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.

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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:
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- 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

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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.