Top 5 Best Picaridin Repellents For Ticks, Mosquitoes and Biting Insects

Are you looking for the best Picaridin Repellents for ticks, mosquitoes and biting insects? Then this list is definitely for you!

Unlike Permethrin (which is only applied to clothing, outdoor gear and tents), Picaridin can be applied to your skin and clothing. 

If you live or venture into areas where ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects are common, you know how important it is to protect yourself against diseases they carry. The list of diseases you can catch from ticks has skyrocketed in recent decades. Alpha Gal Syndrome, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis are several distressing examples. Who knows what’s next!

The good news is there are excellent 20% Picaridin Tick, Mosquito and Insect Repellents you can apply to your clothing and skin to keep them away. A simple investment in a bottle of Picaridin Tick and Insect Repellent is a wise decision to protect yourself and loved ones from vector-borne illnesses. 

Feast your eyes on your surroundings, don't let the surroundings feast on you!

In this ProSurvivalStrategies.com Guide, you will learn:

  • What is Picaridin?
  • How does Picaridin work?
  • Is Picaridin safe?
  • And much more!

Check out our Top 5 Picaridin Tick, Mosquito and Insect Repellents for clothing and skin in the quick comparison chart below. 

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Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
  • 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 14 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Low citrus odor and non-greasy lotion is safe to use on clothing, backpacks, watches and more.
  • 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 14 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Low citrus odor and non-greasy lotion is safe to use on clothing, backpacks, watches and more.
View on Amazon
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Ranger Ready Picaridin 20% Tick and Insect Spray
  • Unscented 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 12 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Odorless, non-greasy formula is safe to use on clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces or any other outdoor gear.
  • Unscented 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 12 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Odorless, non-greasy formula is safe to use on clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces or any other outdoor gear.
View on Amazon
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Ben’s Tick Repellent Picaridin
  • Maximum Strength 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 12 hours of maximum protection against ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Odorless, non-greasy formula will not damage your outdoor gear unlike DEET-based repellents.
  • Maximum Strength 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 12 hours of maximum protection against ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Odorless, non-greasy formula will not damage your outdoor gear unlike DEET-based repellents.
View on Amazon
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Natrapel 20% Picaridin Tick and Insect Repellent
  • 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 12 hours of protection from ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Odorless, non-greasy formula won’t harm your gear like DEET-based repellents.
  • 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (up to 12 hours of protection from ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Odorless, non-greasy formula won’t harm your gear like DEET-based repellents.
View on Amazon
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Zone 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
  • Unscented 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (provides 12+ hours of protection from disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Picaridin-based and DEET-free – safe to use on clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces or any other outdoor gear.
  • Unscented 20% Picaridin Formula (recommended by the CDC).
  • Long-lasting (provides 12+ hours of protection from disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours against other biting insects).
  • Picaridin-based and DEET-free – safe to use on clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces or any other outdoor gear.
View on Amazon

All of the above-mentioned picaridin tick, mosquito and insect repellents are excellent choices. Any one would be more than suitable to protect yourself against disease-transmitting ticks and insects. However, we had to pick the best one. 

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion

The Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion is the perfect choice when you need to add a layer of protection to exposed skin. With a long duration of effectiveness, combined with a long roster of disease-transmitting ticks and biting insects it repels, this picaridin tick and insect repellent cements itself as the best repellent you can buy right now!

This lotion is approved by the EPA and contains a 20% concentration of picaridin which is recommended by the CDC. The greatest strength of this DEET-free long-lasting lotion is its effectiveness against the following:

  • Ticks - that are known harborers of disease such as Alpha Gal Syndrome, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease and Powassan. 
  • Mosquitoes - which may transmit West Nile Virus (the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States), Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus (where outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. and territories including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.
  • Biting Flies - such as Deer, Horse and Black flies that deliver painful bites. 
  • Chiggers - that cause bites that are itchy, painful and capable of causing infection such as scrub typhus and have recently been implicated in triggering Alpha Gal Syndrome, according to a recent report published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
  • Gnats - that may threaten your health should they transport pathogens from their unsanitary development sites. 
  • Fleas - that cause painful itchy bites and can also carry human diseases (the most famous of this was the plague). 
  • And other unseen insects. 

The Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion is an excellent choice to protect exposed skin from the above-mentioned menaces for all outdoor enthusiasts. So whether you’re camping, fishing, hiking or hunting, simply apply this lotion to your skin before venturing into environments where ticks, mosquitoes and biting insects are common.

