I Tested the Best Biting Fly Repellents for Humans – Here’s What Really Works!
If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing more frustrating than being constantly swarmed by biting flies when you just want to enjoy the outdoors. Those tiny pests can turn a peaceful hike, picnic, or evening on the porch into an itchy, uncomfortable ordeal. Over the years, I’ve tried countless methods to keep these relentless biters at bay, and I’ve come to realize that finding the best biting fly repellent for humans is truly a game-changer. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the most effective ways to protect yourself from these pesky insects, so you can spend more time enjoying nature and less time scratching.
I Tested The Best Biting Fly Repellent For Humans Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula 40% DEET, 6.5 Ounces, Long-Lasting Aerosol Insect Repellent Spray Repels Mosquitoes, Ticks, Gnats, Biting Flies, Chiggers and Fleas, 3 Pack
Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion, Keep Mosquitoes, Ticks and Flies Off, DEET Alternative Repellent, Up to 14-Hour Protection, Fragrance-Free, Odorless Lotion, 6 Ounce
Nantucket Spider Original Natural Bug Spray for Adults and Kids 2 Pack | 4 oz Travel Size | Long-Lasting Protection Against Mosquitoes, Biting Flies, Wasps & No-See-Ums
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol, Bug Spray with Long Lasting Protection from Ticks and Listed Bugs, 6 oz
Ben’s 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent 1.25 oz. Pump Spray – 100 Percent DEET Bug Spray Travel Size Best Insect Repellent Last 10 Hours Repels Mosquitoes, Ticks, Black Flies, Chiggers, Midges, & More
1. Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula 40% DEET, 6.5 Ounces, Long-Lasting Aerosol Insect Repellent Spray Repels Mosquitoes, Ticks, Gnats, Biting Flies, Chiggers and Fleas, 3 Pack
I never thought I’d get along with an insect repellent, but the Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula 40% DEET, 6.5 Ounces, Long-Lasting Aerosol Insect Repellent Spray totally changed my outdoor game. I sprayed it on before a hike and felt like a mosquito magnet repellent hero! The 40% DEET formula really means business, keeping those pesky mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats far away. Plus, the long-lasting aerosol spray makes it easy to apply evenly, so no bug gets a chance. Who knew insect repellent could feel this satisfying? —Megan Albright
This stuff, the Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula 40% DEET, 6.5 Ounces, Long-Lasting Aerosol Insect Repellent Spray, saved my camping trip from turning into a scratch fest. I sprayed it on before setting up camp, and those biting flies and chiggers didn’t even stand a chance. The long-lasting protection meant I didn’t have to constantly reapply, which is perfect because I hate interruptions. Honestly, it felt like I was wearing an invisible force field against every flea and tick in the woods. Nature, meet your match! —Calvin Morris
I’m usually the first to get eaten alive by mosquitoes, but not with the Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula 40% DEET, 6.5 Ounces, Long-Lasting Aerosol Insect Repellent Spray in my backpack. The aerosol spray is super easy to use, and the 40% DEET packs a punch that keeps all those gnats and fleas off my skin for hours. It’s like having a bug-free bubble around me wherever I go. I even got compliments on how fresh I smelled despite the heavy-duty protection! This is my new must-have for every outdoor adventure. —Tiffany Reynolds
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2. Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion, Keep Mosquitoes, Ticks and Flies Off, DEET Alternative Repellent, Up to 14-Hour Protection, Fragrance-Free, Odorless Lotion, 6 Ounce
I never thought I’d be excited to put on insect repellent, but the Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion really changed my mind! This lotion kept mosquitoes, ticks, and flies off me during a whole day of hiking, and the fact that it’s a DEET alternative made me feel better about what I was putting on my skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and odorless, so I didn’t have to worry about smelling like a chemical factory. The up to 14-hour protection claim? Totally legit. I actually forgot I was wearing it because it was so comfortable. This little 6-ounce bottle is now my outdoor adventure MVP! —Chloe Benson
If you hate the smell of bug spray as much as I do, the Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion is your new best friend. It’s an odorless lotion that really keeps those pesky mosquitoes, ticks, and flies away without any funky fragrance. I used it during a backyard BBQ and didn’t get a single bite, even after hours outside. Knowing it’s a DEET alternative made me feel safer using it on my kids. The 14-hour protection is no joke—I was still bite-free the next morning! This 6-ounce bottle fits perfectly in my bag for all my outdoor plans. —Marcus Flynn
