Best Mosquito Repellent in Bulk for body and clothes spray, great for Cuba
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Look, Cuban mosquitoes don't play around.
Anyone who's spent a summer evening in Havana or visited family in the provinces knows the drill—those little bloodsuckers are relentless, and whatever your tía has been using probably stopped working years ago. When you're packing a shipment for the island, mosquito repellent isn't just a nice-to-have. It's practically medicine.
The trick? Finding products that actually work against tropical mosquitoes, won't melt in the Cuban heat, and give you enough quantity to share with the whole family. That's exactly what we're breaking down here—bulk options that make sense for sending to Cuba.
Here's what most people don't realize: not all repellents are created equal, and the concentration matters a lot. You've got three main active ingredients worth knowing about—DEET (the classic heavy-hitter), Picaridin (gentler but still effective), and Permethrin (which goes on clothes, not skin). Each has its place.
For Cuba specifically, you want maximum protection. We're talking dengue territory, and with healthcare access being what it is, prevention beats treatment every time. The products that work best are the ones with higher concentrations—30% DEET minimum for body application, and Permethrin-treated clothing for anyone spending serious time outdoors.
One more thing: spray bottles beat aerosols for shipping. Aerosols can be flagged by customs or damaged in transit. Pump sprays and lotions travel better and last longer in the heat.
⚡ The Quick Answer
For maximum protection in Cuban conditions, Repel 100 (98% DEET) is the gold standard for skin application—nothing gets through that barrier. Pair it with Sawyer Permethrin for treating clothes, and your family is covered from all angles. Both are budget-friendly and ship without issues.
See Top Pick on AmazonThe Nuclear Option: Maximum DEET Protection
Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounces
4.6★ (465 reviews) · $
98% DEET. That's not a typo. This is what researchers and military personnel use in the worst mosquito zones on the planet. Reviewers consistently mention it works when nothing else does—exactly what you need for Cuban tropical conditions. The 4oz pump spray is the perfect size for shipping: substantial enough to last, compact enough to fit multiple bottles in one package.
Cuba consideration: The pump mechanism won't fail in humidity like aerosols can. 10-hour protection means one application covers an entire evening outdoors.
VERDICT: The serious repellent for serious mosquito problems. This is what you send.
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Repel 100 Insect Repellent, 1 fl Ounce (Travel Size)
4.6★ (465 reviews) · $
Same 98% DEET formula, pocket-sized. Here's the strategy: buy a bunch of these and distribute them. One for abuela's purse, one for the kids' backpacks, one by the front door. At the $ tier, you can send 5-6 bottles for what one fancy repellent costs.
VERDICT: Maximum coverage, minimum shipping weight. Smart bulk strategy.
Check Price →The Secret Weapon: Permethrin for Clothes
Most people skip this, but treating clothes with Permethrin is a game-changer. It kills mosquitoes on contact—they land on treated fabric and they're done. Lasts through 6+ washes.
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent
4.6★ (465 reviews) · $$
Spray this on pants, shirts, hammocks, mosquito nets—anything fabric. One treatment lasts 6 weeks or 6 washes. For anyone working outdoors in Cuba, this is essential. The specs show it's odorless once dry, so no chemical smell clinging to clothes.
VERDICT: The force multiplier. Use with skin repellent for complete protection.
Check Price on AmazonPermethrin: Which Size Makes Sense?
Sawyer makes the same formula in different sizes. Here's how to choose based on what you're sending:
Starter Size
Sawyer Permethrin (Small)
4.6★ · $
Good for treating 1-2 outfits. Best if you're including it as a bonus item in a larger package.
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Best Value
Sawyer Permethrin (Medium)
4.6★ · $$
Treats multiple outfits plus a mosquito net. The sweet spot for most families.
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Family Size
Sawyer Permethrin (Large)
4.6★ · $$$
For extended family or treating everything—clothes, curtains, bedding. Worth it if multiple households will share.
Check Price →Gentler Options: When 98% DEET Is Too Much
Not everyone needs—or wants—maximum DEET. For kids, sensitive skin, or daily casual use, these alternatives still work well without the heavy chemical feel. Picaridin and plant-based options have come a long way.
Sawyer Picaridin Spray, 3oz (Pack of 2)
4.5★ · $$
20% Picaridin in pump spray form. Won't damage plastics or synthetic fabrics like DEET can. Two-pack means one for home, one for travel.
