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10 Best Deet Insect Repellents 2025 in Canada

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 37ml Pump, Pack of 4

DEET Concentration: 30%
Formulation Type: Water-based
Scent and Skin Sensitivity: Fragrance free, unscented
Duration of Protection: Up to 8 hours

Chosen by 1444 this week

Kombat Insect Repellent Maximum Defence Spray with 30% DEET, 200g 12 Pack

DEET Concentration: 30%
Formulation Type: Spray
Scent and Skin Sensitivity: Citronella, Coconut; may irritate skin
Duration of Protection: About 6 hours
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 37ml Pump, Pack of 4

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
DEET Concentration
Formulation Type
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
DEET Concentration
Trusted for its high DEET concentration and positive reputation, making it a dependable choice for insect repellent needs.
Formulation Type
The water-based formula is non-greasy and fragrance-free, allowing users to enjoy the outdoors without unpleasant smells.
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
The water-based formula is non-greasy and fragrance-free, allowing users to enjoy the outdoors without unpleasant smells.

Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent is a strong choice for those needing reliable protection from mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects, especially in areas where insect-borne diseases like Lyme or Dengue are a concern. With a 30% DEET concentration, it meets CDC recommendations for effective defense, providing up to 8 hours of protection, which is ideal for long outdoor activities. The formula is water-based and stays on the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed, which might be preferable for users sensitive to chemicals or those worried about skin absorption.

It’s fragrance-free, so it won’t leave an unpleasant smell, letting you enjoy the natural outdoor scents. The spray pump is handy and travel-friendly, fitting easily in a pocket or bag and meeting TSA size requirements. On the downside, the 37 ml size is relatively small, meaning frequent reapplications or replacements may be needed for extended trips. Also, while water-based, it doesn’t specifically mention sweat resistance, so heavy sweating or swimming might reduce how long it lasts.

This repellent is great for everyday outdoor use, hiking, or travel, especially if you want a DEET product without strong odors or a greasy feel. The product is well-reviewed with a solid rating, showing many users find it effective.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
DEET Concentration
Formulation Type
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
DEET Concentration
Trusted for its high DEET concentration and positive reputation, making it a dependable choice for insect repellent needs.
Formulation Type
The water-based formula is non-greasy and fragrance-free, allowing users to enjoy the outdoors without unpleasant smells.
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
The water-based formula is non-greasy and fragrance-free, allowing users to enjoy the outdoors without unpleasant smells.
#2

OFF! Deep Woods Insect and Mosquito Repellent, Bug Spray with Deet, Ideal Camping, Hiking, and Hunting Essentials, Bug Repellent Safe for Clothing, 230g (Packaging May Vary)

Rating
10.0
Water and Sweat Resistance
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
Duration of Protection
Water and Sweat Resistance
Offers some sweat resistance but may require reapplication in very hot conditions to maintain protection.
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
Best results come from spraying and rubbing the repellent into the skin, ideally applied after sunscreen with a short wait time.
Duration of Protection
A dependable choice for intense outdoor activities where long-lasting insect protection is crucial.

OFF! Deep Woods Insect and Mosquito Repellent contains 25% DEET, a strong concentration that offers effective and long-lasting protection against a variety of biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. This level of DEET is suitable for extended outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting, providing up to eight hours of protection.

The product comes in a convenient aerosol spray form that applies easily and dries quickly without staining clothing, which enhances comfort and practicality. It is unscented and non-toxic, making it a good choice for people who are sensitive to fragrances or prefer a neutral smell. This repellent is designed to be safe for use on clothing as well as skin, helping to enhance protection.

Packaged in a 230g can, it’s easy to carry for outdoor adventures. While the aerosol format is user-friendly, those looking for lotion or wipes might need to consider other options. This product is a dependable choice for anyone needing reliable, strong insect protection during moderate to intense outdoor activities.

Rating
10.0
Water and Sweat Resistance
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
Duration of Protection
Water and Sweat Resistance
Offers some sweat resistance but may require reapplication in very hot conditions to maintain protection.
Scent and Skin Sensitivity
Best results come from spraying and rubbing the repellent into the skin, ideally applied after sunscreen with a short wait time.
Duration of Protection
A dependable choice for intense outdoor activities where long-lasting insect protection is crucial.

Buying Guide for the Best Deet Insect Repellents

Choosing the right DEET insect repellent is important for protecting yourself from mosquito and tick bites, which can carry diseases. The best product for you depends on how long you need protection, your skin sensitivity, and the activities you plan to do. Understanding the key features of DEET repellents will help you make a safe and effective choice.
DEET ConcentrationDEET concentration refers to the percentage of DEET in the repellent. This is important because it determines how long the product will protect you from insects. Lower concentrations (around 5-10%) offer a few hours of protection and are suitable for short outdoor activities or for children. Medium concentrations (15-30%) provide longer protection, making them good for hiking or spending several hours outside. High concentrations (over 30%) can last for many hours and are best for extended outdoor activities in areas with lots of insects. To pick the right concentration, think about how long you’ll be outside and your skin’s sensitivity—children and people with sensitive skin should use lower concentrations.
Formulation TypeDEET repellents come in different forms, such as sprays, lotions, wipes, and sticks. This matters because some forms are easier to apply or more suitable for certain situations. Sprays are quick to use and good for covering large areas, while lotions can be rubbed in for more even coverage and may last longer on the skin. Wipes are convenient for travel and for applying to small areas, and sticks are less messy and easy to carry. Choose a formulation that fits your activity and personal preference—if you need to cover a lot of skin quickly, a spray might be best, but for precise application, a lotion or stick could be better.
Water and Sweat ResistanceSome DEET repellents are designed to resist being washed off by water or sweat. This is important if you’ll be swimming, sweating, or in humid conditions, as regular repellents may lose effectiveness quickly. Water- and sweat-resistant products help maintain protection during these activities. If you plan to be active or in wet environments, look for repellents that mention water or sweat resistance to ensure you stay protected.
Scent and Skin SensitivityDEET repellents can have different scents or be unscented, and some are formulated for sensitive skin. The scent can affect your comfort, especially if you dislike strong smells. Products for sensitive skin may have fewer added chemicals and be less likely to cause irritation. If you have allergies, sensitive skin, or just prefer a milder scent, look for products labeled as unscented or for sensitive skin.
Duration of ProtectionThe duration of protection tells you how long the repellent will keep insects away after you apply it. This is usually related to the DEET concentration, but some products are formulated to last longer. Short-duration repellents are fine for quick trips outside, while long-duration ones are better for camping or hiking. Think about how long you’ll be exposed to insects and choose a product that matches your needs so you don’t have to reapply too often.