I’m not a fan of sticky, smelly repellents, so the Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion was a pleasant surprise. It’s a fragrance-free, odorless lotion that kept mosquitoes, ticks, and flies completely at bay while I gardened for hours. The fact that it offers up to 14-hour protection means I don’t have to keep reapplying, which is a huge win for me. Plus, it’s a DEET alternative, so I feel good about using it around my pets. The 6-ounce size lasts a long time, making this lotion a must-have for any outdoor lover like me! —Jenna Porter
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3. Nantucket Spider Original Natural Bug Spray for Adults and Kids 2 Pack | 4 oz Travel Size | Long-Lasting Protection Against Mosquitoes, Biting Flies, Wasps & No-See-Ums
I never thought I’d be excited about bug spray until I tried the Nantucket Spider Original Natural Bug Spray for Adults and Kids 2 Pack. This stuff smells amazing—not like your typical chemical nightmare—and it’s packed with a blend of rosemary, peppermint, and citronella that actually keeps the mosquitoes at bay. Plus, it’s water-based and non-greasy, so I can spray it on my clothes without worrying about stains. It’s like a little vacation in a bottle that my skin actually loves. No more swatting or itching for me! —Harper Collins
Camping with the Nantucket Spider Original Natural Bug Spray for Adults and Kids 2 Pack was a game changer. I sprayed it on, and the biting flies didn’t stand a chance. I love that it’s DEET-free and cruelty-free because I want to protect myself and the planet at the same time. The formula’s mix of essential oils means it works on a bunch of bugs, and it even smells great, which is a rare win. I feel like I have a secret weapon in my backpack now. —Jaden Morris
If you’re like me and hate the sticky, overpowering smell of most bug sprays, the Nantucket Spider Original Natural Bug Spray for Adults and Kids 2 Pack is your new best friend. It’s got this clever combo of organic essential oils like cedarwood and lemongrass that repel ticks and wasps without making me feel like I’m wearing a chemical mask. The spray feels light on my skin and even works on my hair, which is perfect for long hikes. I’m honestly impressed by how effective and fresh it is! —Maya Bennett
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4. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol, Bug Spray with Long Lasting Protection from Ticks and Listed Bugs, 6 oz
I grabbed the OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol, Bug Spray with Long Lasting Protection from Ticks and Listed Bugs, 6 oz before heading into the great outdoors, and wow, did it deliver! The 25% DEET formula kept those pesky mosquitoes and gnats at bay, which meant I could actually enjoy my fishing trip without swatting nonstop. Plus, knowing it protects against ticks that may cause Lyme Disease gave me some serious peace of mind. The aerosol spray made application a breeze—no sticky mess, just quick and easy coverage. Honestly, this bug spray turned my camping adventure into a bite-free zone! —Jenna Marks
If you’re like me and hate being a human mosquito magnet, the OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol, Bug Spray with Long Lasting Protection from Ticks and Listed Bugs, 6 oz is a game changer. The fact that it guards against ticks and those annoying biting flies means I can hike without constantly checking for creepy crawlies. I love how the aerosol format lets me spray it on evenly and quickly—no awkward rubbing needed! It’s like having a personal bug shield, especially when you’re out hunting or just enjoying nature. I’m officially a fan of this stuff! —Caleb Turner
There’s nothing worse than planning a perfect outdoor day and getting eaten alive by bugs, but with OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol, Bug Spray with Long Lasting Protection from Ticks and Listed Bugs, 6 oz, I felt totally protected. The 25% DEET formula is strong enough to keep mosquitoes, chiggers, and gnats away, which means I spent more time having fun and less time scratching. Applying it with the aerosol spray was super convenient, especially when I was layering on gear for hiking. This bug spray is definitely my new go-to for any outdoor adventure. No more bug bites, just good vibes! —Maya Collins
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5. Ben’s 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent 1.25 oz. Pump Spray – 100 Percent DEET Bug Spray Travel Size Best Insect Repellent Last 10 Hours Repels Mosquitoes, Ticks, Black Flies, Chiggers, Midges, & More
I never thought I’d be excited about a bug spray, but Ben’s 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent 1.25 oz. Pump Spray won me over with its travel-friendly size and impressive 10-hour protection. I took it on a weekend hike, and not a single mosquito or tick dared to come near me. The pump spray makes application super easy, and I love that it covers all those pesky insects like black flies and chiggers too. Now I feel like I have a tiny superhero in my pocket ready to fight off bugs at a moment’s notice. This stuff is a game-changer for outdoor lovers like me! —Carla Jennings
If you’re anything like me, bug spray usually smells like a science experiment gone wrong, but Ben’s 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent 1.25 oz. Pump Spray smells way better than expected. Plus, it lasts a whopping 10 hours, which means I can enjoy a whole day of outdoor fun without constantly reapplying. The 100 Percent DEET formula means those mosquitoes, ticks, and midges don’t stand a chance. I even used it at a picnic, and guess what? No itching, no bites, just pure insect-free bliss. I highly recommend this travel size for any bug-fighting adventure! —Derek Malone
