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The 12 Best Mosquito Repellent Wipes

Insect repellent wipes are one of the most convenient ways to apply bug repellent. They’re less messy than creams and easier to apply than sprays, especially for young children. But which are the best mosquito repellent wipes out there, and how can you choose the best product for your needs?

Insect repellent wipes are one of the most convenient ways to apply bug repellent. They’re less messy than creams and easier to apply than sprays, especially for young children. But which are the best mosquito repellent wipes out there, and how can you choose the best product for your needs?

LONGEST LASTING EFFECT

Repel Mosquito Wipes

BEST FOR ON THE GO

Cutter All Family Wipes

MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Avon Bug Guard Towelettes

1

Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes

LONGEST LASTING EFFECT

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Wipes are not individually wrapped so cannot be transported individually
  • DEET has a potent smell
  • DEET can damage certain fabrics and surfaces

REVIEW

The Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes can be used against pretty much all kinds of biting bugs, including mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, ticks, chiggers, biting flies and no-see-ums. These insect repellent wipes contain 30% DEET, which is a high dose. As such, they’re effective even in tropical and subtropical regions with large numbers of mosquitoes and other biting bugs. DEET is a potent insecticide, but it is safe to use directly on the skin.
However, it may damage some synthetic fabrics, leather, plastics and painted or varnished surfaces.

DEET is proven to be highly effective against all kinds of insects, and can provide up to 6 hours of protection from the very first wipe. This can protect you, not only from itchy, annoying bites but also from insect-born diseases like Lyme disease, Zika virus, Dengue fever and West Nile virus.

The compact packaging of the Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes makes them easy to carry and transport, and the wipe-on application is convenient and easy. This is especially useful for hikers on the move or families, as these bug wipes are safe to use on children from the age of 2 months old.

They’re also the ideal quick-apply option for outdoor adventurers on fishing, hunting or camping trips. Though the wipes won’t harm cotton, wool or nylon, the DEET may damage synthetic fabrics and should be used with caution around hiking gear and outdoor apparel.

2

Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes

BEST FOR ON THE GO

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Not as long-lasting as products that contain a higher percentage of DEET
  • Less effective than products with a higher DEET concentration

REVIEW

The Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes also contain DEET, but have a lower percentage (7.15%) than the Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes. For many people, this ‘gentler’ formulation makes them preferable to use on the face and neck, especially for families with children.

These insect repellent towelettes come in a re-sealable pack that makes them easy to transport and keeps them moist. As DEET wipes, they’re highly effective against all kinds of insects and can provide long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, chiggers, biting flies and fleas. If you’re living in or visiting an area with higher-than-average rates of insect borne diseases, this is essential protection against Dengue fever, West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, Lyme disease and more.

Insect wipes are one of the easiest ways to apply repellent, and the Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes are no exception. The individual wipes make it easy to apply the product to sensitive areas, like the ears and face, and they don’t leave any greasy residue. The lower DEET percentage means they don’t smell as strongly as other DEET-containing products, and these wipes have a pleasant, cooling scent.

The big downside of these bug repellent wipes is that they don’t last as long as other products. While the Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes provide up the 6 hours of protection, the Cutter Family Brand wears off after only a few hours. If you only need protection around sunset hours this could work just fine, but you may want to look elsewhere if you need coverage for a day hike.

3

Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Insect Repellent Towelettes

MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Not as long-lasting as products with a higher percentage of active ingredient
  • Individually wrapped wipes – less environmentally friendly than other products

REVIEW

These Avon bug wipes contain 10% picaridin, rather than DEET, as their active ingredient. Studies have found picaridin to be just as effective at repelling bugs as DEET but, unlike DEET, it doesn’t have a strong odor. It is also safer to use on plastics and synthetic fabrics, so these wipes are a better choice for anyone else using outdoor apparel that may be damaged by DEET products. Therefore, the Avon wipes are a top choice for hikers, campers, fishers and hunters.

Like our other two top products, these mosquito repellent towelettes are easy to transport and use. Unlike the others, the Avon picaridin wipes are individually wrapped; great news if you want to transport them individually, but less environmentally-friendly than our other featured products. They are effective against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, no-see-ums, biting flies and all their associated diseases.

The best thing about the Avon wipes is that they’re incredibly gentle on the skin, with a soft and moisturizing formulation. This makes them suitable to use on all kinds of skin, even the sensitive areas around your face, neck and ears.

They’re possible the best insect repellent wipes for young children, as they’re pleasant-smelling, non-greasy and kind to delicate skin. These mosquito wipes are even suitable for babies (ages 2 months and over), making them the ideal choice for families.

