Whatever your summer plans – at home or abroad – insect bites will definitely not be on the agenda.
The last thing you need when you are exploring a new city, hiking, camping, picnicking or just relaxing on the beach is a mosquito bite blown up to the size of a bowling ball - the mosquito magnets among us know only too well about that unwavering itchy sensation.
Biting bugs can also be carriers of diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Lyme disease, malaria, tick-borne encephalitis, yellow fever and Zika virus and so bug spray or repellent is an essential.
DEET is the most widely used ingredient in insect repellents as it tends to be the most effective and long-lasting but whether you are pregnant, nursing, applying to your little ones or simply don’t want to be spraying the chemical on to your skin – the hunt for safe alternatives that really work is on.
Natural and plant-based products like those containing citronella, oil of lemon eucalyptus, soybean oil, lavender, tea tree oil have a less damaging effect on your health and the environment.
These less toxic solutions come in all forms, from sprays, and wipes, to creams and sticks and even in bracelet and patch form that will have your back throughout your adventures.
Stop insect bites in their tracks with the best DEET-free repellents.
Moskito Guard Insect Repellent
DEET and alcohol free, this highly recommended repellent contains Picaridin, an effective, less toxic alternative that will protect you from mosquitoes, fleas and ticks for up to eight hours.
The best part? It doesn’t have that suffocating insect repellent scent and is actually fairly pleasant fragrance-wise. It is also available in wipe form.
£8.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Mosi-Guard Natural Extra Strength 100ml Insect Repellent Spray
For a plant-based alternative to traditional insect repellent, Mosi-Guard has got your back (literally!). With an extra strength formulation, it offers more than 10 hours protection against unwelcome guests and is safe for kids too.
£8.46 | Amazon | Buy it now
Citronella Formula
Citronella – and particularly citronella candles – have long been used as a natural insect repellent and this option from Neal’s Yard Remedies contains the key ingredient.
It combines citronella with witch hazel and lavender for a skin soothing and relaxation-inducing formula.
£9.50 | Neal’s Yard Remedies | Buy it now
THEYE Mosquito Repellent Band
This label offers quality plant-based mozzi repellents in all formats; creams, sprays, aerosols, wipes – and our personal favourite, the band. Ideal for adventuring; it does not require any additional space in your bag and will ensure you are always covered. It lasts up to two weeks and contains the oil of lemon eucalyptus.
£4.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Zero In 60-Day Citronella Diffuser
This diffuser is ideal for warm summer evenings spent barbecuing in the garden and alfresco dining. You simply twist it open and it has a low release dispenser with a citronella fragrance that will keep insects at bay. It lasts for 60 days.
£3.48 | Amazon | Buy it now
Eco by Sonya - Personal Outdoor Spray
Covering all the bases, this repellent is natural, organic and is comprised of essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, citronella and basil that has a fresh and crisp smell. The formula is also antibacterial, antiseptic and odour eliminating.
£14.04 | Glow Organic | Buy it now
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent
Due to the inclusion of lemon eucalyptus in the formula, this repellent can ward off mosquitoes without containing DEET. The plant-based product will displace the insects for up to six hours and stop you getting eaten alive.
£10.41 | Amazon | Buy it now
Tanness Mosquito Patches
This patches ensure that you can keep you and your whole family from getting bitten with pure and natural oils. The pack includes 120 patches where each offers 24 hours protection whether you are camping, hiking or dining alfresco. They are 100 per cent non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
£8.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
JAMSWALL Mosquito Repellent Bracelet 10 Pack
Each of these mosquito repellent bracelets will keep you protected for up to 14 days. The DEET-free product is waterproof, durable and adjustable and so can be used by the whole family.
£6.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
incognito SPF30 Suncream and Insect Repellent
This multi-tasking cream will protect you from both harmful sun rays with an SPF 30 as well as insects. It has quite a thick consistency and is not the easiest to apply but it seems to do the job.
£14.98 | Amazon | Buy it now
Go Travel Electric Mosquito Killer
Plug this handy device into the mains for a mosquito defence all night long. Ideal if you like to sleep with the window open when at home or abroad, the plug-in releases a non-harmful vapour that repels unwanted guests.
£8.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Smidge Unisex Pocket Insect Repellent
This DEET-free insect repellent is in a compact, travel-size at only 18ml and so will solve those 100ml and under related woes. Whether you are going on a hike or heading to the beach, you can slip the dispenser into your pocket or bag to spray on when needed.
£4.72 | Amazon | Buy it now
BabyGanics Natural Insect Repellent
Keep the annoying critters away from you and your little one with this DEET-free, essential oil-based formula. It is made up of soybean oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil and geranium oil to keep the mosquitoes, gnats and flies away.
£3.90 | iHerb | Buy it now
