Insect Repellent

Yes, I actually spend some time outdoors. The problem I run into is insect repellent. It’s better than getting eaten alive but I have this sticky film on me. Is there an insect repellent that is not so sticky?

Jeanette Isabelle

The repellent to use depends on the type of activity you are doing outdoors and the season. When hiking through the woods in fall season, for example, I would prefer an insect net over my face.

The type of activity may vary. What is constant is that in Texas mosquitoes are at their worst in the summer.

Jeanette Isabelle

Great question, Jeanette.

I've never found a bug juice or sunscreen for that matter, that doesn't have that sticky residue feeling. Sprays, pumps, wipes, goop... I've had the same luck with each one I've tried. I'd love to hear about one though. I'm not a big fan of that feeling and my young Scouts even less so.

As an alternative to sprays or a bug jacket, I try to wear long sleeves and pants when I'm in bug territory. A good head net is my friend when I'm in the thick of it.

Those mosquito coils and lantern things seem to work ok for a limited area. We tried those wrist band things a couple of years ago without much success. I've heard good things about those Thermacell electronic repellent thingies but haven't tried them yet. http://www.thermacell.com/mosquito-repellent

I only use the OFF Skintastic spray in the pump bottle. It works well for me and my SO.

As for the sticky residue feeling. Those Baby Wipes that everyone should carry in their backpack or PSK also serve to first wipe your face, exposed neck, arms, legs etc to help clean off any body oil, dust etc which causes the stickiness of the bug spray.

After you have done the Baby Wipe routine and dried, now apply the apply the bug spray and you will find that the sticky feeling is greatly reduced.

Lately the only repellent I'll use is Cutters Advanced, which is Picaridin based.

I HATE DEET since it dissolves plastics and feels terrible.

I find Cutters Advanced to be fairly effective, but it needs to be applied more often than others I've used. I definitely prefer how it feels and like that its safe for my gear.

You should try Permitherin.It is an clothing treatment and therefore no film on you.Sawyer is one brand and can be found in most outdoor sections of major chain stores(Wally-mart,K-mart,Meijer,etc.).I have seen skeeters and ticks jump off as fast as they can.Clothes treated will work for three week or six washings.....

BOATMAN
John

I saw some at costco that claims to be not sticky, going back to pick one up tomorrow.

Thanks, Teslinhiker!

More then one person on various forums has claimed this but I have yet to see any photos posted to bolster the claim.

I have a couple of old watches with one that has a broken plastic band and the other, the face is scratched up enough that it is no longer readable. Time for some testing...

I like my ThermaCell. No chemicals applied on your body. It is kind of expensive to operate, compared to sprays, etc. but works great. No affiliation, just satisfied customer...

http://www.thermacell.com/

Applying insect repellent, after taking a shower, sounds like a good idea. I checked the product you recommenced. It contains DEET, though a small amount, and it only last two hours.

I considered NATRAPEL though I have not tried it yet. It lasts eight hours, comes in wipes and a pump spray. Does anyone know if wipes work better?

Jeanette Isabelle

Deet, deet and deet. 30% is good.

I picked up the Off Deep Woods Dry, 25% DEET, sold at Costco and it worked well. I have been in bug filled areas and I didn't get attacked.
I didn't notice a sticky feeling although to be honest I don't feel sticky using the regular version of Deep Woods.
It is sold as a 4pk and is a good price when compared to buying it separately.

Standard disclaimer, no affiliation except an addiction to the berry smoothies

Just picked up a pack as well. They have a family pack that's all dry, and deep woods with three traditional and one dry. Great deal especially when it's on sale, and DEET is stable enough that I don't have to worry about it expire.

But it (DEET) will absorb through your skin and it will dissolve your tent, compass, synthetic clothing, car paint, ... It is nasty stuff, so be careful.