Episode 314

Bug Spray vs. Ticks Review; the WRONG Contractor; Indoor Projects You Need to Tackle Now; Is New Scuff-X Any Good?

On Today's Episode

Bug Spray vs. Ticks Review [00:00 - 14:22]

The ticks are SO bad right now where Dan H. likes to go walking that he's considering just getting a virtual reality headset so he can enjoy the outdoors that way. However, he knows that's not a good solution, so he's tested 5 Common Insect Repellents to determine which one is the best against ticks.

The Five Tested Insect Repellents:

  • OFF! Sportsmen Deep Woods--Aerosol
  • OFF! Deep Woods Dry--Aerosol
  • OFF! Family Care--Smooth and Dry Aerosol
  • OFF! Picaridin Sportsmen--Pump Spray
  • Maggie's Farm Natural Insect Repellent--Aerosol

The Ratings:

FIFTH PLACE: Maggie's Farm Natural Insect Repellent

PROS

  • Smelled great
  • all natural ingredients

CONS

  • Didn't stop ticks
  • Heavy oil feel (grass clippings and other assorted pieces of nature stuck to Hannah--the test subject--for the entire length of the time outside. Not a huge deal, but she DID crab about it. A lot.)

FOURTH PLACE: OFF! Sportsmen Deep Woods Aerosol

PROS

  • Repelled ticks well

CONS

  • Oily feel, though not as oily as the all-natural repellent above.
  • Strong odor

THIRD PLACE: OFF! Deep Woods Dry Aerosol

PROS

  • Repelled ticks well
  • No oily feel

CONS

  • Strong odor

SECOND PLACE: OFF! Picaridin Sportsmen Pump Spray

PROS

  • Repelled ticks well
  • Pleasant odor
  • Minimal oily feel
  • Safe for gear

CONS

  • Pump spray made complete, consistent coverage difficult

THE WINNER: OFF! Family Care--Smooth and Dry Aerosol

PROS

  • Repelled ticks well
  • Pleasant odor
  • Completely dry feel
  • Easy application

CONS

  • None

The WRONG Contractor [14:22 - 18:59]

Finding the right contractor is important. Here's why and here's how!

Also check out:

  • 314 301

Indoor Projects You Need to Tackle Now [18:59 - 25:31]

It's summer (almost), and so we've been talking about tons of exterior projects. However, there's a very good reason (3 very good reasons, in fact), to tackle some of those indoor projects now rather than waiting for fall!

Is New Scuff-X Any Good? [25:31 - 39:14]

With changes in Michigan's VOC regulations in regards to paint coatings, Benjamin Moore's Scuff-X had to be reformulated. What does that mean for a product that's been almost universally loved by contractors and DIYers alike since it came out in 2017? We've got the scoop....

About the Podcast

Show artwork for The RepcoLite Home Improvement Show
The RepcoLite Home Improvement Show
RepcoLite's weekly radio show focusing on color, design, paint, and projects...as well as plumbing, roofing, yard care, flooring and more!

About your hosts

Profile picture for Hailey Johnson

Hailey Johnson