Best insect repellent for swimming trips

Keep mosquitoes and ticks off at creek edges and dusk

Mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies thrive along southern creeks, blackwater corridors, and evening river banks. A proven insect repellent for swimming-hole day trips should work through sweat and humidity without ruining swimwear. We compared picaridin, DEET, and plant-based options for forest creek swims and Gulf Coast evenings.

Insect Repellent comparison chart

Product PriceActiveDurationFormBest for Buy
Best overall 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Sawyer $10 approx.20% picaridinUp to 14 hrs (label)LotionCreek & forest days Check price on
Best heavy-duty Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII OFF! $8 approx.25% DEETUp to 8 hrs (label)Dry aerosolPeak mosquito hours Check price on
Best DEET-free Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent Repel $9 approx.Oil of lemon eucalyptusUp to 6 hrs (label)Aerosol sprayDEET-free preference Check price on
Best value 20% Picaridin Twin Pack Sawyer $16 approx.20% picaridinUp to 14 hrs (label)Two 4-oz lotionsFamilies & restocks Check price on

Product details

Best overall

Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
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Sawyer’s 20% picaridin lotion is the go-to for hiking-to-swim trips — EPA-registered, less oily than classic DEET for many people, and a favorite for southern blackwater creek days.

Features

  • 20% picaridin — CDC-recommended active for mosquitoes and ticks
  • Lotion spreads evenly on legs, ankles, and necklace line
  • Often feels lighter than high-DEET formulas
  • Packs flat in a daypack side pocket

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Strong protection for the duration of a day trip Needs reapplication after heavy swimming
Travels well Scent is mild but still noticeable
Good for humid southern summers

Activities and environments best for

  • Mississippi pine forest creeks
  • Dusk river banks
  • Tick country

Overall

The easiest all-around repellent to leave in your swimming-hole pack.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

42,800 global ratings

5 star 78%
4 star 12%
3 star 5%
2 star 2%
1 star 3%
Best heavy-duty

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII
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OFF! Deep Woods Dry is the classic high-DEET option when evening mosquitoes are relentless on Gulf Coast river banks and after-rain humidity.

Features

  • 25% DEET for serious mosquito pressure
  • Powder-dry finish — less greasy than older DEET sprays
  • Quick spray coverage for arms and legs
  • Proven option for summer evenings outdoors

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Reliable when bites are bad Smell is stronger than picaridin
Cheap and easy to find Aerosol can is bulkier than a lotion bottle
Strong dusk protection

Activities and environments best for

  • Heavy mosquito nights
  • Camp-adjacent swimming days
  • Budget packs

Overall

When bugs are unbearable, DEET Deep Woods still earns a spot in the kit.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

55,100 global ratings

5 star 80%
4 star 12%
3 star 4%
2 star 2%
1 star 2%
Best DEET-free

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent
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Repel’s lemon-eucalyptus formula is a popular plant-based alternative when you want CDC-backed protection without DEET for a moderate-bug swimming day.

Features

  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) active
  • DEET-free option for preference or material concerns
  • Fast spray coverage for exposed skin
  • Common pick for family day trips

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Plant-based active Shorter labeled duration vs high DEET/picaridin
Good for lighter mosquito pressure Strong citrus-herbal scent
Familiar brand

Activities and environments best for

  • Daytime creek picnic swims
  • Mild bug pressure
  • DEET-avoiders

Overall

A solid DEET-free pick when mosquitoes are present but not extreme.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5

18,900 global ratings

5 star 65%
4 star 18%
3 star 9%
2 star 4%
1 star 4%
Best value

Sawyer 20% Picaridin Twin Pack

Sawyer 20% Picaridin Twin Pack
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Two bottles of Sawyer picaridin cover a household or a full season of Mississippi creek days without another drugstore run mid-summer.

Features

  • Same 20% picaridin formula as the single bottle
  • Twin pack lowers per-ounce cost
  • Keep one bottle in the car and one in the daypack
  • EPA-registered protection against mosquitoes and ticks

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Better value than singles More to store if you only swim once a summer
Same trusted formula Still needs reapplication after swimming
Easy to split between bags

Activities and environments best for

  • Family trips
  • Season restocks
  • Glove-box backups

Overall

Buy once and stock both the car and the hiking pack.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

8,900 global ratings

5 star 80%
4 star 12%
3 star 4%
2 star 2%
1 star 2%
First Aid KitsBe ready for slips, cuts, and stings far from helpReef-Safe SunscreenProtect your skin without poisoning the waterSun Protection ShirtsBlock UV rays on long days at exposed swimming holesDry BagsKeep phones, keys, and clothes bone-dry on the water

Insect Repellent FAQ

Do I need insect repellent at a swimming hole?

Often yes at forested creeks and dusk river banks — especially in humid southern states. Mosquitoes concentrate near slow water and brush; ticks wait on trail edges. Apply before the hike in and reapply after swimming if the label requires it.

Is picaridin or DEET better for swimming trips?

Both are CDC-supported actives. Many hikers prefer 20% picaridin for a lighter feel; 25% DEET remains excellent when mosquito pressure is high. Reapply after long swims either way.

Can I spray insect repellent before swimming?

Apply to exposed skin before you arrive, avoid eyes and mouth, and follow the product label. Some protection washes off while swimming — dry off and reapply for the hike out if bugs return.

What about ticks on creek trails?

Treat ankles, socks, and pant hems. Stay on durable paths when possible, and do a tick check after pine-forest approaches common in places like Mississippi blackwater corridors.