WASHINGTON — Summer is here, which means its prime time for backyard barbecue feasts and other outdoor activities. But if you don’t have an effective bug spray, it could be you that ends up on the menu.
Consumer Reports has released its list of recommended insect repellents to keep the buzzing bloodsuckers at bay.
The full list of recommended repellents includes 11 different sprays, a lotion and even “towelette” options, ranging in price from $5 to $10. Consumer Reports says all three methods can be effective at repelling the summer pests, but be sure to properly follow instructions for applying it.
How did Consumer Reports test the repellents? A few brave volunteers lathered on the different options and agreed to place their arms in a cage of “disease-free” mosquitoes. Researchers tested the various repellents after 30 minutes, 1 hour and then every hour after that to see how long it took for the mosquitoes to start munching.
See the top 10 recommended bug sprays below:
1. Total Home (CVS) Woodland Scent Insect Repellent. Score: 94 ($6)
2. Off Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII Dry Rank. Score: 94 ($6)
3. Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent2. Score: 90 ($5)
4. Ben’s 30% Deet Tick & Insect Repellent. Score: 88 ($8)
5. Coleman Insect Repellent High an Dry 25% Deet. Score 86 ($7)
6. Sawyer Ultra 30 Insect Repellent (lotion). Score: 84 ($10)
7. Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent 20% Picaridin. Score: 83 ($8)
8. Repel Insect Repellent Scented Family 15% Deet. Score: 83 ($4)
9. Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Formula Dry 25% Deet. Score 76 ($5)
10. Off Deep Woods Sportsmen Insect Repellent II. Score 74 ($6)
