The Best Bug Repellents

OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent VIII

Spray and walk away

Don’t waste your time trying to rub a stubborn lotion in when this spray can get the job done in no time.

Best On-Skin Spray

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OFF! is quite possibly the most well-known mosquito spray on the market. This brand has been trusted for years and years to protect from bugs when outside. No matter what adventure you’re on, this bug repellent is perhaps the most effective spray out there. The Deep Woods version is formulated for long-lasting use when you travel into the deepest of forests or other bug-dense places. The active ingredient in this spray is DEET which works to keep mosquitos from sensing you — mosquitos that may carry diseases such as Dengue, West Nile, or Zika viruses. It also works for biting flies, gnats, and chiggers.

Pros:

• Powder-dry formula
• Easy application with spray
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Strong scent
• DEET’s safety is debated, so do the research and decide for yourself

Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent

Protect more than your skin

You may not think you need spray for your clothes and gear, but after one trip without it, you’ll see why it’s a necessity.

Best For Clothes And Gear

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Go one step further in your protection against bugs by spraying your clothes, your gear, and your tent. This spray from Sawyer does more than just repel insects — it kills mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, and mites, as well as 55 other insects. One application of this stuff lasts up to 6 weeks in the sun or 6 cycles in the washer, so spray one time and forget about it for a while. A single bottle will get you through 4 complete outfits to keep your clothes clear of bugs as well. The main ingredient in this is permethrin and it works differently on material like clothing than on your skin. The skin breaks down the permethrin within 15 minutes of contact, but on your clothes, gear, and tent, it’ll last much longer.

Pros:

• Treat tents, backpacks, hats, sheets, and more with this
• Safe to use on dogs
• Significantly reduces chances of a tick bite times when used on clothing and shoes
• Won’t stain clothing
• Odorless once it dries

Cons:

• Difficult to measure how much to spray on each item

Repel 100 Insect Repellent

When you’re on the go

Lighten your load by taking this small spray bottle of repellent that does the trick.

Best For Outdoor Travel

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Packing for a trip is difficult enough without having to try to squeeze in giant bottles of everything. Take one giant bottle off your list by taking this travel-sized bug spray. The pump on this is the size of a pen, making it perfect for when you’re heading out on a hike or other outdoor adventure. You’ll experience up to 10 hours of protection when you’ve got this stuff on, and it will keep ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas away. This formula is 98.11% DEET, so it works well in places with heavy insect traffic.

Pros:

• Perfect size for travel
• Provides up to 10 hours of protection
• Works against mosquitos that may carry Zika, West Nike, Dengue, and Chikungunya viruses
• A high concentration of DEET for enhanced protection

Cons:

• The bottle isn’t the most leakproof

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Chemical-free life

This alternative to chemical-based spray smells great and works even better.

Best Plant-Based

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If you’re trying to keep your life all-natural, this insect repellent is for you. Made with lemon eucalyptus oil, this spray is DEET-free, yet it still protects you from bugs in the outdoors. Because of the oil used to make this, it smells great and won’t leave you choking or coughing after every spray. It’s formulated to repel bugs for up to 6 hours, so you have plenty of time to enjoy it without worrying about a reapplication. We love that is neither greasy nor sticky, and it won’t leave a strange residue on your skin.

Pros:

• A natural alternative to DEET
• Made from lemon eucalyptus oil
• Smells great
• Lasts for up to 6 hours
• Effectiveness is supported by scientific study

Cons:

• Does not last as long as hoped

Babyganics Baby Sunscreen/Bug Spray Combo

Safe for the little ones

Keep your kiddos clear of bugs with this safe bug spray.

Best For Kids And Babies

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Products used on children are often different than those we use as adults. Insect repellent may be one such product you choose to purchase separately for your kids. This bug spray from Babyganics is safe for kids and babies thanks to its lack of DEET, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Instead, it is made with 100% natural essential oils including citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, and geranium. This comes as a package deal that also includes sunscreen that’s safe for the little ones and also safe for the reef. The trusted Babyganics brand is reliable to keep your kids protected from bugs and the sun.

Pros:

• Trusted brand
• Free of DEET, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and dyes
• Made with 100% natural essential oils
• Comes with sunscreen

Cons:

• Smell is strong

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 100% DEET safe?

This level of DEET is not necessary. Exposure to high concentrations of DEET can potentially be problematic, but all you need to protect from bugs for a full day is a product that contains 20-30% DEET.

How often should I reapply bug spray?

It is recommended that you apply another layer of insect repellent every 6 hours, and no sooner than that. This keeps your skin safe from too much exposure to chemicals. And when you are in an area that is of concern for contracting a mosquito-borne disease, use a formula that contains at least 20% DEET and reapply every 6-8 hours.

Should you rub bug spray in?

Rubbing should not be necessary unless the product states otherwise. However, for areas such as your face and ears, do not spray directly on. Instead, spray the repellent onto your hands and rub in gently.