If you are traveling to Africa, Asia, Central or South America, the Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion is a great companion because it is particularly effective against the Anopheles mosquito, a known vector which transmits Malaria.

Sawyer’s Picaridin repellents comes in three forms:

So if you are traveling to tick- and mosquito-infested environments, make sure you are prepared. Simply select the one that best suits your needs. As with any repellent, take care to remember the duration of this repellent. Picaridin is more dosage-sensitive than DEET so if you feel like it’s not working, you may have underdosed.

Picaridin is safe to use and unlike DEET-based products, it will not damage gear such as backpacks, sunglasses or synthetic fabrics.

You can’t go wrong with this reputable Picaridin-based product by Sawyer. It may not be as intense and effective as DEET-based products, but it has great reviews and provides a very safe and sound way to protect you and your family.

Pros:

  • 20% picaridin formula as recommended by the CDC.
  • Fantastic duration 12-14 hours of protection against disease-transmitting ticks, mosquitoes and biting insects.
  • Pleasant, low citrus odor and non-greasy lotion does not damage plastics or synthetic coatings - safe to use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, firearm finishes, unlike DEET.
  • Three forms available (lotion, spray and travel packets).

Cons:

  • Some people may be allergic to picaridin which may exacerbate skin conditions.

Top 5 Best Picaridin Repellents For Ticks, Mosquitoes and Biting Insects!

What Is Picaridin?

Picaridin (also known as Icaridin, Saltidin and KBR 3023 - depending on the country in which it is referenced in) is an insect repellent that can be applied directly to your skin or clothing. It provides protection against chiggers, fleas, flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects.

This synthetic man-made compound was first developed in the 1980s by the German chemical company Bayer. This synthetic chemical is derived from the naturally occurring organic compound piperine - the alkaloid that gives black pepper its hot flavor. This molecule occurs in a group of plants belonging to the Piperaceae family, the same plant genus that produces table pepper.

Picaridin is one of the top active ingredients in insect repellents around the world (particularly in Australia and Europe since 1998). It was approved for use in the United States in 2005, has gained popularity as a safer alternative to DEET which has the following notable drawbacks:

  • It imparts a greasy feel to the skin upon application.
  • It emits a distinctive - and to many an unpleasant odor.
  • It has the ability to dissolve certain plastics and some synthetic materials including rayon, spandex and vinyl. This is a particular hazard for sunglasses and plastic lenses.
  • Picaridin is not easily absorbed through the skin as DEET.
  • Picaridin is less toxic than DEET

Although picaridin has been around for fewer decades than DEET, its efficiency is comparable to its predecessor to repel disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes. A 20% picaridin concentration provides 12 hours of protection according to the Global Lyme Alliance. It also has minimal odor and no damaging effects on clothing, plastics and other synthetics.

Picaridin repellents are available in various concentrations ranging from 5-20%. Always opt for a 20% concentration because it provides maximum protection against disease-transmitting ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects. 

How Does Picaridin Work?

Picaridin is an insect repellent that is used to repel chiggers, fleas, flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects. Insect repellents are not meant to kill insects, but to keep them away to prevent you from suffering bites and the spread of disease.

Permethrin on the other hand is a contact insecticide solely applied to clothing which affects the nervous system in insects and arachnids causing muscle spasms, paralysis and death.

Biting insects and ticks have antennae and other sensory organs that serve as a kind of detection system, alerting them when a human or animal is nearby. For example, at the end of a tick’s front legs sits a tiny structure called the Haller’s organ. This sensory pit detects chemicals such as carbon dioxide, ammonia or pheromones.

Picaridin affects a tick's sense of smell and taste and prevents it from latching onto a human host. When applied, it blocks a tick’s detection system (i.e. Haller’s organ) and prevents it from finding you its next host.
Dr. Catherine Hill, a professor of entomology at Perdue University says, picaridin, an insect repellent that can be applied to the skin is another effective way to ward off ticks.

EPA registration data indicates that picaridin, at a concentration of 20 percent, is effective against mosquitoes and ticks for eight to 14 hours, and a concentration of 10 percent is effective for five to 12 hours. 

Is Picaridin Safe To Use?

We are not going to sugar-coat this issue. Like Permethrin, Picaridin-based products are man-made compounds and thus pesticides. As a well-informed consumer, you must be aware of both its benefits and risks. Simply put, it gives you the opportunity to make a well-informed decision before purchasing any of the products herein.

