Bug Spray 101: Protect Yourself From Insects

What’s the right bug spray? Choose the best one for you.

Because bug spray protects against biting mosquitoes, ticks and flies, it’s a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, campers — or anyone living in areas with lots of bugs.

Different types of insect repellent work on different pests. Common types include DEET-based sprays, picaridin-based sprays and natural options like oil of lemon eucalyptus.

“The best insect repellent is one that’s effective and one you’ll use,” says Casey Nowak, DO, a Geisinger family medicine doctor. “If you use the spray correctly, you can avoid getting illnesses like West Nile virus from mosquitoes or Powassan virus or Lyme disease from ticks.”

How bug spray works

Bug spray repels insects, which protects you from being bitten. Insects are attracted to your smell and compounds your body gives off, including carbon dioxide and lactic acid.

Chemicals in insect repellents confuse bugs’ sense of smell, taste or both. The spray surrounds you with a protective cloud — like a cloaking device in a science fiction movie — that hides you from insects.

“No spray is perfect,” says Dr. Nowak, “but especially when combined with other measures, like long sleeves and pants, several are proven to decrease your risk.”

Types of insect repellent

Protecting yourself and your family from pesky insects is easier with the right bug spray.

“Different types of spray deter different insects and for different amounts of time” says Dr. Nowak. “Check the label to be sure your insect repellent matches your needs.”

You can find the specific insect repellent that will work best by checking this search tool from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Choose one of the following sprays, which are all safe and effective when used correctly:

1. DEET-based bug spray

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most common active ingredient in bug sprays. Used for decades, DEET offers excellent protection against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks and flies. DEET-based sprays work for a long time, making them reliable for outdoor activities.

DEET is typically safe when used correctly on the skin, but it has a strong smell. It can make your eyes sting or your skin irritated.

2. Picaridin bug spray

Picaridin is a popular alternative to DEET. It repels mosquitoes, ticks and other biting pests like chiggers. Picaridin-based sprays are odorless, and less likely to cause skin irritation than DEET. Picaridin was first used in Europe and Australia and was approved for use in the United States in 2005.

3. Oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD bug spray

One effective mosquito repellent comes from a chemical found in the lemon eucalyptus plant called PMD, or p-Menthane-3,8-diol. The oil is from the Australian plant Corymbia citriodora, which, despite its name, isn’t an essential oil or from the eucalyptus plant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t recommend using the “pure” oil from the plant because hasn’t been tested. However, the compound PMD in the oil has been tested and is recommended.

Neither product is recommended in children younger than 3 years old. It’s more likely to irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction in children than other bug sprays.

4. Natural bug spray

For those who prefer a natural approach, bug sprays with plant-based ingredients like citronella, lemongrass or eucalyptus oil are available. While natural bug sprays are generally considered safe and environmentally friendly, they don’t offer the same level of protection as DEET, picaridin or PMD-based products. They are an option for short-term use or in areas with low mosquito populations.

How should I put on insect repellent?

Just choosing the right bug spray isn’t enough — you have to use it correctly. Try these tips to apply it safely:

Read the label: Always read and understand the instructions on the label.
Use sparingly: Use the lowest percentage recommended for repelling the insect in your environment. This is especially true for children and those who are pregnant.
Avoid your eyes and mouth. To apply to your face, put it on your hands first. Then carefully spread it onto your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.
Spray your clothes: Have a hat? Keep bugs away from your face by applying to your hat before you put it on.
Apply in well-ventilated areas: Sprays can make you cough, so it’s best to use them outside.
Skip spraying broken skin: Keep bug spray away from wounds, sores or skin that’s red and irritated.
Be cautious with kids: Put just a little on your hands before rubbing on children. Don’t apply to their hands or face, where they may get it in their mouths.

Is insect repellent safe when you’re pregnant?

Some studies show mosquitoes are especially attracted to pregnant people. This means using bug spray is especially important.

“The danger of insect-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, Powassan virus and West Nile virus is greater for those who are pregnant and their unborn babies than the risk is of correctly applying insect repellent outdoors,” says Dr. Nowak.

Using repellent, especially the approved DEET, picaridin or PMD-based products, is generally safe during pregnancy if you follow the instructions and use the lowest recommended amount. But it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor first, as every person is different.