What do you use to fend off mosquitoes?
There seem to be two main brands - Natrapel (Picaridin) or Off! (DEET)
I've always heard that DEET is "bad" and reading about it seems to conclude it's not great to use but has been tested and is "safe". To simplify DEET is a pesticide / toxin that mosquitoes don't like and isn't healthy for humans or even the environment. There are several non-DEET mosquito repellents including plant based products like citronella, lemongrass, cedar, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These types of repellents don't seem to fall under "Insect" repellents as they don't necessarily ward off ticks and other biting bugs like DEET and Picaridian do.
The questions seems to be what insect repellent do I buy or pack?
I take both a DEET and Picaridian product and this is why:
DEET (example product: OFF! DEEP WOODS) offers the best protection in my experience. In the backcountry, thick forests or even Manitoba ;) DEET seems to work the best against thick swarms of mosquitoes. However, I only use DEET in horrible mosquito conditions.
Caution: Can damage clothing (leather, rayon, other synthetics) okay on cotton and wool. So be careful of sunglass frames and rain jackets. Not supposed to put DEET concentrations higher than 30% on children - DEET can be sold up to 98% so read the label.
Picaridin (only repellent I know of with this ingredient: NATRAPEL) is my go to for most situations. Luckily it's not too common for myself and my family to be in horrible bug situations so usually Natrapel does the job. Picaridin is also a pesticide but doesn't seem to have as many negatives listed as DEET.
A positive is that it does not damage fabrics / materials which makes the product seem safer. Like DEET it wards off mosquitoes, ticks, flies and other insects.
Natrapel is currently my first choice Insect Repellent but I am open to checking out others if anyone has any suggestions!