Yes, picaridin has its benefits.  It keeps you from contracting tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease or Alpha Gal Syndrome. If the product is safely used as stated below, it isn’t harmful. Labels are on products for two specific purposes, to keep you aware of how to use the product and provide awareness of any dangerous situations that may arise.

Nobody is perfect and accidents occur! As we all know there are four ways we can come into contact with chemicals:

  • Skin - direct application
  • Eyes - accidental application or mist from a spray
  • Breathing them in
  • Accidental ingestion 

So how does picaridin react when it is accidentally misused? What is the worst case scenario? 

When applied to skin.

  • Picaridin may cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) or contact dermatitis. If you have a preexisting skin condition consult with your physician before using a picaridin repellent. 

Ocular Exposure. 

  • When Picaridin accidentally enters your eyes it can cause ocular irritation / pain and red eye / conjunctivitis. Exercise due care when using picaridin-based repellents. 

When Inhaled. 

  • The United States Environmental Protection Agency considers Picaridin non-toxic for inhalation exposure pursuant to a May 2005 study. This is further substantiated by the National Pesticide Information Center.
  • However, for some people, asthma triggers include aerosol sprays. So opt for a picaridin repellent in a non-aerosol pump or lotion. Exercise due care when using a picaridin-based product if you have a preexisting respiratory condition. 

When Accidentally Ingested. 

The EPA states that “Picaridin generally is of low acute toxicity and has been classified as “not likely” to be a human carcinogen. 

What Are The Risks You Face By Not Treating Your Skin And Clothing With A 20% Picaridin Tick, Mosquito And Biting Insect Repellent?

Many vector-borne risks exist for outdoor enthusiasts who refrain from applying a picaridin tick repellent on their skin and clothing. When entering a high risk environment (either domestically or internationally) safety should always be your number one concern.

By applying a 20% picaridin repellent to your skin it reduces the risk of you falling prey to a diseased tick, mosquito or other biting insect. The risk of contracting a tick-borne disease is present in nearly every state.

The CDC states that, “between 1993 and 2012 the risk for contracting Lyme disease increased by 320%”. In 2017, state and local health departments reported a record number of tick-borne diseases to the CDC. Ticks are responsible for over 95% of vector-borne diseases in the United States and the top domestic threat to U.S. troops.

If you are a skeptic, I encourage you to read our article on Alpha Gal Syndrome. In fact, if you love a juicy hamburger or steak, it will give you a better reason why it’s detrimental to apply a picaridin repellent to your skin. Not convinced? Let’s quickly take a look at the symptoms of Powassan encephalitis: 

Initial symptoms:

  • High Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Speech difficulties
  • Seizures

Severe infections have the following symptoms:

  • Quicker onset of headaches
  • High fever
  • Confusion
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Coma or death

The CDC states that, “approximately 1 out of 10 people with severe Powassan disease die”. To make matters worse, there is no specific medicine to cure or treat this debilitating viral disease. 

How To Safely Apply A Picaridin Insect Repellent.

Always read the directions carefully before applying any of the products mentioned herein. The detailed information on the label provides instructions on how to use the product correctly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following precautions for using any insect repellents:

  • Apply repellents only to exposed skin or clothing as directed on the product label. Do not use it under clothing.
  • Reapply if washed off by sweating or getting wet.
  • Never apply a repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
  • Do not apply to the eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around the ears.
  • When using sprays, do not spray it directly into your face. Spray it on your hand first, and then apply it to your face. 
  • Never allow your child to handle the product, and don’t apply the repellent to your child’s hands, because children frequently put their hands in their eyes and mouth. When using a repellent on your child, apply it to your hands first and then put it on your child.
  • Do not spray insect repellents in enclosed areas, such as inside a car. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing in a repellent spray and do not use it near food.
  • Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Heavy application and saturation generally isn’t necessary for effectiveness. If biting insects don’t respond to a thin film, apply a bit more.
  • After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water and then bathe. This is extremely important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or several days in a row. Also wash treated clothing before you wear it again.
  • If you think you or your child may be having a reaction to an insect repellent, stop using the repellent immediately, wash treated skin, and call your doctor or local poison control center. If you see your doctor, take the repellent with you. 

Remember, always read the label and use the insect repellent as instructed. 

In-Depth Reviews Of Our Top 5 Picaridin Tick, Mosquito And Biting Insect Repellents.

Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion

You simply can’t risk walking into tick and biting insect territory without protecting your skin and clothing. If you are serious about your safety, Sawyer is the best answer!

The 20% picaridin formula is recommended by the CDC, Global Lyme Alliance, World Health Organization and Canada’s Canadian Advisory Committee on Tropical Medicine and Travel for travelers six months to 12 years of age.

