These effective insect repellants banish insects forever

Ah, summer. Between long hikes, quiet bike rides, camping under the stars, or to eat al fresco, there is no shortage of ways to go out and celebrate the season. And while we love spending time in nature, there’s one thing we just can’t stand: miserable itchy insect bites.

Wondering why some of us are real insect magnets, and others can carry on with their summer plans relatively unscathed? We asked skin care medical expert and esthetician Cassandra Bankson to break down the science behind why some people are more susceptible to bothersome bites than others.

“Insects are attracted to people based on specific smells, pheromones, or even blood types. They can be more or less attracted to specific smells, and some scientists recommend changing your diet, or even deodorant or the scent you wear can attract or repel insects quite effectively, ”Bankson explained.

And with mosquitoes, ticks, flies and more this season, we’re doing everything we can to protect our precious skin, including stocking up on the best insect repellants than silver. can buy.

“I love the Thermacell device because it visually complements any outdoor decor and creates mosquito-free areas for those uninvited bloodsuckers! Most importantly, they allow you to focus on your guests, so that all the world can relax and have a good time “Van Wyck told PEOPLE.

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent, $ 24.99; amazon.com

Another clever idea? Rethink your wardrobe and look for unique insect repellent clothing that shows you are serious when it comes to preventing insect bites.

“Protective clothing is your best line of defense. Look for tightly woven fabrics to prevent insect bites and cover yourself as much as possible when entering wooded areas. Plus, don’t overlook easy solutions like re-entering. your shirt in your pants and roll up the socks and over your pants too “, advises the dermatologist Dr Heidi Goodarzi.

For a more elegant solution, look no further than the Pang Wrangle essential wrap. This super soft and lightweight wrap is breathable and biodegradable, and has a dual function to protect you from obnoxious pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, chiggers and midges. This sustainably made wrap features Insect Shield® technology and is odorless and EPA approved for everyone, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants and children, and even pets.

When it comes to applying insect repellents, there are several options that work great and smell great too. According to the naturopathic doctor Dr Gabrielle François, insects absolutely hate essential oils – so it’s no wonder that some of our favorite (and very effective) products contain generous doses of Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rosemary, Geranium oils. , cedar and lemongrass in their ingredient lists.

One of the top rated products on Amazon is the No-Bite-Me Big Repellent Cream, which uses a proprietary blend of 18 safe active ingredients and essential oils that fight black flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants and spiders. Formulated by a second-generation family-owned skin care company, this Amazon bestseller has a specific formulation that was developed over many years of research in the Adirondack Mountains (aka Mosquito Heaven.) , it’s DEET-free, safe for kids, and it just happens to work as a great itch reliever cream.

“I’m always the one who bites me. My family and friends say that’s why they save me for outdoor gatherings! Mosquitoes and black flies are the worst for me, as I also have severe allergic reactions to bites, and I’m beyond the pleasure of reporting that I haven’t been bitten by any bugs this time around. I reapplied this cream every two or three hours, and even these blind people leave me alone! ”Praised a reviewer after putting on the cream to the test.

No-Bite-Me Natural Bug & Anti-Itch Cream, $ 13.95; amazon.com

Other popular insect repellents include Green Goo Bugs Be Gone natural spray and Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, both of which are effective in sending these creatures to race. Green Goo’s all-natural formula can be used in countless ways (i.e. as a room deodorant or even as a hand sanitizer) and contains a powerful blend of herbs and essential oils.

Green Goo Bugs Be Gone Natural Spray, $ 27.74 (orig. $ 30); amazon.com

For those looking for a fragrance-free formula that really works, check out Proven insect repellent which repels parasites for 12-14 hours thanks to its active ingredient, saltidine, which is recommended by the World Health Organization. This one is also perfectly safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it is completely free from toxic pesticides.

Proven Insect Repellent Lotion, $ 12.99; amazon.com

Another non-toxic, non-greasy, and fragrance-free option is Ranger Ready Tick & Bug Repellent, which provides 12-hour protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and eight hours of protection against midges, biting flies and no-see-ums. Ranger Ready non-aerosol fine mist spray easily covers hard-to-reach areas of the body, dries quickly, and is hypoallergenic and safe for everyday use.

Ranger Ready Tick & Bug Repellent, $ 37; amazon.com

So what if, despite your best efforts, you still get eaten alive? First of all, be patient. “Insect bites cause an immediate inflammatory reaction on the skin, and it will take a few days to calm it down or treat it completely,” says Dr. Goodarzi.

To speed up the healing process, we highly recommend Insect bite thing. Invented by a mother on a mission, this smart suction tool extracts saliva or insect venom under the skin to quickly remove itching, stinging and swelling caused by stings on contact. Trust us, you don’t want to face the wilderness without this secret weapon.

And finally, we always like to keep some soothing spray mists on hand for refresh freshly bitten skin to relieve the itch factor. Our favorites are soothing and cool to the touch.

“It smells of fresh mint and it’s not greasy. Plus, a little goes a long way,” said a reviewer of the popular product which has racked up thousands of rave reviews on Amazon.

Bug Soother Natural Repellent Spray, $ 9.96; amazon.com

Here’s to enjoying an endless itch-free summer!