Bugs can be particularly annoying, but that is hardly the issue with their existence. Health is always the number one concern, considering the long list of diseases they can carry, from malaria to Lyme disease to filariasis and more. The good news is there’s a whole range of bug sprays that people can use to protect themselves. However, no matter how strictly you follow each bottle’s application instructions, it’s not likely to work if it’s the wrong product to begin with.

Of course, with the great freedom of having near-countless bug sprays to choose from comes the responsibility of knowing every option to make an educated choice. The following are the most common bug sprays today based on the active ingredients used to make them:

1. DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)

Bug sprays with DEET have been some of the most popular since their creation in 1957, thanks to their scientifically proven effectiveness. These products are also considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency when used properly, which means following application instructions is crucial (DEET-based bug sprays, for example, must never be used on kids below 3 years of age). While these products don’t actually kill bugs, they do keep them away from human skin for about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the concentration.

2. EBAAP (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate)

People looking for non-DEET bug sprays can use those with EBAAP as the active ingredient. While these products work on different types of insects, they are most remarkably potent against mosquitoes, biting flies and deer ticks. These sprays are also designed to protect pets instead of just humans. Perhaps the most impressive quality yet of EBAAP bug sprays, aside from their potency, is their low toxicity and eco-toxicity. In short, EBAAP bug sprays are safe for man and earth.

3. Picaridin

Another well-known active ingredient in bug sprays is picardin, which provides long-lasting protection equivalent to that offered by a 10% DEET product. Picardin-based repellents have been on the market since 1998, and are often preferred for being gentle to the skin and non-reactive with plastic. Also called icaridin, the chemical belongs to the piperidine family, a derivative of which is responsible for pepper’s pungent smell. The bug sprays, however, are odorless.

4. Permethrin

Permethrin is yet another widely used active ingredient in bug sprays, except these aren’t applied directly on skin but rather on clothing and other materials, such as those used to make sleeping bags and tent walls. Unlike other insect repellents, these products also last much longer – at least two weeks or six washings – although dry cleaning can diminish their strength. Permethrin-based products work on over 55 kinds of bugs, from mosquitoes to spiders to chiggers and even the yellow fever mosquito, which carries the Zika virus.

5. Oil of Eucalyptus

Oil of eucalyptus (OLE) is a relatively safe ingredient used in many bug sprays today, but as with the others, following product instructions to the letter is a must. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also advises against using OLE on kids under 3 years old, and extra care must be taken as it can cause temporary eye injury. According the CDC, OLE-based products are as powerful as 15% to 20% DEET sprays. Also note that OLE is not the same as lemon eucalyptus oil, which has not been officially tested or approved.

6. Other Plant-Based Ingredients in Bug Spray

Aside from OLE, many plant-based ingredients have been used in in making bug sprays, including soybean oil. Research conducted in 2002 showed that this oil worked against mosquitoes in particular and were a decent alternative to DEET, offering protection for over 90 minutes. Other natural bug spray formulations, however, were less promising, including those made with citronella, lavender, calendula and many more. While there is a decent volume of anecdotal evidence proving this group’s effectiveness, it is not backed by scientific studies.

Choosing the Right Bug Spray

The market for bug sprays is clearly thriving. From DEET to EBAAP to permethrin to picardin to OLE and a long list of promising plant-based ingredients, it can indeed be difficult to choose the right product. In the end, it all boils down to the need and, of course, the user. For example, campers and hikers will definitely benefit from permethrin sprays, but not babies, who will be much safer with EBAAP-based repellents. In any case, consumer awareness always saves the day when buying a safe and effective bug spray.

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Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

Welcome home! This well maintained and regularly serviced 4 bedroom 1930s home that has stayed within 3 generations of the same family is up for grabs! Bring your vision as you step into this gorgeous home with original trim and French doors between the dining and living rooms, 9' ceilings, strong bones, welcoming front porch, and relaxing 3 seasons patio. Replacement windows allow for plenty of natural light. The open floor plan basement houses the laundry, sink, and toilet. An oversized 2 car detached garage goes perfect with the brick home as well as four additional rock parking spaces- two on the west and 2 on the northeast of the house. A smaller shed that was once used as a smoke house and garden tools storage is next to the detached. More! A 1.90 acre lot is included to do with as you please! There is a partial chainlink fence lining the three sides of the rear half of the lot. Tall cedars line a part of the the west for privacy.

$219,000 Active

1281 E 2nd Avenue Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,250 SqFt 1.900 Acres

Listing courtesy of Keasha Fromme from Carpenter Realty LLC.

This nice, well kept home in the heart of Huntingburg is sure to please. There are two bedrooms on the main level, and large bedroom upstairs. The custom headboard and built-in bunk stay with the house. The oversized living room and dining area have beautiful hardwood floors. Upstairs is a den that is currently being used as a 4th bedroom. The basement provides an abundance of storage, and has direct access to the garage. Outside is a child's paradise with large yard and basketball goal with concrete pad.

$174,900 Active

105 E 1st Street Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,080 SqFt 0.290 Acres

Listing courtesy of Steve Lukemeyer from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

Welcome home to Huntingburg's desirable Hunter's Crossing neighborhood! This pristine 1564 square foot ranch has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with a thoughtfully designed layout. The open concept design and vaulted ceilings in the living and kitchen areas add to the spacious feel of this home. The living area has large windows which overlook the stunning in-ground pool. A gas fireplace with floor to ceiling stone surround makes an impressive statement in the living area. The living area is open to the kitchen which has an island with sink and dishwasher for convenience. The kitchen has beautiful granite countertops, stainless appliances, and space above the cabinets for decor. Off the kitchen is the lovely dining area, which also overlooks the pool and has a door that opens to the covered patio. The owner's suite which is off the living area also overlooks the pool and has vaulted ceilings. An ensuite bath off the owner's suite has a jetted tub, walk-in shower, and huge walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and a second full bath are on the opposite side of the home for more privacy. A nice laundry room is off the foyer and leads to the two-car garage with extra space. Out back, the 18'x36' in-ground saltwater pool with automatic cover and heater makes this home an absolute perfect place to entertain! A large patio and beautiful black metal fence surround the pool area. There is also a covered patio as well for enjoying the outdoors in the shade. A large back yard and nice utility shed rounds out this perfect property. Extremely budget-friendly utilities are a plus at this home. Budget for utilities including electric, gas, water, and sewer is only $268/month. Hurry or you will miss your chance at this lovely home that is convenient to everything!

$319,900 Active

210 W Stellar Way Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,564 SqFt 0.300 Acres

Listing courtesy of Jennifer Fritz Wahl from ERA FIRST ADVANTAGE REALTY, INC.

6 Types of Bug Sprays and How to Choose the Right One