list? Then book an appointment with us now!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Although I am a healthcare provider, I am not YOUR healthcare provider. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship by your use of this website. Always seek personalized advice from a qualified healthcare provider before making any health or medical decisions.