There are a few factors to consider before buying a bug repellent for survivalism, from the insecticide’s shelf life to its effect on children and pets.
Whether you’re a fan of the wilderness, are into survivalism, or live where the bugs can be a bit too resilient, a strong bug repellent to ensure insect protection will always come in handy.
That being said, insecticides are a must-have in a bug-out bag if you live in the South. Here’s a list of the top products to get.
Contents
1. Bug Repellent Survivalism – Sawyer Premium Repellent
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent spray deters a wide variety of pests — up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies,...
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes...
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
Having a 20% concentration of picaridin makes this repellent as effective as using DEET while avoiding both the toxic effects and awful scent of the latter.
In terms of shelf life, Swayer’s repellent should be good for 10 years if properly stored in a cool, dry location away from direct UV exposure.
Pros:
- Secure, two-capped design helps avoid leaks inside your carry-on
- A pump spray allows for excellent spraying accuracy
- Safe to use on clothes, camping and personal accessories, and other belongings
- Safe to use around children and family members over 6 months old
- Protection up to 12 hours against bugs and mosquitos
Cons:
- May run out quickly. Make sure you buy an appropriate size based on your needs
- Less toxic to wildlife than DEET-based insecticides, but still fairly harmful
2. OFF! Deep Woods Bug Repellent
- DEET mosquito repellent formulated with 25% DEET
- Repels mosquitoes that may carry the Zika, Dengue, or West Nile viruses
- Long-lasting protection from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats and chiggers
If you’re considering using a conventional DEET-based repellent, your safe bet will be the ever-so-famous OFF!
When it comes to the shelf life of DEET-based repellents, there is none, since DEET lasts indefinitely.
Pros:
- High efficiency. Gets rid of all disease-carrying bugs
- Can be used on natural fibers, like cotton clothes
- Long-lasting protection against bugs for up to 8 hours
- You get two sprays for a cost-effective price
Cons:
- Destroys clothes made of synthetic fibers such as polyester
- Bad scent as opposed to picaridin-based repellents
3. Sawyer Lotion Repellent
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent lotion deters a wide variety of pests — up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies,...
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes...
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
An alternative to our first Sawyer product is the lotion version. Also picaridin-based, odorless, and safe for both the family and environment; this is another favorite of ours.
Similar to the aforementioned Sawyer product, this lotion’s shelf life lasts up to 10 years when properly stored under the same conditions.
Pros:
- Easy application. It’s lotion, after all
- Safe to use on both skin and clothes
- Protection against ticks, mosquitos, and the like for up to 14 hours
- Listed at a budget-friendly price tag
Cons:
- Might not be the most ideal option for wilderness-based activities
4. Sawyer Continuous Spray Repellent
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent spray deters a wide variety of pests — up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies,...
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes...
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
A more budget-friendly Swayer and picaridin-based repellent is the continuous spray version. We especially recommend it to patio owners and camping lovers.
This spray repellent’s shelf life is similar to fellow Sawyer products.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Effective against gnats, mosquitos, ticks, and flies
- Protection that lasts 12 hours
- Safe on camping gear, clothes, and skin
- Non-greasy and dries off quickly
Cons:
- Defenseless against certain mosquito breeds
- Packaging isn’t ideal and may lead to accidental leaks
5. Proven Spray
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Another effective picaridin-based repellent is Proven repellent. It protects you against mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. It’s available in an odorless option as well as a gentle-scent option.
Pros:
- Odorless but a gentle scent option is available too
- A conveniently transparent bottle to monitor the liquid inside
- Repels bugs for up to 8 to 12 hours
Cons:
- Comes in only one size
- Its spray can be a bit spitty
6. Bug Repellent Survivalism – Sawyer Premium Permethrin
- Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents,...
- Ideal for backpacking, backyard BBQs, and other outdoor activities, it's effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (West Nile...
- Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) and won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear;...
The Sawyer Premium Permethrin repellent option is an especially effective spray for your camping clothes and gear.
This repellent features permethrin, a chemical similar to picaridin, as its active ingredient. It’s odorless and highly effective.
The expected shelf life for this product is 10 years if stored properly.