Other products to consider

OFF! Botanicals Towelettes

The OFF Botanicals towelettes use a plant-based formula to repel bugs, with an active ingredient chemically synthesized from pine-oil extract. Despite being DEET-free, these wipes are highly effective against mosquitoes, black flies, gnats and no-see-ums. However, they only last two hours – nowhere near as long as products with DEET.

Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes

Ben’s Insect Repellent Wipes offer long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas, chiggers, no-see-ums, and more. They contain 30% DEET, so they’re guaranteed to keep you bite-free for up to 8 hours, though some people may be put off by the high DEET content.

Bug X30 Insect Repellent Towelettes

Also containing 30%, these mosquito repellent wipes provide strong, long-lasting protection against all kinds of biting insects. These wipes are water and sweat resistant, though some users have noted that you may need more than one for full-body coverage.

OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito and Insect Repellent Wipes

The Deep Woods OFF Wipes are one of the most popular brands of insect repellent wipes with DEET. Their 25% DEET content makes them highly effective, even in areas with unusually high numbers of biting bugs. However, like other DEET-containing products, they may not be the first choice for people using synthetic or plastic outdoor apparel.

Natrapel DEET-Free Repellent Wipes

These Natrapel wipes contain 20% picaridin, and can provide up to 8 hours of protection against ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting bugs. It’s also safer to use on outdoor gear and fishing, camping and hunting apparel.

Quantum Health Buzz Away Extreme Towelettes

These DEET-free, plant-based wipes are environmentally friendly and safe for all the family. They repel biting bugs using a powerful combo of natural essential oils, including citronella, geranium, lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint, and others. They work well, but only for about two hours so you’d have to reapply this product frequently.

Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent Wipes

The Babyganics insect repellent wipes are all natural, and use Citronella, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemongrass & Geranium to repel biting bugs. They’re suitable for use on the whole family but, like most DEET-free mosquito repellent wipes, require frequent re-application.

Aunt Fannie’s Mosquito Repellent Wipes

Aunt Fannie’s mosquito wipes also contain a cocktail of insect-repelling essential oils. They easy to transport and use and have some of the chicest packaging of all the bug wipes but, again, they won’t like as long as DEET-containing alternatives.

About mosquito repellent wipes

What are mosquito repellent wipes?

Mosquito repellent wipes are towelettes that contain bug-repellent products. Many contain DEET or picaridin, both of which are scientifically proven to repel insects and biting bugs for up to 8 hours. Natural alternatives usually contain essential oils. These can also repel bugs effectively but usually wear off a lot more quickly than products that contain DEET or picaridin.

What are mosquito repellent wipes used for?

Mosquito repellent wipes are a convenient way to apply bug repellent to your skin. Other products, like sprays and creams, can be tricky to apply to sensitive areas (like the face and ears). Depending on the product, it can also be hard to achieve full coverage with a cream or spray, leaving you with unprotected areas that are still susceptible to bites. Wipes are also easier and safer for small children to use, as they’re unlikely to accidentally ingest or inhale the product, or get in in their eyes.

Mosquito repellent wipes can repel not only mosquitoes but also sand flies, fleas, black flies, gnats, chiggers, no-see-ums, ticks, and more! This keeps you free from itchy bites while hiking, camping, fishing, hunting or simply enjoying the sunset. More importantly, however, mosquito repellent wipes can help to protect you from insect-borne diseases like the Zika virus, malaria, Dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease.

When are mosquito repellent wipes used?

Depending on where you live, you may need to use mosquito repellent wipes every day. In areas with large numbers of mosquitoes and other biting bugs, you may need to use repellent even when you’re at home (usually around sunset, when mosquitoes are most active).

You may also use mosquito repellent wipes if you’re traveling to a tropical or subtropical region, where mosquitoes (and vector-borne diseases) are more common. Hikers, fishers, campers, and hunters, who spend prolonged periods of time in grassy, wooded or shaded areas, are also advised to use an effective bug repellent. In these cases, products containing DEET are highly recommended, as these tend to offer the longest-lasting protection, though picaridin is safer to use on your outdoor gear.

Who uses mosquito repellent wipes?

Mosquito repellent wipes are the number one choice for people who need bug protection on the go. Their packaging is always compact and very easy to transport, making them the perfect option for hikers and campers. They are very easy to use, which also makes them popular among families.

They are easier for young children to use safely, and can even be used on babies (aged >2 months). Mosquito repellent wipes are the best way to apply bug repellent to your face, as you’re far less likely to get the product in places you don’t want it (like your eyes) than you are with a spray.

If you’re planning to be out for the full day, they’re very easy to slip into a pocket or purse, so you can quickly and conveniently apply repellent at sunset.

How do mosquito repellent wipes work?

