If you’re wondering what really gets the BA staff work chat popping off, it’s asking everyone what the best mosquito repellents are. We love to eat, and when it’s summer, we love to eat outdoors. While CDC buzzwords like Zika virus and West Nile virus haven’t graced our headlines in a long while, we all know too well how easily a swarm of biting flies or mosquitos can ruin the vibe of any outdoor gathering.
In our collective pursuit of enjoying the great outdoors to our hearts’ content, we’ve discovered myriad methods for bug and mosquito control—both outdoors and indoors. And we’re not just talking about dousing yourself in a perfume of Deet or Picaridin. This is how the Bon Appétit staff arms themselves against the great outdoors.
Lotions, balms, and sprays
Itch relief for irritated skin
Ever since I was a kid, I was always the one mosquitoes attacked first. It’s a small price to pay that I readily accept in exchange for long summer days (and occasionally having ice cream for breakfast). Over the years I’ve tried all manner of pre-bite repellents and post-bite balms. These After Bite roll-ons are small enough to carry around; keep one in the fridge for an extra cool respite after your next golden hour hang. (There is also one for kids or anyone with sensitive skin.) —Hana Asbrink, deputy food editor (this originally appeared in Bon Appétit’s “Feel Good Food Plan”)
After Bite Advanced Formula Bug Bite Itch Relief, 4-Pack
A balm to repel mosquitoes
Whenever I prepare for an outdoor event, whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a day hike, I always pack Murphy’s Balm in my bag. This compact tin is perfect for on-the-go use—just a dab of the balm on your finger can be rubbed onto any exposed skin. The soothing formula includes natural ingredients like beeswax, castor oil, olive oil, peppermint, rosemary, and cedarwood. Unlike typical bug sprays, it leaves you smelling fresh and natural without any harsh chemical odors. Pretty convenient if you ask me! —Julia Duarte, designer
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm
A DEET-free spray that smells good
As the BA commerce team’s resident outdoorsy person, I am constantly balancing my desire to cook and eat outside with my desire not to be eaten alive by mosquitos. I’ve tried just about every DEET-free mosquito repellant spray there is, and Grand Tongo is one of the best mosquito repellents I’ve tried. That’s because it contains Picaridin—a powerful DEET alternative. It dries almost instantly, leaves no sticky residue, and comes in scents you’ll actually want to wear, like Citrus & Sandalwood and Green Tea & Mint. —Carina Finn, commerce editor
Grand Tongo DEET-Free Green Tea + Mint Insect Repellent with Picaridin
Torches, candles, and lanterns
A fan
Yes, a simple but powerful fan is the only natural insect repellent you need to keep mosquitoes away from your skin while eating and drinking outside.