Although the toxicity of DEET is unclear and is still under investigation, DEET has been clearly shown to be one of the most effective insect repellents for mosquitoes and ticks. If the choice is to get bitten and risk the chance of disease or apply a little DEET, we always choose to be protected.

We used this product at the beach in Costa Rica where the mosquitoes were abundant and the bites were painful and swelled alarmingly. We particularly liked that it was easy to apply and that it is long lasting. It was one of the most effective repellents we tried, and also worked on no-see-ums, which were also abundant. It comes out of the tube as a thick cream lotion that is splash and sweat resistant.

Developed for the Military

According to 3M, Ultrathon insect repellent was developed for the military to provide long lasting, time released protection in the harshast conditions against mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. Tested in the harshest conditions of South America.

Time Controlled Release Protection From:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Ticks
  • Biting Flies
  • Chiggers
  • Gnats and Fleas
  • Deer Flies

3M Polymer Technology

Ultrathon uses a unique 3M Polymer Technology optimized to enhance the efficacy of DEET and provide time controlled release of DEET. It is stable in Freeze/Thaw conditions and comes with a 5 year guarantee. Ultrathon is consistently rated as a top insect repellent by independent testing labs.

Works longer with less DEET

Because of the time release technology, it is designed to work longer with less DEET. Competitive products are alcohol based and when the alcohol evaporates you lose your protection.

See Details and Positive Reviews at Amazon.com

More features of 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion

  • Contains 34.34% DEET for superb protection against insect bites
  • Proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and deer flies
  • Repels mosquitoes that may carry Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and deer ticks that may carry Lyme Disease
  • Advanced 3M™ Controlled Release Technology provides a continuous shield of protection that lasts up to 12 hours when used as directed
  • Unique time-release technology provides long-lasting protection
  • 2-ounce tube meets TSA requirements for carry on luggage
  • Stable formula lasts up to five years
  • Easy-to-apply lotion
  • Size: 2 ounces
  • Keep out of reach of children

See Details and Positive Reviews at Amazon.com

We prefer to use a Picaridin based insect repellent when possible. See our review here.

Here are some other top choices in DEET insect protection


Better protection with less insect repellent lotion

We have traveled to some tropical countries where biting insects can truly ruin your fun. Honduras was one example, where if we weren’t covered with insect repellent when we went outside, we could count on multiple painful bites.

We also got bitten through our clothes, where we normally didn’t apply insect repllent.

In those conditions, we found Sawyer Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent invaluable. We hung our clothing on a clothesline and sprayed them all over. We did our sandals too. It dries fast and protects you from getting insect bites through your clothes. 

The protection lasts too. Once you treat your clothing, it even works after you wash it, up to six times! It has no odor once it dries.

Another big benefit is that you can put less insect repellent on your skin, which is always a good thing.

If you will be traveling in the tropics, we think this product is a lifesaver. Don’t forget that you can treat your clothes before you travel–the protection will be embedded in your packed clothes. When you unpack and get dressed, you are instantly protected from painful insect bites.