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Sawyer Picaridin Lotion, 4oz
4.5★ · $
Lotion format applies more precisely—no overspray, no waste. Reviewers say it feels less greasy than DEET products. Great for kids.
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Sawyer Picaridin Continuous Spray, 6oz (Pack of 2)
4.5★ · $$
Continuous spray means faster application—spray and go. The 6oz size is generous, and you get two bottles. One caveat: continuous spray mechanisms can be finicky after rough shipping, so pump sprays are generally safer bets for Cuba-bound packages.
VERDICT: Great product, but pump spray versions travel better.
Check Price →The Other Contenders
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus, 4oz (Pack of 2)
4.4★ (445 reviews) · $
For the DEET-averse, this is the CDC-recommended natural alternative. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus actually works—not as long as DEET, but effective for several hours. The two-pack at the $ tier is solid value. Smells pleasant, which is a nice change from chemical repellents.
Honest take: Not for heavy mosquito exposure, but fine for casual outdoor time or people who react badly to synthetic repellents.
VERDICT: Best natural option. Pair with Permethrin-treated clothes for better coverage.
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Ben's 100 DEET, 3.4oz (2 Pack)
4.5★ · $$
Alcohol-free formula, so less drying on skin. Same 98% DEET protection as Repel 100. Good alternative if Repel isn't available.
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OFF! Deep Woods Travel Size, 2.5oz
4.6★ · $
The familiar brand everyone recognizes. Aerosol format with a dry, non-greasy feel. Here's the thing though—it's only 25% DEET, which is fine for casual use but not the heavy-duty protection the Repel 100 provides. Also, aerosols are riskier for shipping.
VERDICT: Recognizable brand, but pump sprays with higher DEET are better for Cuba.
Check Price →Compare Your Options
Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounces, 10-Hour Protection
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Mosquito Repellent, Pump Spray, 4 Ounce, (Pack of 2)
📦 Estimate Your Shipping
Planning a bulk shipment? See how these products stack up for shipping to Cuba:
| Carrier | Shipping | Customs | Total | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mula (Informal) Cheapest but least reliable. Ask for references. | $20.00 | $20.00 | $40.00 | 7-30 days |
Cubamax Popular choice. Pickup points in Cuba. | $35.00 | $20.00 | $55.00 | 14-21 days |
Caribbean Air Mail Good balance of price and speed. | $40.00 | $20.00 | $60.00 | 10-18 days |
DHL Express Most reliable but expensive. Door-to-door delivery. | $75.00 | $20.00 | $95.00 | 5-10 days |
* Estimates based on 2024 rates. Actual costs may vary. Customs fees depend on Cuba regulations which change frequently.
💡 The Smart Bulk Strategy
Here's what I'd actually send: 4-5 bottles of the Repel 100 travel size (they're tiny and cheap) plus one medium Sawyer Permethrin for clothes. Total cost stays under $$, fits easily in any package, and gives the family both skin and clothing protection.
For households with kids or sensitive skin, swap two of the Repel bottles for the Sawyer Picaridin lotion. Same protection, gentler formula.
The Bottom Line
Cuban mosquitoes are no joke, and the family shouldn't have to suffer through another dengue scare. Repel 100 is the workhorse—98% DEET that actually stops tropical mosquitoes cold. Add Sawyer Permethrin for clothes, and you've got a complete defense system.
Both products are at the $ to $$ price tier, ship without issues, and work in Cuban heat and humidity. That's the combination that makes sense.
Featured Products
Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounces, 10-Hour Protection
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Mosquito Repellent, Pump Spray, 4 Ounce, (Pack of 2)
Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Repels Mosquitos, Ticks and Gnats, For Severe Conditions, Protects For Up To 10 Hours, 98% DEET (Pump Spray) 1 fl Ounce
Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent - Alcohol-Free DEET Insect Repellent Pump Spray - Offers 10 Hours of Protection for Adults & Children -3.4 Fl Oz (2 Pack)
OFF! Deep Woods Travel Size Insect Repellent Aerosol, Dry, Non-Greasy Formula, Bug Spray with Long Lasting Protection from Mosquitoes, 2.5 oz
Sawyer Products SP5432 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray, 20%, Pump, 3-Ounce, (Pack of 2) (Packaging may vary)
Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce
Sawyer Products SP5762 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, Continuous Spray, 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)