DEET works, but picaridin is the better daily driver

The CDC’s recommended repellents are DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (or its synthetic version, PMD). Those are the four active ingredients that actually keep mosquitoes away for more than a few minutes.

DEET is the gold standard — it’s been tested for decades, works against ticks too, and the 30% concentration will protect you for hours. The downside is it smells like a chemistry set and can melt synthetic fabrics or cheap plastics. You don’t need anything above 30-50%; higher concentrations just last longer, not work better.

Picaridin is what I use most of the time. It works almost as well as DEET (especially at 20% concentration), doesn’t stink, won’t wreck your gear, and feels less greasy. The CDC says it’s just as effective as DEET for preventing mosquito bites — they mean it.

IR3535 is fine but less tested here in the US. It’s common in Europe and is gentle on skin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD) is a good natural option but can’t be used