The Best Bug Sprays of 2023
Bugs aren’t just a nuisance—their bites can lead to serious illness. These easy-to-use sprays are designed to let people enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and safety.
Bug sprays are a convenient way to keep biting insects at bay. A quick application can last for hours, and make it a lot more pleasant to be outdoors, as well as safer. For instance, chigger bites can result in severe rashes, blisters, and bleeding. Mosquitoes and ticks carry diseases that can cause long-term illness or even death.
There are lots of effective bug repellents available, but there is understandable concern about some of the ingredients. After we took a careful look at the facts, we assembled this comprehensive article to provide in-depth answers to many questions about these products. We have also provided a list of the best bug sprays for just about any situation.
- BEST OVERALL: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Repel Plant-Based Insect Repellent
- BEST NATURAL: Murphy’s Naturals Insect Repellent
- BEST FOR KIDS: Off! Family Care Picaridin Aerosol
- BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus
- BEST WITH SUNSCREEN: Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Bug Spray
- BEST TICK REPELLENT: Ben’s Tick Repellent Spray
- BEST FOR FABRICS: Sawyer Products Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent
Learn more about the various options for insect repellents, written by Bob Beacham here.
January 16, 2024
Bob Vila
You probably know Bob Vila from TV, where for nearly 30 years he hosted a variety of shows: This Old House, Bob Vila’s Home Again, Bob Vila, and Restore America with Bob Vila. Or perhaps you caught Bob starring as himself on Tim Allen’s sit com, Home Improvement. You can now watch Bob's full TV episodes online.
Before his life in broadcasting, Bob launched his own residential remodeling and design business. Earlier still, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer, building houses and communities in Panama. He learned first-hand about home building from his father, who hand built their family home. He's written 12 books about remodeling your home, buying your dream home, and visiting historic homes across America. It’s fair to say that buildings, especially homes, are his life’s work.
Now he's breaking new ground on the web, at BobVila.com.
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Media Mentions
It absolutely works like a charm whether you’re sitting in the backyard or hiking deep in the woods.
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Media Mentions
If you have some that isn’t pre-treated with permethrin, you can buy some to spray on your own netting/clothing before use.
Media Mentions
“We tested this bug repellent on park outings and used it for a long day of yard work. It earns high marks for effectiveness, keeping us protected from any bug bites, even despite exposure to sweat,” The Spruce says.
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