Safe to use on the whole family, Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion provides 14 hours of long-lasting protection against disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes, flies, gnats, chiggers and fleas. It is more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET.

Vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Powassan, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, West Nile Virus, Zika and Malaria are life-altering conditions and in some cases deadly.

For maximized protection, combine this Picaridin Lotion with Sawyer’s Permethrin Insect Repellent for clothing, outdoor gear and tents.

This non-greasy lotion has a pleasant low citrus odor, and unlike DEET will not damage plastics or synthetic coatings. If you ever had a bottle of DEET break open on your gear or clothes, in a matter of time the chemical compounds of DEET eat through fabrics and plastics. It is a plasticizer and capable of eating through rubber, plastic, leather, vinyl, rayon, spandex, elastic and auto paint.

A $10.00 bottle of Sawyer’s 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion gives you the confidence you need when enjoying your backyard or the outdoors. 

Pros:

  • 20% Picaridin formula as recommended by the CDC
  • Fantastic duration 12-14 hours of protection against disease-transmitting ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects.
  • Pleasant low citrus odor and non-greasy lotion does not damage plastics or synthetic coatings - safe to use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, and firearm finishes unlike DEET.
  • Three forms available (lotion, spray and travel packets). 

Cons:

  • Some people may be allergic to Picaridin which may exacerbate skin conditions. 
Ranger Ready Picaridin Spray

Another intelligent choice to protect yourself against disease-transmitting ticks, mosquitoes and biting insects is Ranger Ready 20% Picaridin Tick and Insect Spray. Wear Ranger Ready and don’t get bitten!

Ranger Ready is on a continuous crusade to protect the public from vector-borne diseases transmitted by ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects.

If you are not a fan of applying DEET to your skin, picaridin is a safer alternative. Protect yourself from ticks and biting insects with this EPA-approved and CDC recommended Ranger Ready tick and insect repellent with Picaridin 20%.

Ranger Ready Picaridin Tick and biting insect repellent provides 12 hours of safe and effective protection against the following: 


  • Ticks - that are known harborers of disease such as Alpha Gal Syndrome, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease and Powassan. 
  • Mosquitoes - which may transmit West Nile Virus (the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States), Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus (where outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. and territories including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

Eight hours of effective protection against:


  • Biting Flies - such as Deer, Horse and Black flies that deliver painful bites. 
  • Chiggers - that cause bites that are itchy, painful and capable of causing infection such as scrub typhus and have recently been implicated in triggering Alpha Gal Syndrome, according to a recent report published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
  • Gnats - that may threaten your health should they transport pathogens from their unsanitary development sites. 
  • Fleas - that cause painful itchy bites and can also carry human diseases (the most famous of this was the plague). 
  • And other unseen insects. 

Ranger Ready Picaridin can be safely applied to your skin and gear and does not contain any neurotoxic substances (unlike DEET which has been found to be toxic to the central nervous system). It is also safe for the entire family including adults, children over age 1 and even safe to use during pregnancy according to the company’s website.

Picaridin is a better and safer alternative to DEET. All outdoor enthusiasts are skeptical of applying DEET-based repellents due to its potential health risks, skin irritation, greasy feel and unpleasant odor. It is also a well-known plasticizer that damages rubber, plastic, vinyl or elastic materials such as contact lenses, eyeglass frames and lenses, watch crystals, certain synthetic or treated fabrics, gun and stock finishes.

For maximized protection, combine this picaridin spray with Ranger Ready Permethrin Insect repellent for clothing outdoor gear and tents.

Made in the USA, these fine-trigger bug repellents are specifically designed to provide 360-degree coverage even in hard to reach spots. They are even available in assorted scents such as Night Sky, Ranger Orange and Amber (not intended as an alternative to cologne or perfume).

When venturing into environments where disease-transmitting vectors are known to prowl, be ready - Ranger Ready!

Pros:

  • 20% Picaridin formula is EPA-registered and recommended by the CDC.
  • 12 hours of safe and effective protection against disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours of protection against biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and other unseen biting insects.
  • Safer alternative to DEET.
  • Zero Odor but also available in assorted scents.
  • Easy to use 360 degree coverage. 

Cons:

  • Some people may be allergic to Picaridin which may exacerbate skin conditions. 
Ben's Tick Repellent Picaridin

Ben’s ramps up tick protection with this tick-specific formula that provides 12 hours of maximum protection against disease-carrying ticks. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are approximately 300,000 cases of Lyme disease in the United States each year. Ben’s “maximum protection against ticks” is on a mission to reduce this alarming statistic.

