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10 Best Deet Insect Repellents 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Repel 100 Insect Repellent, With DEET, 10-Hour Protection, 1-Ounce, (Pack of 6)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,397
DEET Concentration
Scent

Most important from
4551 reviews

DEET Concentration
Despite heavy chemicals, effective against relentless mosquitoes.
Scent
Super light odor just when sprayed.

The Repel 100 Insect Repellent is a potent choice for those needing serious insect protection. With a high DEET concentration of 98.11%, it excels in repelling mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas, even in heavily infested areas. Its formulation provides up to 10 hours of protection, making it ideal for extended outdoor activities without frequent reapplication.

The pump spray is conveniently sized for travel, ensuring ease of use on the go. Since it's unscented, it may be more suitable for those sensitive to strong smells but might not appeal to users who prefer a fragranced repellent. Additionally, while the product is effective, the high DEET concentration can be harsh on sensitive skin, so it's not the best option for those with skin sensitivities.

Repel 100 is best suited for individuals seeking robust and long-lasting protection in severe insect conditions, especially for outdoor adventures.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,397
DEET Concentration
Scent

Most important from
4551 reviews

DEET Concentration
Despite heavy chemicals, effective against relentless mosquitoes.
Scent
Super light odor just when sprayed.
#2

Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent - Alcohol-Free DEET Insect Repellent Pump Spray - Offers 10 Hours of Protection for Adults & Children -3.4 Fl Oz (2 Pack)

Rating
9.6
DEET Concentration
Formulation Type

Most important from
4238 reviews

DEET Concentration
Offers serious protection with 100% DEET concentration.
Formulation Type
Be cautious with application as it can feel slimy and may damage surfaces.

Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent is a robust solution for those seeking long-lasting protection against biting insects. The product boasts a 100% DEET concentration, which is the highest level of DEET available, providing up to 10 hours of protection. This makes it particularly suitable for adults and children who spend extended periods outdoors, such as hikers and backpackers.

The absence of alcohol and additives ensures that the repellent is both pure and potentially less irritating for those with sensitive skin, although this high concentration may still be strong for certain individuals. The formulation is a pump spray, which allows for easy and efficient application, a convenient feature for those on the go. Additionally, the product is unscented, which can be a plus for users who are sensitive to strong smells or prefer not to have a lingering scent.

However, it is worth noting that the product does not specifically mention water resistance, which could be a drawback in wet conditions or for users engaging in water-related activities. The travel-ready size of 1.25 fl oz bottles ensures portability, making it an excellent companion for adventure enthusiasts. Manufactured and tested in New Hampshire’s rugged White Mountains, the product has been put through tough conditions to ensure reliability. Potential buyers should consider their specific needs, especially regarding skin sensitivity and water exposure, before making a purchase.

Rating
9.6
DEET Concentration
Formulation Type

Most important from
4238 reviews

DEET Concentration
Offers serious protection with 100% DEET concentration.
Formulation Type
Be cautious with application as it can feel slimy and may damage surfaces.
#3

Repel 100 Insect Repellent, 4 Ounces, 98% DEET 10-Hour Protection Lon-Lasting Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray Repels Mosquitoes, Ticks, Gnats, Biting Flies, Chiggers And Fleas

Rating
9.5
DEET Concentration
Formulation Type
Skin Sensitivity

Most important from
54487 reviews

DEET Concentration
Some users experience mild skin tingling, indicating it may be less suitable for very sensitive skin despite being a DEET alternative.
Formulation Type
Oil-based formula offers some water resistance but demands regular reapplication during water exposure or prolonged activity.
Skin Sensitivity
Some users experience mild skin tingling, indicating it may be less suitable for very sensitive skin despite being a DEET alternative.
Water Resistance
Effectiveness may diminish before the scent fades, so reapplication every four to six hours is necessary, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
Scent
Strong, persistent eucalyptus scent lingers for hours and can be overwhelming in enclosed spaces but is generally tolerated outdoors.

Repel 100 Insect Repellent stands out for its very high DEET concentration at 98%, providing strong protection against a wide range of biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, and fleas. With up to 10 hours of defense, it is suitable for long outdoor activities where bug bites are a big concern.

The aerosol spray form makes it easy to apply evenly and carry around, especially for travel or outdoor adventures. It is unscented, which is good if you prefer no added fragrance, though some people might find the aerosol spray less gentle on sensitive skin compared to lotion types. The high DEET level also suggests it is better suited for adults or older children rather than very young kids, due to potential skin sensitivity.

This repellent serves as a strong choice for anyone needing reliable, long-lasting bug protection in tough environments, but if you have sensitive skin or require water resistance, you might want to consider those factors before using it.

Rating
9.5
DEET Concentration
Formulation Type
Skin Sensitivity

Most important from
54487 reviews

DEET Concentration
Some users experience mild skin tingling, indicating it may be less suitable for very sensitive skin despite being a DEET alternative.
Formulation Type
Oil-based formula offers some water resistance but demands regular reapplication during water exposure or prolonged activity.
Skin Sensitivity
Some users experience mild skin tingling, indicating it may be less suitable for very sensitive skin despite being a DEET alternative.
Water Resistance
Effectiveness may diminish before the scent fades, so reapplication every four to six hours is necessary, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
Scent
Strong, persistent eucalyptus scent lingers for hours and can be overwhelming in enclosed spaces but is generally tolerated outdoors.

Buying Guide for the Best Deet Insect Repellents

Choosing the right DEET insect repellent is crucial for ensuring effective protection against insect bites, which can lead to discomfort and even serious diseases. When selecting a DEET insect repellent, it's important to consider several key specifications to find the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure you stay protected in various environments.
DEET ConcentrationDEET concentration refers to the percentage of DEET in the repellent. This is important because it determines the duration and effectiveness of the protection. Lower concentrations (5-10%) provide protection for about 1-2 hours and are suitable for short outdoor activities. Medium concentrations (15-30%) offer protection for 3-6 hours and are ideal for longer outdoor activities. Higher concentrations (50% or more) can provide protection for up to 12 hours and are best for extended outdoor exposure or areas with high insect activity. Choose a concentration based on the length of time you need protection and the intensity of the insect presence.
Formulation TypeFormulation type refers to the form in which the repellent is available, such as sprays, lotions, wipes, or aerosols. This is important because it affects the ease of application and personal preference. Sprays are convenient for covering large areas quickly, lotions provide a more controlled application, wipes are portable and easy to use on the go, and aerosols offer a fine mist for even coverage. Choose a formulation type that suits your application preference and the specific situation in which you'll be using the repellent.
Skin SensitivitySkin sensitivity refers to how your skin reacts to the repellent. This is important because some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to DEET. If you have sensitive skin, look for repellents that are specifically formulated to be gentle or hypoallergenic. Additionally, you can test a small amount on a patch of skin before full application to ensure there is no adverse reaction. Choose a product that is compatible with your skin type to avoid discomfort.
Water ResistanceWater resistance refers to the repellent's ability to remain effective when exposed to water or sweat. This is important for activities such as swimming, hiking, or any situation where you might get wet. Water-resistant repellents ensure continuous protection without the need for frequent reapplication. If you plan to be in a wet environment or engage in activities that cause sweating, choose a water-resistant repellent to maintain effective protection.
ScentScent refers to the smell of the repellent. This is important because some people may find strong or unpleasant odors off-putting. DEET repellents can have a distinctive smell, but some products are formulated to be unscented or have a more pleasant fragrance. If you are sensitive to smells or prefer a more discreet repellent, look for products labeled as unscented or with added fragrances that you find agreeable. Choose a scent that you are comfortable with to ensure you use the repellent consistently.

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