Is natural mosquito repellent the best option for you?

According to the CDC, natural mosquito repellent isn’t the best option of trying to keep mosquitoes away.

While they may smell nicer than synthetic chemicals, researchers say that they don’t last nearly as long. Some reports say that some natural mosquito repellent will last only an hour compared to competitors at eight hours.

Researchers say that the best products to look for in bug repellent is Deet. Deet will help keep ticks and mosquitoes away. Deet is safe is you’re pregnant, when using them properly.

Dr. Gordon Christensen told ABC 17 that one of the best practices to make sure repellents are working is to read the directions on the bottle, and never put it on under your clothes.

Consumer reports tested six plant based repellents, natural based: All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor, Burt’s Bees Herbal, California Baby Natural Bug Blend, Cutter Natural, and EcoSmart Organic last all one hour or less against the mosquitoes that can spread Zika.

Repellents that did well include: Sawyer Picardin, Ben’s 30% Deet Tick & Insect Wilderness Formula, Repel Scented Family, and Off! Deepwoods VIII.

Another preventative measure to try and reduce the amount of mosquitoes in your backyard, make sure to clean out dirty still water, with fresh clean water.

Some companies market insect repellent wristbands that are marketed as being safer but when researchers have tested the wristbands and mosquitoes started biting immediately.