How to choose the right insect repellent this Summer

DEET – this chemical is one of the most commonly used repelling agents in bug sprays. It works by creating a smell that insects don’t like. Although the EPA and other organizations insist that DEET is safe when used as directed, the adverse reactions that it sometimes causes are enough for many people to seek safer alternatives. Rare cases of skin/eye irritation, neurological damage, seizures, and even death have been reported. Because of such concerns, all the products listed in this article are DEET-free.

Picaridin – This chemical works to repel insects by making it harder for them to find/sense you with their olfactory receptors. It is considered safer than DEET, even though studies have shown it is equally effective at repelling insects. Picaridin also evaporates from the skin more slowly than other repelling agents, which means it generally lasts much longer.

IR3535 – This chemical is overall very effective (especially for ticks), although it is slightly less effective than the others at repelling certain mosquitos. No serious health risks have been reported, but people are advised to keep IR3535 away from eyes to avoid irritation. Generally, it is considered a safe and effective choice for repelling insects.