Are there mosquito repellents that don't smell bad?

Question

I would love to avoid West Nile virus, but I cannot stand that bug-spray-smell! What are some bug repellents that don't smell bad?

Answer 1

Avon Skin So Soft doesn't work.

There are two repellants approved by WHO: DEET and Picardin.  DEET is more commonly used, and it has the smell.  I recommend you try the picardin product.

Answer 2

I use OFF Botanicals.  It is a plant based repellent, available in most stores.  It comes in a green bottle and is non greasy, applied like lotion.   If you look on the shelf where repellents are sold you will see some labeled as "non scented".  These do not smell bad.

If you are outside much you can also get insect repellent and sun screen combined.  It cost a little more than regular sunscreen, but you only buy one product and it doesn't smell like repellent.

I've heard that Bounce fabric softner sheets can be used to repell insects (rub it on skin),  but I've never tried it.

Answer 3

i think that smell is the smell that bugs do not like and that is the reason it works. although i have seen scentless bug spray once, try looking for that.

Answer 4

Avon Skin-so-soft is pretty good...another cheapie is Plain old bad tasting "Listerine".. Put some in a spray/mist bottle... it works pretty good and people won't smell you getting close.

Answer 5

When I was growing up, my Grandmother sold Avon, and used to give me a body oil/spray called Skin-so-soft they make, which smells pretty good.  It always seemed to work, and seemed to be something many people knew about at the time.  Googling it, it looks like nowadays they are even making a bug spray with it as an ingredient.