Unscented Bug Spray for Hunting - Stealth Bug Protection

Why Use Unscented Bug Spray When Hunting?

For many hunters, using scent control is an important part of their strategy for getting close to prey. Deer, elk, and other animals have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell that allows them to detect even the faintest unnatural odors. Using heavily perfumed bug sprays can leave an artificial scent trail that alerts animals to a hunter's presence. This is why choosing an unscented bug spray is recommended for hunters who want to remain undetected.

How Scent Can Spook Prey

Deer and other wild animals survive by being alert to any potential predators or dangers around them. Their sense of smell allows them to determine if an unfamiliar scent may pose a threat. Even faint whiffs of human odor can make animals uneasy and cause them to avoid an area.

Heavy fragrance from bug sprays is easily noticed by animals like deer and elk. The strong smells are out of place in nature and will set off alarm bells in the animal's mind. At best, the foreign scents will make animals more vigilant and difficult to approach. At worst, a perfumed bug spray can completely spook prey and cause them to evacuate the area.

Using an unscented bug spray helps hunters remain virtually odorless to animals. Without any strong chemical smells, the hunter is far less likely to alert animals to their presence while stalking.

Persevering Your Human Scent

Scent control goes beyond just using an unscented bug spray. The human body emits many smells, even if you are using no fragranced products. That is why hunters use additional scent elimination practices.

Strategies for controlling human odor include:

• Showering with scent-free soap and shampoo before a hunt
• Spraying down clothing and gear with scent eliminator
• Washing clothes in scent-free detergent
• Using activated charcoal sprays to absorb odors
• Playing the wind right to keep human scent blowing away from your hunting spot

An unscented bug spray is just one piece of an overall scent control plan. By combining odor-free insect repellent with other practices, you can make yourself virtually undetectable to animals.

Choosing the Best Unscented Bug Spray

Not all so-called "unscented" bug sprays live up to their billing. Some still use fragrances and chemicals that can be noticed by animals. When picking an odorless bug repellent, look for these features:

Natural Active Ingredients

The most scent-free bug sprays use plant-based active ingredients instead of harsh synthetic chemicals. These natural compounds provide proven bug repelling properties without added odors.

Some of the most common active ingredients in unscented bug sprays include:

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus - This natural oil has a barely noticeable scent but repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs.
• Soybean oil - Derived from soybeans, this oil is virtually odorless to humans and animals but wards off insects.
• Citronella oil - This natural oil from lemongrass offers short-term bug protection with a very faint aroma.
• IR3535 - A synthetically produced repellent, but with almost no perceptible odor.

Going with plant-based active ingredients ensures you don't have strong fake chemical smells that could alert animals.

Minimal Inactive Ingredients

Even inactive ingredients in bug spray can leave lingering scents. The most odor-free sprays limit extra additives and fragrance chemicals. Look for options explicitly labeled as "fragrance-free" or "scent-free" to know all unnecessary smells have been eliminated.

Dry, Non-Greasy Formulas

Some bug sprays use heavier oils or creamy bases that leave a noticeable residue on the skin. These can retain odors and transfer scents onto your clothes or gear. Dry spray formulas with lighter oils absorb quickly into the skin and won't leave behind any greasy scent trails.

Getting All-Day Odor Elimination

During long hunting trips, you'll need lasting protection as the bug spray wears off. Repeated sprays of some scented repellents lead to a build-up of odor over the course of a day. There are two effective strategies to get long-lasting odorless protection:

Extended Release Formulas

Some unscented bug sprays now offer extended release technology that provides up to 8 hours or more of continuous protection with just one application. The repellent contains specialized microcapsules that gradually release more of the active ingredients over time. This prevents the need for frequent reapplications that could increase lingering smells.

Odor Eliminating Spray

Another option is to follow up your unscented bug spray with an additional odor eliminator spray. These sprays use natural enzymes to break down and neutralize odors from sweat, clothing scents, or any repellent aroma. A quick spray down can remove any lingering smells for scent-free protection.

Choosing the Best Unscented Bug Spray Brands

Not all bug spray brands prioritize being scent-free for hunters and outdoorsmen. Here are some of top recommended unscented bug sprays on the market:

Zevo On-Body Odorless Spray

This top hunting bug spray uses naturally-derived essential oils like soybean oil for 8 hours of odorless protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies. It goes on dry andabsorbs quickly without greasy residue.

Sawyer Picaridin Spray

With 20% picaridin as the active ingredient, this spray offers up to 12 hours of scent-free protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It has a clean, light formula.

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Spray

Repel makes an unscented aerosol spray featuring lemon eucalyptus oil. It has a barely noticeable clean scent and provides protection against mosquitoes and deer ticks.

Ben's 30% DEET Odorless Spray

For hunters who prefer a DEET-based repellent, Ben's makes an scent-free formula that offers 6-10 hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.

Using Unscented Sprays Safely

While odor-free bug sprays provide hunting stealth, you still need to take precautions to use them safely:

• Follow all label directions carefully and reapply as directed.
• Do not overuse or apply too frequently.
• Avoid spraying near eyes, lips, cuts, or irritated skin.
• Wash sprayed skin after returning from the hunt.
• Store spray canisters properly when not in use.

Choosing the right unscented bug spray allows you to repel insects without alerting deer and game to your presence. Pair it with good scent control practices for an odorless hunting approach.

FAQs

How long does unscented bug spray last?

Unscented bug sprays typically provide 4-8 hours of protection with one application. Extended release formulas can protect for up to 12 hours before needing to reapply.

Should I spray my clothes too?

Yes, you can lightly spray your clothing, hats, and hunting gear too for added protection. Just don't saturate the fabric, as it may take longer to dry and retain more scent.

Can I use unscented bug spray on my kids?

Yes, most odorless bug sprays are safe for kids ages 3 and up when used according to directions. Avoid spraying near eyes and mouths.

How close can deer get before detecting scent?

Deer may begin to notice human or unnatural scents from as far away as 100-200 yards if the wind carries the odor in their direction.

Should I spray my hunting dog too?

It's not recommended to spray insect repellent directly on your hunting dog. Use dog-safe tick and flea collars/treatments instead and limit spray use on their bedding.