Pick out insect repellent for the Florida Trail

Choosing the right insect repellent is crucial to ensure effective protection against biting insects and potential diseases they may carry. When selecting an insect repellent for the Florida Trail, there's some things that you should consider. 

First is the active ingredient matters. Popular active ingredients include DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and IR3535. DEET is highly effective against different insects and long-lasting, making it a good choice for mosquito infested areas. Picaridin and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus offer a slightly less intense but works for deer fly and yellow fly defense. But the ingredients in most yellow and deer fly sprays attracts bears, like lemongrass, eucalyptus, mint and lavender. These are not idea for the Ocala Forrest and Big Cypress. I prefer DEET spray myself for the trails swamp areas, especially in the summer and a small pump bottle for most of Florida winter.

Second, consider the product's application method. There are spray repellents, lotions, wipes, and even clothing treatments. Sprays are generally easy to apply to larger areas and allow control over the amount used. Lotions are better for small areas like arms and legs. Wipes could be good for easily reaching narrow spaces like ankles or behind ears. Spraying treatments are effective on clothes if you're exposed to insects for a prolonged period.

Third is the time of year, area, size, and weight of the container. So if you hiking along Lake Okeechobee in February, you may not need the giant value size like you may want at Bradwell Bay in the summer.

The duration of effectiveness is also a factor to consider. Some repellents might offer protection for a few hours, while others can give you a full day's worth of coverage, even if you're sweating, swimming, or get caught in the rain.

Lastly, ensure you read and follow the instructions for use. The instructions should give you guidance on how often to reapply, as well as how to use the repellent properly.

By considering these factors carefully, you can effectively choose the best insect repellent for your Hike.