This 6 oz. Eco-Spray seeks to reduce this statistic with a maximum strength 20% Picaridin formula that provides effective protection for 12 hours. This product has been tested in the “harshest tick and insect conditions in New Hampshire” states Katie Jones brand manager for Ben’s. No wonder it’s also Amazon’s choice! This repellent provides maximum protection giving you and your family a piece of mind when enjoying your backyard or the outdoors.

Ben’s Tick Repellent 6 oz. Eco-Spray is an EPA-registered solution with the CDC recommended active ingredient Picaridin for repelling disease-transmitting ticks such as Blacklegged, Lone Star and Gulf Coast ticks - just to name a few.

Although marketed specifically for ticks, a 20% picaridin solution also provides 8 hours of effective protection against:


  • Biting Flies - such as Deer, Horse and Black flies that deliver painful bites. 
  • Chiggers - that cause bites that are itchy, painful and capable of causing infection such as scrub typhus and have recently been implicated in triggering Alpha Gal Syndrome, according to a recent report published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
  • Gnats - that may threaten your health should they transport pathogens from their unsanitary development sites. 
  • Fleas - that cause painful itchy bites and can also carry human diseases (the most famous of this was the plague). 
  • And other unseen insects.

As a safer alternative to DEET, it is safely applied to your skin and gear and does not contain any neurotoxic substances. It also does not damage rubber, plastic, vinyl or elastic materials such as contact lenses, eyeglass frames and lenses, watch crystals, certain synthetic or treated fabrics, gun and stock finishes.

Made in the U.S.A. This non-greasy formula is family-friendly and the Eco-friendly spray is intelligently designed to provide consistent coverage when applied.


Maximize your protection by applying Ben’s Permethrin for clothing and gear treatment and this 20% picaridin spray.

Ben’s is committed to providing the ultimate protection from disease-transmitting ticks and biting insects. Available on Amazon for $9.49, Ben’s is another great choice!

Pros:

  • 20% Picaridin formula is EPA-registered and recommended by the CDC.
  • Tested in New Hampshire - in the harshest tick and biting insect conditions.
  • 12 hours of safe and effective protection against disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours of protection against biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and other unseen biting insects.
  • Safer alternative to DEET.
  • Eco-friendly spray designed to apply consistent coverage. 

Cons:

  • Some people may be allergic to Picaridin which may exacerbate skin conditions. 
Natrapel Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray

Enjoy a day outdoors bite-free. Natrapel 20% Picaridin Tick and Insect Repellent is another great product that deserves a spot on our top 5. So whether you're camping, hiking, hunting, fishing or enjoying an evening outdoors, this product let’s you protect your family from disease-transmitting ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Natrapel’s 20% picaridin formula is EPA-approved and CDC recommended. It provides 12 hours of maximized protection against:

 

  • Ticks - that are known harborers of disease such as Alpha Gal Syndrome, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease and Powassan. 
  • Mosquitoes - which may transmit West Nile Virus (the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States), Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus (where outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. and territories including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

It also provides 8 hours of protection against: 


  • Biting Flies - such as Deer, Horse and Black flies that deliver painful bites. 
  • Chiggers - that cause bites that are itchy, painful and capable of causing infection such as scrub typhus and have recently been implicated in triggering Alpha Gal Syndrome, according to a recent report published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
  • Gnats - that may threaten your health should they transport pathogens from their unsanitary development sites. 
  • Fleas - that cause painful itchy bites and can also carry human diseases (the most famous of this was the plague). 
  • And other unseen insects.

The 3.4 ounce pump spray or eco-friendly spray are easy to apply to your skin or clothing. The spray provides continuous even coverage without releasing harmful aerosols into the environment. You can spray it in any direction making it easy to apply even to hard to reach spots. Natrapel picaridin wipes are also available and are an ideal travel companion when traveling abroad to areas harboring vector-borne diseases such as Malaria.

 
Natrapel has a non-greasy feel and pleasant scent. Simply spray it into your hand and apply it to your skin. Unlike DEET, Natrapel picaridin will not damage rubber, plastic, vinyl or elastic materials such as contact lenses, eyeglass frames and lenses, watch crystals, certain synthetic or treated fabrics, gun and stock finishes. So it's safe to use around your favorite outdoor gear.


Natrapel is safe to use on the whole family, even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and approved for children over 2 months according to the manufacturer.


