Best Repellents for No-See-Ums:
Top Products Reviewed

No-see-ums, also known as biting midges or sandflies, are tiny insects that pack a painful punch despite their minuscule size. These pests are notorious for their itchy, irritating bites that can quickly ruin outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or backyard barbecues. Because no-see-ums are so small—often less than 1/8 inch—they can slip through standard mosquito netting and be difficult to spot until it’s too late.

To help you enjoy the outdoors without the constant discomfort of no-see-um bites, this article reviews the best repellents designed specifically to deter these pesky insects. We’ve tested and analyzed both natural and chemical options to bring you effective solutions for no-see-um protection.

What Are No-See-Ums?

Before diving into repellents, it’s important to understand what no-see-ums are. These tiny flies belong to the family Ceratopogonidae, and their common name comes from their nearly invisible size. They are most active during dawn and dusk in warm, humid environments such as coastal areas, marshes, and woodlands.

No-see-ums bite by piercing the skin with sharp mouthparts and feeding on blood, which causes redness, swelling, and intense itching. Unfortunately, they can also trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a No-See-Um Repellent

Not all insect repellents work well against no-see-ums because these bugs have different behaviors and resistances compared to mosquitoes. When selecting a repellent for no-see-ums, keep these factors in mind:

• Active Ingredients: Look for proven ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for strong protection. Some natural oils can help but may need frequent reapplication.
• Duration of Effectiveness: No-see-ums can be persistent. Choose products that offer long-lasting protection (4+ hours) especially if you plan extended outdoor stays.
• Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin or prefer natural products, opt for repellents made from botanical ingredients.
• Application Method: Sprays are convenient for covering large areas quickly, while lotions provide controlled application. Some prefer wipes or roll-ons for portability.
• Environment: Consider whether you need water-resistant formulas if you expect sweat or exposure to moisture.

Top No-See-Um Repellents Reviewed

1. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent

Active Ingredient: 25% DEET
Protection Duration: Up to 8 hours
Type: Spray

OFF! Deep Woods is a trusted brand known for its powerful mosquito and biting insect protection. Its high concentration of DEET makes it extremely effective against no-see-ums. This repellent penetrates thick vegetation and provides long-lasting defense even in heavily infested areas.

Pros:
– Long-lasting (up to 8 hours)
– Effective against a wide range of insects including no-see-ums
– Suitable for heavy outdoor activity

Cons:
– Has a strong chemical smell
– Not recommended for infants or sensitive skin without caution

2. Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent

Active Ingredient: 20% Picaridin
Protection Duration: Up to 10 hours
Type: Spray

Sawyer’s Picaridin-based formula is one of the top choices for those seeking an alternative to DEET. It offers excellent protection from no-see-ums without the greasy feel or strong odor commonly associated with DEET sprays.

Pros:
– Long-lasting protection (up to 10 hours)
– Non-greasy and odorless
– Safe on most synthetic clothing materials
– Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons:
– Slightly pricier than some generic brands
– Some users report needing frequent reapplication in very high infestations

3. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent

Active Ingredient: 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD)
Protection Duration: Up to 6 hours
Type: Spray

For those who prefer natural repellents, Repel’s Lemon Eucalyptus spray is one of the best alternatives to chemical products like DEET or picaridin. Derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree oil, PMD provides strong insect-repelling properties with a pleasant citrus scent.

Pros:
– Natural and plant-based formula
– Provides up to 6 hours of protection
– Pleasant fragrance compared to chemical repellents
– EPA approved as an effective mosquito and biting insect repellent

Cons:
– Shorter duration than DEET or picaridin products
– Not recommended for children under 3 years old
– Requires more frequent reapplication during heavy exposure

4. Ben’s 30% DEET Tick & Insect Wilderness Formula

Active Ingredient: 30% DEET
Protection Duration: Up to 8 hours
Type: Spray/Lotion

Ben’s Wilderness Formula is designed for rugged outdoor use where multiple biting insects are present—including ticks and no-see-ums. The higher DEET concentration ensures robust defense in difficult conditions.

Pros:
– High concentration DEET formula offers extended protection
– Water-resistant and sweat-proof
– Provides broad-spectrum insect defense including no-see-ums

Cons:
– Strong chemical odor
– Can irritate sensitive skin if not applied carefully

5. Natural Armor Bug Repellent

Active Ingredients: Citronella Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedarwood Oil
Protection Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Type: Spray (natural)

Natural Armor is popular among individuals seeking an all-natural bug spray free from synthetic chemicals. While it may not provide as long-lasting coverage as DEET products, it can reduce no-see-um bites when applied regularly.

Pros:
– Made with natural essential oils
– Pleasant herbal scent
– Safe for children and pets
– Good option for mild infestations or short outdoor trips

Cons:
– Needs frequent reapplication (every 1–2 hours)
– Less effective in high-density no-see-um areas

6. Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent

Active Ingredient: 20% Picaridin
Protection Duration: Up to 12 hours
Type: Spray/Lotion

Cutter Advanced offers a potent blend using picaridin that provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and biting midges like no-see-ums. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue.

Pros:
– Up to 12 hours of protection (ideal for all-day use)
– Low odor and non-greasy feel
– Effective against multiple biting insects, including no-see-ums

Cons:
– Slightly more expensive than basic repellents
– Spray form may require careful application near face and eyes

Additional Tips For Preventing No-See-Ums Bites

While repellents are your best defense against no-see-uams, combining them with other protective measures enhances your chances significantly:

1. Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and socks create physical barriers.
2. Use Fine Mesh Netting: Standard mosquito nets won’t block no-see-uams; use ultra-fine mesh screens with holes smaller than 0.6 mm.
3. Avoid Peak Activity Times: No-see-uams are most active at dawn and dusk; limit outdoor exposure during these periods if possible.
4. Apply Repellent Correctly: Follow product directions carefully—apply evenly over exposed skin and reapply as needed.
5. Reduce Standing Water Nearby: No-see-uams breed near stagnant water; eliminate breeding sites around your home or campsite.

Conclusion

No-see-uams can turn any enjoyable outdoor experience into an itchy nightmare if left unprotected. Fortunately, there are many effective repellents available that specifically target these tiny yet troublesome pests.

For long-lasting, powerful protection in heavily infested areas, products containing DEET or picaridin such as OFF! Deep Woods or Sawyer Premium Picaridin spray stand out as top performers. If you prefer natural alternatives with fewer chemicals, lemon eucalyptus oil-based repellents like Repel offer decent effectiveness combined with a pleasant scent.

Remember that repellent choice depends on your specific needs—duration of exposure, skin sensitivity, personal preferences—and combining repellents with physical barriers maximizes defense against these elusive biters.

Investing in a quality no-see-uam repellent will let you reclaim your outdoor adventures without scratching every step of the way!