An EPA-registered mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin is the most consistently recommended choice for reliable, long-lasting protection against mosquito bites.
Choosing a good mosquito repellent comes down to one decision: the active ingredient. The CDC and EPA recognize five ingredients that actually work — DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE/PMD), and 2-undecanone. The best choice for most people in the U.S. is a repellent with DEET or picaridin, because both offer the longest protection time and the broadest track record. Below is what each ingredient does, how to use repellents safely, and where to find our hands-on product recommendations.
The Five EPA-Approved Active Ingredients
Each of these ingredients is registered with the EPA and supported by CDC data as effective against mosquitoes. The key difference is how long protection lasts and any age or use restrictions.
| Ingredient | Typical Protection Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DEET | Up to 10 hours at 25–30% concentration | Gold standard; works against ticks too |
| Picaridin | Up to 12 hours at 20% concentration | Odorless, non-greasy; excellent alternative to DEET |
| IR3535 | Varies by concentration (typically 2–6 hours) | Should only be used in non-malaria areas per CDC |
| Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE/PMD) | Up to 6 hours | Not for children under 3 years; plant-derived |
| 2-Undecanone | Varies by concentration | Plant-based; less widely available than DEET or picaridin |
The CDC’s Yellow Book states that travelers should use EPA-registered repellents with proven ingredients. For general backyard use in the U.S., DEET or picaridin products between 20% and 30% concentration offer the best balance of protection and skin feel. If you are heading to an area with mosquito-borne disease risk, 50% DEET is the preferred choice.
How Concentration Affects Protection Time
Higher concentration means longer protection, not stronger protection. A 10% DEET product repels mosquitoes for about 90 minutes, while 30% DEET lasts 5–6 hours and 100% DEET lasts around 10 hours. The same pattern holds for picaridin. You do not need the highest concentration for everyday use — 20–30% covers a typical evening outdoors. For all-day hikes or tropical travel, step up to 50% DEET or 20% picaridin.
How to Apply Mosquito Repellent Correctly
Applying repellent the right way matters as much as picking the right ingredient. Spray repellent into your hands first, then apply to your face — never spray directly onto your face, eyes, or mouth. Use only enough to cover exposed skin; saturating your skin is unnecessary. If you are also using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and let it dry, then apply the repellent second. After coming indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
For children, wait until they are at least 2 months old before using any repellent. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 30% DEET on children. Avoid getting repellent on a child’s hands, and never use OLE products on children under 3 years unless the label specifically allows it. If you are ready to buy, our tested roundup of top-rated mosquito repellents covers the best products in each category.
Beyond Repellent: Other Mosquito Control Tactics
Repellent alone is rarely enough in heavy mosquito areas. The CDC recommends combining repellent with long sleeves, long pants, and permethrin-treated clothing. At home, make sure window and door screens fit tightly, use air conditioning when possible, and empty standing water in buckets, flower pots, and birdbaths once a week. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so scrubbing those containers weekly breaks the life cycle.
References & Sources
- CDC Yellow Book. “Environmental Hazards & Risks: Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods.” Lists travelers’ repellent recommendations and EPA-registered ingredient guidance.