Many mosquito repellent wipes use DEET or picaridin. These are both insecticidal products, and both are known to effectively repel mosquitos and other nuisance bugs. DEET and picaridin are both widely considered safe to apply to the skin, though DEE has a strong odor that many people find off-putting. There is also some concern about its safety for pregnant women.

Maridav/Shutterstock.com

One more reason to choose picaridin over DEET is that it’s safer to use on clothing and other materials. Though DEET is fine on nylon, wool, and cotton, it can damage synthetic fabrics, plastic, leather, painted, and varnished surfaces. Picaridin, however, is far safer to use on these materials and is a lot less likely to damage hunting, camping, hiking, or fishing gear.

Natural mosquito repellent wipes repel insects using a variety of essential oils. Several of these have been found to effectively repel mosquitoes and other insects, though they don’t tend to last as long as products with DEET or picaridin. This is because essential oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly, and must be re-applied every few hours.

What products can be replaced by mosquito repellent wipes?

  • Insect repellent lotions: These are creams or lotions that contain mosquito-repellent products, and can be smoothed over the skin for protection from bugs. They are effective but are more time-consuming and far messier to apply than mosquito repellent wipes.
  • Insect repellent sprays: Insect repellent sprays are a popular bug-repellent option. They are effective and relatively easy to apply, though that can be tricky to use on the face and other sensitive areas. The design of some products can also make them more difficult to apply, especially those with easily-broken or temperamental pumps.
  • Protective clothing: Long, loose-fitting clothing is an effective way to keep mosquitoes (and al other kinds of bugs) off your skin. However, mosquito repellent products can give you the freedom to wear whatever you like, while still keeping your skin bite-free.

How to choose the best insect repellent wipes for your needs

With so many different types of mosquito repellent wipes out there, choosing the perfect one can seem like a mammoth task! Fortunately, it’s actually pretty easy – if you know what you’re looking for!

How often do you need to use mosquito repellent?

Do you need a repellent that’s going to give you all-day protection, or just something to keep you safe at sunset? If you need short-term protection (i.e. up to 2 hours over sunset) you may find that a natural insect repellent (i.e. one containing essential oils) is sufficient for your needs.

If you need full-day protection, however, you’ll need a product with a lot more staying power. DEET and picaridin can both provide up to 8 hours of protection. For maximal protection, choose wipes with a high DEET or picaridin concentration (>20%).

Are you planning on swimming, hiking, or playing sports?

Water and sweat can wash away most insect repellent products. If you need a product that can withstand a hard day of hiking or sports, consider a sweat-resistant product, like the Bug X30 Insect Repellent Towelettes.

How prevalent are mosquitoes in your area?

Tropical and subtropical regions can be positively humming with bugs, whereas people in cooler climates may only see mosquitoes at sunset. It’s important to consider how prevalent bugs are in your areas when choosing mosquito repellent wipes. If the mosquito population in your area/holiday spot is out of control, consider choosing wipes with a high percentage of DEET or picaridin.

If light protection will do, you may way to choose a product with a natural formulation, instead.

Who is the product for?

Mosquito repellent wipes are the perfect choice for anyone who values easy application. This may be:

    • Travelers
    • Hikers
    • Hunters
    • Fishers
    • Campers
    • People who live in areas with large mosquito populations (i.e. by lakes or in tropical or subtropical regions)
    • Sports players
    • Families with young children

yurakrasil/Shutterstock.com

They can also be a good option for people with sensitive skin, as some wipes (like Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Insect Repellent Towelettes) are specifically formulated with gentle ingredients.

Living with the product

To preserve the effectiveness of your mosquito repellent wipes, it’s essential that you keep them moist. This means resealing the packaging properly each time you remove a wipe and keeping the package closed when not in use.

Most mosquito repellent wipes should be stored in a cool, dry place, at room temperatures, and out of direct sunlight.

As with all mosquito repellent products, you should not allow the wipes to make direct contact with your eyes.

Conclusion

Mosquito repellent wipes are one of the most convenient ways to apply bug repellent. These damp towelettes are imbibed with a bug-repellent product such as DEET, picaridin, or repellent essential oils, and can be wiped over the skin for instant protection from bugs.

Many people prefer them to traditional sprays and creams, as they’re often easer, safer, and less messy to apply. They’re also easier to apply to sensitive areas, like the face, neck, and ears.

As such, they’re a firm favorite among families with small children. They’re also popular among people in need of convenient, long-lasting protection from biting bugs, like hikers, campers, fishers, and hunters. The compact design of the packaging also makes them very convenient to transport, especially for campers and travelers.

Not only can mosquito repellent wipes protect you from irritating bites, but they can also safeguard you against bug-borne diseases like malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Lyme disease.

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