Top picks: high-concentration DEET, 20% picaridin, plus permethrin-treated clothing for ticks and mosquitoes.
You step into the woods at dawn, the air still and quiet. Five minutes later, mosquitoes swarm your neck and a tick crawls on your pant cuff. Sound familiar? The right repellent changes everything. I’ve spent years testing sprays and treatments in humid swamps, mountain camps, and tree stands. In this guide, I narrow the field to the best wildlife insect repellent options that actually work, stay on, and won’t wreck your gear. Whether you prefer DEET, picaridin, or plant-based, I’ll show you what to use, when to use it, and how to build a bite-proof setup.
Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump…
REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas. FORMULATED FOR SEVERE INSECT…
Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect…
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…
HUNT Refined Repellent Spray -…
Long-Lasting Protection Up to 12 hours of defense against mosquitoes and ticks, and 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, sand flies, no-see-ums, chiggers, and more. Ideal for hunting, hiking, fishing,…
Repel 100 Insect Repellent Pump Spray, 4 oz
Repel 100 is the heavy hitter when bug pressure is brutal. It uses very high-strength DEET to push mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks back for hours. I reach for it in deep swamp hunts and still evenings near water. The 4 oz bottle rides well in a hip belt or chest pocket.
Expect serious staying power in hot, sweaty conditions. The pump action gives you control, so you can target cuffs and neck lines. DEET can be tough on plastics and some fabrics, so keep it off synthetic gear. If you want the best wildlife insect repellent for sheer force, this is a top choice.
Pros:
- High-concentration DEET offers up to 10-hour bite protection
- Compact 4 oz bottle for packs and grab-and-go kits
- Great in heavy mosquito and black fly zones
- Pump control reduces waste and overspray
- Proven performance in hot and humid weather
Cons:
- Strong scent compared to picaridin or plant-based options
- Can damage plastics, watches, and some synthetics
- Not ideal for scent-conscious big game hunters
My Recommendation
Pick Repel 100 if you face mean bug pressure and need hours of coverage. It shines for swamp sits, canoe trips, and summer scouting. Keep it on skin, and keep it off gear. If you want the best wildlife insect repellent for raw power, this one earns a spot in your kit.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Deep-woods mosquitoes | High-strength DEET stays effective for long hunts |
| Hot, humid climates | Holds up through sweat and long sits |
| Black fly season | Strong deterrent when lesser sprays fail |
Sawyer Premium 20% Picaridin Lotion, 4 oz
This Sawyer 20% picaridin lotion is a quiet performer. It goes on smooth, with low odor and no greasy feel. I like it when I need protection without the cloud of scent. It plays nice with clothing and gear and won’t damage plastics.
Picaridin is a smart pick for mixed trips with family and friends. The lotion format helps you get full coverage, so you do not miss wrist gaps or ankles. Expect long lasting defense on both mosquitoes and ticks. If the best wildlife insect repellent for you means comfort and gear safety, this is it.
Pros:
- 20% picaridin balances power with comfort
- Low odor and non-greasy feel on skin
- Safe around plastics and synthetic gear
- Lotion format helps ensure even coverage
- Strong performance on both ticks and mosquitoes
Cons:
- Lotion takes a bit longer to apply than spray
- May need re-application in heavy sweat
- Not as long-lasting as top-end DEET in extreme swarms
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want an all-day, low-odor shield that is gear safe. It is great for bowhunters, anglers, and anyone who values comfort. For many people, this is the best wildlife insect repellent because it blends power with a pleasant feel.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Scent-conscious hunts | Low odor keeps you stealthy |
| Mixed outdoor trips | Safe on gear, strong on bugs |
| All-day comfort | Non-greasy lotion covers evenly |
HUNT Refined Scent-Free DEET-Free Spray
HUNT Refined is built for stealth. The formula is DEET-free and scent-free, which matters when you fight bugs and stay invisible to wary game. It has a dry feel and does not leave your skin tacky. I like it for tree stands and ground blinds.
This spray aims to be gentle on gear and clothing. That is a win for rifle stocks, bino straps, and bow grips. The light, clean profile stands out over long sits. If the best wildlife insect repellent to you means low scent and comfort, this one stands tall.
