These bug repellants target ticks, mosquitoes, and flies

Keep the pests away. (Brooks Rice via Unsplash/)

Little takes the fun out of time in the woods than being covered in biting insects. Companies offer myriad ways to keep them away from shelters to candles. But not everything works. If you aren’t sure what does, we narrowed down four options suitable for just about any need.

Get rid of bugs, don’t assault your nose. (Amazon/)

For anyone not interested in DEET, give Picaridin a try. It’s effective for up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and eight hours against biting flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand fleas. It’s fragrance-free, and comes in sprays and lotions.

Go for the original. (Amazon /)

This spray will keep mosquitoes away for up to 10 hours and won’t sweat off, even in hot, humid conditions. It’s 25 percent DEET, so expect it to also repel gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas. The special formula feels dry when sprayed on and isn’t stiff or sticky. Sometimes, it’s best to go with what you know works.

Treat your stuff, not yourself. (Amaz/)

Maybe you have an aversion to insect repellents. Maybe you have an allergy. Maybe you just don’t want to spray anything on your skin. Whatever it is, give this a try. Spray it on your clothes and it lasts up to six weeks. It’s as effective against ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes as 100 percent DEET. Best of all, it’s odorless and won’t stain your clothes.

Keep everyone safe. (Amazon/)

Sure, citrus candles smell nice, but they’re not always that effective against mosquitoes. Enter the Thermacell Radius. Simply push a button and wait for the small box to fill your area with airborne bug repellent that really works. It lasts 40 hours and has a rechargeable battery. Expect no mess, no scent and no DEET.