For safari, choose an EPA-registered skin repellent by its active ingredient and follow that product’s label; add 0.5% permethrin-treated clothing or gear as a separate layer. There is no evidence here to rank five named sprays by performance, so the five choices below are ingredient-based options—not tested winners. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends EPA-registered repellents with recognized active ingredients and says to use them as directed.
Five repellent choices—and what the evidence can tell you
CDC lists EPA-registered products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone as options for preventing mosquito bites. Its Yellow Book says registered repellents have evidence of effectiveness against biting insects and that these ingredient classes generally provide reasonably long-lasting protection. That general guidance does not establish a universal protection time or a best-to-worst ranking among products. Compare the current label’s active ingredient, concentration, format, stated duration, reapplication directions, intended use, and age restrictions. See CDC’s travel guidance and the CDC Yellow Book.
| Choice | What to check | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| DEET topical repellent | Confirm EPA registration, DEET concentration, format, protection duration, and reapplication directions on the product label. | CDC lists DEET among its recommended active ingredients; the sources do not establish one duration or concentration as right for every safari traveler. |
| Picaridin topical repellent | Check the same label details, including age restrictions and directions for the particular formulation. | CDC lists picaridin as an option; no head-to-head product ranking is established. |
| IR3535 topical repellent | Verify that the product is EPA-registered and follow its specific label for where and how often to apply. | CDC lists IR3535 among options; the cited guidance does not compare named products. |
| OLE or PMD topical repellent | Choose a formulated repellent product and review its label and age guidance. | Do not substitute pure oil of lemon eucalyptus: the CDC Yellow Book says it has not undergone validated testing for safety and efficacy as a repellent and is not EPA-registered for that use. CDC guidance says not to use OLE or PMD products on children under 3. |
| 2-undecanone topical repellent | Check EPA registration, label-stated protection duration, application instructions, and any age restrictions. | CDC lists 2-undecanone as an option; the cited sources do not establish a product-specific performance comparison. |
These are five ingredient-based ways to shop, not a ranking or a list of five tested sprays. The cited sources do not establish current named spray products, concentrations, formats, or product-specific protection times. Use EPA’s CDC-linked selection guidance and the actual product label to check those details before buying.
How to use a topical repellent safely
The label—not a general rule about all sprays—sets the amount, application method, and reapplication interval. CDC says to use registered repellents as directed; there is no single protection duration that applies to every product.
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- Non-greasy, fragrance free, odorless; dries quickly and won't damage plastics or synthetic coatings — safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent spray deters a wide variety of pests — up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, Zikam and Chikungunya viruses), chiggers, and more
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
- Top rated bug repellent by WireCutter/New York Times (May, 2020); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear
- Apply only to exposed skin or clothing as directed by the label; do not put repellent on skin beneath clothing.
- For spray on the face, spray onto your hands first, then apply carefully. Avoid eyes and mouth.
- If using sunscreen and repellent, apply sunscreen first and repellent afterward.
- For child-specific decisions, follow the current product label and official age guidance; CDC says not to use OLE or PMD products on children under 3.
These application directions are in CDC’s travel guidance and its Yellow Book chapter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Add treated clothing and gear as a separate layer
Permethrin treatment is for clothing and gear, not skin. CDC recommends treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin or buying items treated with permethrin; examples include boots, shirts, pants, socks, and tents. The CDC Yellow Book also lists hats, shoes, mosquito nets, outerwear, and camping gear. Never apply a permethrin clothing or gear product directly to skin. Follow the product label; for items treated before travel, the Yellow Book says to allow 24–48 hours to dry before packing. CDC’s details are available in its permethrin-treated clothing and gear guidance and the Yellow Book.
Rank #2
- REPELS MOSQUITOES: Repels mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
- CONTAINS 98.11% DEET: Formulated for protection in severe insect conditions.
- PROTECTS FOR UP TO 10 HOURS: Provides long-lasting protection, so you don't have to limit your family’s adventure because of mosquitoes.
- ALSO REPELS TICKS, GNATS, BITING FLIES, CHIGGERS & FLEAS: Repel these annoying bugs that can spoil the outdoors.
- PUMP SPRAY: Perfect for outdoor travel – the compact size stores perfectly with whatever adventure gear you're taking that day.
The Yellow Book names Sawyer, Repel, and Ultrathon as examples of retail permethrin treatment brands, and Insect Shield, BugsAway, and Insect Blocker as examples of commercially available pretreated clothing. These are examples cited by CDC, not endorsements or evidence of current inventory or comparative performance. Check the product label and availability before relying on a particular item.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- REPELS MOSQUITOES: Repels mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses
- CONTAINS 98.11% DEET: Formulated for protection in severe insect conditions
- PROTECTS FOR UP TO 10 HOURS: Provides long-lasting protection, so you don't have to limit your family’s adventure because of mosquitoes
- ALSO REPELS TICKS, GNATS, BITING FLIES, CHIGGERS & FLEAS: Repel these annoying bugs that can spoil the outdoors
- TRAVEL-SIZE PUMP SPRAY: This compact 1 oz flip-cap bottle is perfect for travel and outdoor adventures. Its portable design fits easily into your backpack, pocket, or gear, making it a convenient companion wherever your day takes you.
Rank #4
- Non-greasy, fragrance free, odorless; dries quickly and won't damage plastics or synthetic coatings — safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent spray deters a wide variety of pests — up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, Zikam and Chikungunya viruses), chiggers, and more
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
- Top rated bug repellent by WireCutter/New York Times (May, 2020); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear
Rank #3
- Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; fragrance free
- Reduce likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times by treating shoes and socks with Permethrin (University of Rhode Island study - 2017); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Picaridin topical repellent for the skin
- Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, when outdoors, camping, hunting, or on travel
- Ideal for backpacking, backyard BBQs, hunting, and other outdoor activities, it's effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Zika, and Chikungunya) to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more
- Sawyer Permethrin stays effective despite sweat or water, degrades via UV exposure or washing machine agitation; Each 18-ounce convenient aerosol spray treats 4 outfits (EPA now reconmends 4.5 ounces per outfit consisting of shirt, pants, and socks)
Build a practical safari bite-prevention kit
- Choose a topical repellent: Select an EPA-registered product with an active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin, or another CDC-listed option. Check its current label for format, directions, duration, and age restrictions.
- Plan clothing and gear: Consider 0.5% permethrin-treated clothing or gear, or commercially pretreated items. Keep these separate from skin repellent and use them only as their labels direct.
- Pack for application: Bring enough of your chosen repellent for the trip and keep the label available so you can follow its application and reapplication instructions. The sources do not support assuming one spray lasts a fixed number of hours.
- Arrange destination-specific health advice: Bite prevention does not replace malaria prevention. CDC advises travelers going to areas where malaria is found to discuss preventive medication with a healthcare provider. See CDC’s malaria prevention guidance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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