Pros:
- DEET-free formula supports gear safety
- Scent-free for hunters and wildlife photographers
- Dry, non-sticky finish on skin
- Good balance of protection and comfort
- Easy pump spray for targeted application
Cons:
- Protection window may be shorter than DEET in swarms
- Unknown active may vary by batch or region
- Not ideal for mangrove-level mosquitoes
My Recommendation
Pick this for scent control and gear safety. It fits turkey hunts, elk sits, and any quiet setup. Many hunters will find it the best wildlife insect repellent when they need low odor and solid protection without DEET.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Bowhunting | Scent-free to avoid spooking game |
| Gear-heavy trips | DEET-free to protect plastics and coatings |
| Long sits | Dry feel keeps skin comfortable |
Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Treatment, 24 oz
This is not a skin spray. It is a clothing and gear treatment that changes the game. You spray Sawyer permethrin on your pants, socks, shirts, and tent. After drying, it bonds to fabric fibers and makes ticks and mosquitoes drop off on contact.
One treatment lasts through several washes or weeks of field use. I treat socks, pant cuffs, and gaiters before tick season. It reduces crawling bugs and lowers the number of bites by a lot. As a system, the best wildlife insect repellent setup pairs permethrin on clothing with a skin repellent.
Pros:
- Turns clothing into an active barrier against ticks
- Lasts multiple washes for long trips
- Great for socks, gaiters, and pant cuffs
- Works on tents and packs without damage
- Boosts your whole protection system
Cons:
- Not for skin use; apply only to clothing and gear
- Needs time to dry before wearing
- Requires pre-trip planning to treat layers
My Recommendation
If ticks and chiggers are your main threat, start here. Treat your clothing and add a skin repellent. This combo is the best wildlife insect repellent strategy for long hunts, hikes, and scouting. It gives you coverage when sprays wear down.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Tick-heavy areas | Knocks down ticks on contact |
| Multi-day trips | Lasts for weeks and multiple washes |
| Clothing layers | Targets socks, pants, gaiters where ticks crawl |
Sawyer 20% Picaridin Pump Spray, 3 oz (2 Pack)
This two-pack of 3 oz picaridin sprays is trail-ready. The pump delivers a light, even coat with low odor. I stash one in a hip belt and one in the truck. Picaridin plays nice with gear and works well on both ticks and mosquitoes.
It is a flexible option for solo or family trips. Use it with permethrin-treated clothing for a full shield. The compact size clears TSA and tucks into small pockets. If you want the best wildlife insect repellent that is easy to carry and share, this is it.
Pros:
- 20% picaridin with long-lasting protection
- Low odor for comfort and stealth
- Gear-safe, no plastic damage worries
- Two-pack boosts coverage and backup
- Travel-friendly 3 oz bottles
Cons:
- Pump requires careful coverage on ankles and cuffs
- May need reapply after heavy sweating
- Not as brute-force as high-DEET in swarms
My Recommendation
Choose this for a simple, gear-safe setup you can carry anywhere. It fits hikers, anglers, and families who want steady protection. For many, it is the best wildlife insect repellent for everyday outdoor use.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Travel and day hikes | Compact bottles and low odor |
| Gear-heavy users | Safe around plastics and optics |
| Family outings | Easy to share and apply |
Ben’s 100 DEET Pump Spray, 3.4 oz (2 Pack)
Ben’s 100 brings near-max DEET strength in a compact pump. It is built for tough bug pressure and long sits. The formula is alcohol-free, which improves skin feel. Expect hours of steady bite defense.
This two-pack gives you one bottle for your bag and one as backup. Use it carefully around gear and optics to avoid plastic damage. The pump lets you target exposed skin and avoid waste. If you want the best wildlife insect repellent for no-compromise protection, this is it.
Pros:
- Near-100% DEET for severe bug zones
- Alcohol-free formula improves feel
- Pump control reduces overspray
- Two-pack for home and field kits
- Strong against mosquitoes, flies, and ticks
Cons:
- Can damage plastics and some fabrics
- Strong scent compared to picaridin or OLE
- Overkill for mild conditions
My Recommendation
Use Ben’s 100 when you expect a fight. Swamp hikes, river trips, and bug-rich backcountry are its home turf. It is a top pick for the best wildlife insect repellent when you cannot afford to get chewed up.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Severe swarms | High-strength DEET sustains protection |
| Long sits | Durable coverage through evening peaks |
| Backup kits | Two-pack ensures you never run out |
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Spray, 4 oz (2 Pack)
This plant-based repellent uses oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). It offers a strong, citrus-like scent and solid mosquito defense. The feel is lighter than many DEET sprays. I like it for summer hikes and camp nights.
