Safer Bug Spray 2026
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 30
My personal preference in bug sprays would be essential oil based for lower-risk areas and populations, and picaridin for higher-risk.
However, bug spray is a very individualized decision. The best decision for one person may look different for another (even within the same household!). In high-risk areas with mosquito and tick-borne diseases, choosing effectiveness over ingredients is going to take priority.
Picaridin
Picaridin works by interfering with a mosquito’s ability to detect you by disrupting the odor receptors they use to find humans. It provides protection similar to DEET, but is often preferred because it’s less irritating to the skin, has very low absorption, is odorless, and doesn’t damage plastics or fabrics
Picaridin is modeled after a compound found in pepper plants, and is considered low risk. Mild skin or eye irritation can occur but appears to be rare, and there is no consistent evidence of endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, or carcinogenic effects in humans. One review of U.S. Poison Control data found that the vast majority of picaridin exposures were able to be managed at home, with only one case requiring further medical evaluation.
It is effective against mosquitoes (including species that can carry malaria, dengue, and West Nile), ticks, flies, and gnats. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that 20% provides about 8-14 hours of protection, while 10% lasts around 3.5-8 hours. It is also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use in higher-risk areas where mosquito-borne illness is a concern.
EPA approved bug sprays are not considered cosmetics, so there is no requirement for inactive ingredient disclosure.
OFF! is one one of the only brands that willingly disclose their ingredients. For both I would only choose their mist, spritzer, or lotion variations, NOT aerosols.
Essential Oils
Essential oils (like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint) can help repel bugs because their strong plant compounds mask the scent cues insects use to find you, similar to how Picaridin works, but much less consistently.
EOs may be a good option for short-term, low-risk situations (like being outside briefly, backyard BBQs, or in areas with fewer disease-carrying insects). However, they tend to wear off quickly and vary widely in effectiveness. They’re not the best choice in high-risk areas (like heavy mosquito regions or places with tick-borne illness), where more reliable protection picaridin is recommended.
Depending on risk-level of location, these can be a great option for the backyard. They would not be my first choice in effectiveness for deep woods.
DEET
DEET is very effective at reducing bug bites and has been used by the general public since 1957. DEET has a long safety record, with very few serious adverse events reported when used as directed. There have been concerns about potential effects on the nervous system, particularly in children, but follow-up studies have not found consistent evidence of harm at typical use levels.
Most major health organizations, including the AAP, CDC, and John Hopkins Children’s Hospital consider DEET safe for children when used appropriately. However, rare cases of neurologic symptoms have been reported with excessive exposure or misuse, which is why some prefer to limit use when other effective options are available.
For those who choose to use DEET, a good rule of thumb is to opt for:
unscented
non-aerosol
concentration between 10–30% (listed as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label).
IR3535
IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) is another EPA-registered active ingredient. It’s generally considered to have a decent safety and irritation profile compared to DEET, though it can still cause eye irritation and may damage certain plastics or synthetic materials.
At around 20%, it can provide protection against Aedes and Culex mosquitoes for 7-10 hours, but offers shorter protection (around 3-4 hours) against Anopheles in some studies. Because of this, it’s not typically recommended as a first-line option in malaria-endemic areas where more reliable protection is needed.
2-undecanone
2-Undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone) is a compound found naturally in plants like tomatoes. It is generally considered to have low toxicity via oral and inhalation at normal exposure levels, but it can cause skin and eye irritation. It may also pose an aspiration hazard if swallowed and is considered toxic to aquatic organisms.
Some studies suggest it can offer protection comparable to DEET in certain settings, but overall there are fewer publicly available studies comparing its effectiveness to more established repellents like picaridin.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is refined from oil extracted from the Corymbia citriodora (lemon-scented gum) plant.
The main bug-repelling component of OLE is a chemical called p-Menthane-3,8,diol (PMD).
While the safety isn’t as well studied, OLE/PMD is generally considered less toxic than DEET, and considered to pose little risk when used according to the label. However, it can still be irritating to the eyes. OLE tends to provide similar protection as DEET, but for shorter durations.
30% concentration offers complete protection for 4-6 hours against ticks and several Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species of mosquitoes (Poison Control). Recommended by the CDC for malaria-enedmic areas, but requires more frequent application than DEET.
Should not be used on children under 3. Safety has not been well studied in this group.
A Quick Overview
Essential Oils: Least toxic, but least effective
Short-lasting, inconsistent protection. Best for low-risk, short exposure (like backyard use), not ideal for ticks or disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Picaridin: Best balance of safety + effectiveness
Comparable to DEET with strong, reliable protection against mosquitoes (including malaria, dengue, West Nile), ticks, flies, and gnats. Low irritation, low absorption, and widely recommended for higher-risk areas.
DEET: Most proven, longest track record
Highly effective and well-studied with decades of use. Considered safe when used as directed, but some prefer alternatives due to irritation, absorption, or material damage.
IR3535: Good safety, moderate effectiveness
Works well for some mosquitoes (Aedes, Culex), but shorter protection against others (like malaria-carrying Anopheles). Not first choice for high-risk areas.
2-Undecanone: Promising, but less studied
Plant-derived with generally low toxicity and some strong results, but fewer studies and less consistent data compared to more established repellents.
OLE: Natural option with strong (but shorter) protection
Can perform similarly to DEET for a few hours and is recommended for higher-risk areas, but requires more frequent reapplication and isn’t recommended for children under 3.
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