Literature I have read state that picaridin (black pepper spray) and geraniol are effective and natural bug repellants, lasting several hours, and as effective as DEET. Does anyone have any contrary evidence? I have found, also, that Skin-So-Soft is effective against gnats because they cannot penetrate the emulsion. (Years ago Consumers Reports stated that this was ineffective against mosquitoes, but they did not test it against gnats.) Geraniol may attract bees, and I have found this is so, but a solitary bee will leave you alone.
As far as I’m concerned, Picaridin is awesome, as is IR3535. Both seem equally effective as DEET, at least for relatively short outdoor periods (1-2 hours), and don’t make your skin burn/itch like DEET can in higher concentrations, and nor do they have the solvent effect or smell that DEET has. Pretty much no downside.
They’re pretty much all we use these days. Repel Tick defense is 15% Picaridin, and Coleman Skin Smart is 20% IR3535.
Consumer Reports rated a picaridin spray the best bug repellent. I tried it and it’s absolutely true. Great for mosquitoes and ticks and it’s more effective and not as icky as DEET.
There’s a towelette moistened with geraniol (IR3535) made by the same people that make those bug bracelets and it states on it that studies show it lasts for 7 hours. The spray lasts only for a couple hours. Consumers Reports stated some years ago that picaridin is effective for several hours.
Oh, no… I wasn’t trying to imply that they’re only good for 1-2 hours! What I was trying to say is that I haven’t personally used them for more than 1-2 hours, so past that, I don’t really know.
My personal experience is that deet is more effective in severe mosquito challenging areas. Im also not convinced the others are “safer” for you or the environment.
I like picaridin and try to use it as a first measure. It’s the only other chemical I’ve found effective to my liking. However, when I really need protection, I reach for deet.
I have no experience with geraniol, but I’ll search for it and try it out