It is a smart option for people who want a non-DEET path. Expect good protection but shorter windows than high-DEET in brutal swarms. Note that OLE products are not for young children. If you lean natural and still want the best wildlife insect repellent performance, this is a fine pick.
Pros:
- Plant-based OLE active with proven mosquito defense
- Fresh scent many users prefer over chemical smells
- Two-pack supports weekend and spare-bag setups
- Good skin feel in warm weather
- No worries about plastic damage
Cons:
- Shorter duration than high-DEET in heavy swarms
- Strong citrus scent may not suit hunters
- Not for use on young children
My Recommendation
Pick this for camps, picnics, and moderate bug zones. It keeps mosquitoes off without the smell of DEET. For many outdoor fans, it is the best wildlife insect repellent when they want plant-based comfort and reliable coverage.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Summer camping | Light feel and pleasant scent |
| Non-DEET users | Proven plant-based active |
| Casual day hikes | Good balance of comfort and defense |
Murphy’s Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Spray, 4 oz (2 Pack)
Murphy’s builds its spray around oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is a favorite for backyard hangs, lake trips, and low to moderate bug days. The scent is fresh and not chemical-heavy. I often pack it as a backup or for non-hunting weekends.
The 2-pack offers good value and quick restock. It is easy on skin and plays fine with clothing. For severe swarms, step up to DEET or picaridin. But for many people, the best wildlife insect repellent for casual use is this simple, plant-based formula.
Pros:
- Plant-based active with pleasant scent
- Easy application with pump spray
- Value two-pack for family use
- Good option for gear safety
- Light and comfortable on skin
Cons:
- Shorter protection window in heavy bug pressure
- Scent not ideal for hunting stealth
- Not intended for very young children
My Recommendation
Choose Murphy’s for casual trips, patios, and short hikes. It is an easy-going repellent that many prefer for smell and feel. If comfort matters most, this might be the best wildlife insect repellent for your everyday bag.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Backyard gatherings | Fresh scent and simple use |
| Casual lake days | Comfortable on skin and clothes |
| Value seekers | Two-pack keeps you stocked |
Ben’s Hunting 20% Picaridin EcoSpray, 6 oz (3 Pack)
This hunting-focused spray uses 20% picaridin with a fine EcoSpray mist. It lays down even coverage fast and feels light on skin. The formula is sweat-resistant, which helps on climbs and warm sits. Low odor meets the needs of scent-conscious hunters.
The 3-pack makes sense for long seasons and shared camps. Picaridin is gear-friendly, so no worries around plastics and coatings. Pair it with permethrin-treated clothing for a strong system. For many hunters, this is the best wildlife insect repellent balance of stealth, comfort, and staying power.
Pros:
- 20% picaridin with long-lasting defense
- EcoSpray fine mist delivers even coverage
- Low odor aligns with hunting needs
- Sweat-resistant for active days
- Gear-safe around optics and plastics
Cons:
- Aerosol-style mist can over-apply if rushed
- Larger cans add weight vs. pocket pumps
- Not as extreme as top DEET in swarms
My Recommendation
Pick this if you hunt hard and want quiet protection that lasts. It is a smart move for bowhunters and spot-and-stalk days. As a package, it may be the best wildlife insect repellent for stealth and sweat resistance.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Hunting seasons | Low odor and sweat resistance |
| Active hikes | Even coverage from fine mist |
| Gear-heavy setups | Picaridin is safe around plastics |
FAQs Of best wildlife insect repellent
Is DEET or picaridin better for wildlife trips?
Both work very well. DEET has brute force in swarms. Picaridin offers low odor and gear safety with long protection.
Should I use permethrin and a skin repellent together?
Yes. Treat clothing with permethrin, then apply DEET, picaridin, or OLE on skin. This combo reduces bites the most.
Will DEET damage my gear?
It can. Keep DEET off plastics, watch faces, and some synthetics. Picaridin and OLE are more gear friendly.
Are plant-based repellents strong enough?
For light to moderate mosquitoes, yes. In heavy swarms or deep woods, use DEET or 20% picaridin instead.
How often should I reapply?
Follow the label. Sweat, rain, and rubbing reduce time. Plan to reapply sooner in hot, active conditions.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the best wildlife insect repellent for severe swarms, go with Repel 100 or Ben’s 100. For low odor and gear safety, choose 20% picaridin like Sawyer or Ben’s Hunting.
Build a system: permethrin on clothing, plus a skin repellent. That pairing is the best wildlife insect repellent strategy for long, bug-heavy days outdoors.