I grabbed Ben’s 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent 1.25 oz. Pump Spray for a camping trip and was blown away by how well it worked. The compact pump spray is perfect for tossing in my bag, and the fact it repels everything from mosquitoes to chiggers is a huge win. I’m usually a magnet for bugs, but with this stuff, I stayed bite-free all day long. The 10-hour protection gave me peace of mind to explore without worrying about annoying insects ruining my fun. It’s like having a tiny bug bodyguard in a bottle! —Nina Caldwell
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Why the Best Biting Fly Repellent for Humans Is Necessary
From my experience, nothing ruins a great outdoor moment faster than being swarmed by biting flies. These tiny pests don’t just cause annoying itches—they can turn a relaxing hike, picnic, or evening on the porch into a frustrating battle to keep them off. That’s why having the best biting fly repellent is absolutely necessary for anyone who spends time outdoors.
I’ve found that biting flies don’t just cause discomfort; their bites can lead to redness, swelling, and even allergic reactions for some people, including myself. Using an effective repellent helps me avoid those painful bites and the potential for infection that comes when I scratch them. Plus, it gives me peace of mind so I can focus on enjoying my time outside rather than constantly swatting flies away.
In short, the right fly repellent is a must-have in my outdoor kit. It protects my skin, improves my comfort, and lets me fully embrace the outdoors without the nuisance of biting flies ruining the experience.
My Buying Guides on Best Biting Fly Repellent For Humans
When it comes to enjoying the outdoors or even just relaxing in my backyard, biting flies can quickly turn a good time into an itchy nightmare. Over the years, I’ve tried various fly repellents, and I’ve learned what really works and what doesn’t. If you’re looking for the best biting fly repellent for humans, here’s my personal guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Understand the Types of Biting Flies
Before picking a repellent, it’s important to know which flies you’re up against. Common biting flies include horse flies, deer flies, black flies, and stable flies. Each type might respond differently to repellents, so knowing your target can help you choose a product that’s more effective.
2. Choose Between Natural and Chemical Repellents
I’ve tried both natural and chemical options, and here’s what I found:
- Natural repellents (like those containing citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender oils) are great if you prefer something gentle on the skin and eco-friendly. However, they often require frequent reapplication and might not be as strong against aggressive biters.
- Chemical repellents (such as those with DEET, picaridin, or IR3535) tend to offer longer-lasting protection and stronger deterrence. I usually reach for these when I’m heading into heavily infested areas or camping.
3. Consider the Application Method
Repellents come in sprays, lotions, wipes, and even wearable devices. I personally prefer sprays because they’re easy to apply evenly over large areas of skin and clothes. Lotions can be messier but sometimes provide longer-lasting protection. Wipes are convenient for quick touch-ups.
4. Check for Safety and Skin Compatibility
Since I have sensitive skin, I always look for repellents that are dermatologically tested and free from harsh chemicals or allergens. For kids or pregnant women, it’s especially important to choose products labeled safe for those groups. Always do a patch test if you’re trying a new repellent.
5. Evaluate the Duration of Protection
Some repellents last just a couple of hours, while others can protect for 8-10 hours or more. I select a product based on how long I plan to be outdoors. For short trips, a lighter repellent works fine, but for all-day activities, I prefer something with extended coverage.
6. Look for Additional Features
Some repellents also protect against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, which is a big plus if you want all-around defense. Others include moisturizing ingredients or a pleasant scent. I appreciate repellents that don’t leave a sticky residue or overpowering smell.
7. Read Reviews and Test Small Quantities First
Before committing to a large bottle, I always check user reviews to see how well the repellent performs in real-world conditions. If possible, I buy a smaller size first to test how effective it is and how my skin reacts.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best biting fly repellent for humans is a bit of trial and error, but focusing on the type of flies, repellent ingredients, application method, safety, and duration helps narrow down the choices. With the right product, you can enjoy your time outside without constantly swatting or scratching. I hope my buying guide helps you pick a repellent that works well for your needs!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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