Head outdoors knowing you and your family are safe with Natrapel 20% Picaridin Tick and Insect Repellent. If you want a repellent that’s inexpensive but yet effective, this one's for you. 

Pros:

  • 20% Picaridin formula is EPA-registered and recommended by the CDC.
  • 12 hours of safe and effective protection against disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours of protection against biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and other unseen biting insects. 
  • Uses a DEET alternative to avoid potential side effects. 
  • Also available in Eco-friendly spray and wipes.
  • Inexpensive and a win-win scenario for every outdoor enthusiast. 

Cons:

  • Some people may be allergic to Picaridin which may exacerbate skin conditions. 
Zone Insect Repellent Spray

Zone is a proud partner with The World Health Organization, the International Red Cross, UNICEF and Samaritan's Purse according to their website. Their outdoor insect repellents are used in Africa, Indonesia, South America and Asia to combat the threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

With a global record of combating vector-borne illness, this unscented and odor-free 20% picaridin tick, mosquito and insect repellent deserves a spot in our top five.

Whether enjoying a barbecue in your backyard, camping, hiking or hunting, Zone protects you from disease-transmitting ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects.

This product is Picaridin-based and uses a blend of moisturizers and patent-protected deterring ingredients to provide one of the most effective repellents on the market. The 20% picaridin formula is registered with the EPA and endorsed by the CDC.

As with all the above-mentioned picaridin solutions, Zone provides 12 hours of maximum protection against: 


  • Ticks - that are known harborers of disease such as Alpha Gal Syndrome, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease and Powassan.  

  • Mosquitoes - which may transmit West Nile Virus (the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States), Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus (where outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. and territories including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

It also provides 8 hours of protection against:


  • Biting Flies - such as Deer, Horse and Black flies that deliver painful bites. 
  • Chiggers - that cause bites that are itchy, painful and capable of causing infection such as scrub typhus and have recently been implicated in triggering Alpha Gal Syndrome, according to a recent report published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
  • Gnats - that may threaten your health should they transport pathogens from their unsanitary development sites. 
  • Fleas - that cause painful itchy bites and can also carry human diseases (the most famous of this was the plague). 
  • And other unseen insects.

DID YOU KNOW?
Every two minutes, a child dies from malaria, and Zone’s valiant global mission is to protect people from vector-borne diseases. 

Zone 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent has a non-greasy feel and is odorless. Simply spray it into your hand and apply it to your skin. Unlike DEET, Natrapel picaridin will not damage rubber, plastic, vinyl or elastic materials such as contact lenses, eyeglass frames and lenses, watch crystals, certain synthetic or treated fabrics, gun and stock finishes. So it's safe to use around your favorite outdoor gear.

This formula is safe for the whole family. Enjoy the outdoors with Zone knowing you have a product that has assisted millions in the fight against vector-borne diseases. 

Pros: 

  • 20% Picaridin formula is EPA-registered and recommended by the CDC.
  • 12 hours of safe and effective protection against disease-transmitting ticks and mosquitoes and 8 hours of protection against biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and other unseen biting insects. 
  • Uses a DEET alternative to avoid potential side effects. 
  • Used through the world in the humanitarian effort to fight vector-borne diseases. 
  • Safe for the whole family. 

Cons:

  • Some people may be allergic to Picaridin which may exacerbate skin conditions.

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Final Thoughts.

Picaridin lotions, sprays and wipes are valuable resources when ticks, mosquitoes and biting insects are a constant threat. All of the above-mentioned products are EPA-registered and formulated with 20% picaridin as recommended by the CDC.

Vector-borne diseases are a serious threat domestically and internationally. Entering a high-risk environment unprotected is not an option. Too many people have fallen victim to Lyme disease, Alpha Gal Syndrome, Malaria, Zika and other deadly diseases. You don’t have to become a statistic!

Treating your skin with a cost-effective picaridin lotion or spray significantly reduces the probability of contracting a vector-borne illness. Remember, it’s what you can’t see that causes a lifetime of agony.

Numerous campers, hikers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts use these sprays to give them a piece of mind. If you anticipate traveling to a location where ticks and other biting insects are common, strongly consider purchasing a 20% picaridin product as listed above. It will give you the confidence you and your family deserve when enjoying the outdoors!

Whether traveling domestically or internationally, always stay safe. Wishing you and your families nothing but the best!

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We are survival enthusiasts with a penchant for all things off-grid. From knives to knots, and all things in between, we’ve got your pro survival strategies for when sh*t hits the fan.

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