Pros:
- Kills disease-riddled insects such as ticks and doesn’t just repel them
- An odorless solution that’s effective against all crawling bugs such as lice
- Lasts up to 6 weeks when sprayed on clothes even after multiple washing
- Safe to use on camping gear like sleeping bags and tents
Cons:
- Only stays on your skin for 15 minutes, so it’s more beneficial to spray it on clothes
- If you have sensitive skin it might feel irritable or even hurt you
7. Natrapel Insect Repellent
- 12 Hours of Protection: Stay bite-free all day with Natrapel's 20% Picaridin formula. This EPA-registered bug spray is proven to repel mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours, providing maximum...
- Family Friendly: Use Natrapel with confidence on the whole family, even if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Natrapel is approved for children over 2 months, making it the ideal family insect...
- CDC-Recommended Active Ingredient: Choose the active ingredient recommended by the CDC to repel disease-carrying insects. Picaridin mimics the Piperine compound found in pepper plants to keep you...
Natrapel’s bug repellent provides similar insect protection as other picaridin-based formulas. It’s odorless and doesn’t dissolve plastic or leave a toxic imprint.
The average shelf life of this product is 3 to 5 years if stored at room temperature.
Pros:
- Protection against ticks and mosquitoes that lasts up to 12 hours
- Can be used for children older than 2 months
Cons:
- Wet, greasy spray that puddles on the skin. Can be avoided if rubbed in well
- A floral scent that lingers on your skin once it’s dry, which may not be favored by most
8. Ranger Ready Repellent
- Effective Bug Repellent: Pack of unscented mosquito repellent for camping with 20% Picaridin for full-body application
- Non-Greasy and Quick-Acting: This insect repellent spray provides 12 hours of protection from ticks and mosquitos, and 8 hours of protection from gnats, flies, chiggers, no-see-ums and fleas
- Deet-Free: Ranger Ready insect repellent is safe for the whole family; Protects children, adults, and is even safe to use during pregnancy
This is another excellent picaridin-based repellent that’s quick-drying, eco-friendly, and available in a variety of sizes. It’s perfect for domestic use as well as outdoor use.
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of sizes to cover all your needs
- Has both a scented and unscented option for those who’d prefer either-or
- Protection up to 8 hours from flies and ticks
Cons:
- Has a really spitty pump spray that isn’t the best in terms of handling and accuracy.
9. Bug Repellent Survivalism – Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- MADE WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: This DEET-free insect repellent provides you with protection during adventures in the backyard and on the go.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES FOR UP TO 6 HOURS: This repellent keeps you and your family protected for hours, so the fun doesn't have to end.
- REFRESHING SCENT: This DEET-free personal repellent leaves you with a cool, refreshing scent so you don't have to put up with the usual bug spray smell.
For our environment enthusiasts, we recommend this natural, completely chemical-free option for a bug repellent. It also smells great, thanks to its lemon scent.
It’s not as effective as chemical-based products, but it’ll ward off bugs for around 6 hours, which is pretty good for an all-natural bug repellent.
Pros:
- Its lemon scent is a big upgrade from DEET’s awful smell
- It’s budget-friendly and inexpensive compared to other repellents
- It’s completely nontoxic which means it’s safe for the whole family
- Keeps the bugs away for 6 hours
Cons:
- It’s not as effective as chemically-based repellents
- It’ll fail to protect you against ticks
Bug Repellent Survivalism – In Short
For your insect protection needs, it’s best to choose a strong bug repellent with long-lasting protection to repel, and often kill, those relentless mosquitos, ticks, and the like.
There’s much to consider when choosing an effective bug repellent to purchase. Factors such as the insecticide shelf life, its advantages, disadvantages, chemical toxicity, and so on.
Survivalism believers and wilderness lovers should try premium bug repellents such as Sawyer and OFF! products.
Our top pick is the Sawyer Premium Repellent. It’s highly effective, features a secure, two-cap design to prevent leaks, and sprays with remarkable accuracy.
It’s also safe to use around children over the age of 6 months, and safe to use on clothes and personal belongings. Just bear in mind that it runs out quickly, so be sure to get an appropriate size.
For young family members, a picaridin or permethrin-based repellent is your safe bet. Consider the Swayer lotion option for a more controlled application.
If your needs lean more towards the domestic side, and you just want to ward bugs off your patio and garden, check out Proven, Natrapel, and Ranger Ready products.
And for a chemical-free option, consider Repel products.