Sawyer insect repellent on left with Repel mosquito wipes in middle and Thermacell on right
Sawyer insect repellent on left with Repel mosquito wipes in middle and Thermacell on right

The 6 Best No-See-Um Repellents

If you’ve been left with itchy welts after being bitten by no-see-ums, you know a good insect repellent is crucial. While the best no-see-um repellents contain ingredients that are effective against biting midges (and mosquitoes), some are more effective and work longer than others. Whether you want chemical or plant-based repellents, here you’ll find both topical options as well as repellents that can be worn on clothing or used as a device.

Repellents Applied To Skin

Most topical repellents interfere with an insect’s senses to help prevent it from finding humans, and certain ingredients are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as safe and effective. According to Consumer Reports, DEET is the most widely used topical repellent, and a controlled-release formula with a concentration around 30% can offer up to 12 hours of protection. The EPA has found DEET safe, but some people don’t like its scent and it may damage plastic, like your sunglasses.

Read on for the best no-see-um repellents that’ll help prevent pesky insects from biting, written by Masha Vapnitchnaia.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Bustle
Bustle

Bustle is owned by BGD.

BDG drives the industry forward by constantly evolving to meet the dynamic needs of our audiences. We lead with authentic and diverse storytelling from trusted voices across our editorial network. Powered by the latest proprietary technology, our audience-first and platform-specific approach allows us to speak to those united by a boundless curiosity about the changing world and our place in it.

Media Mentions

It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor

Media Mentions

Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.

Naomi Hudetz
Chief Operating Officer & Online Editor

Media Mentions

People with alpha-gal syndrome show allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating such meat.

Stephanie Soucheray
Reporter