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The Best Bug Sprays for 2024

Here are our top picks of the best insect repellents on the market right now, personally tested.

When summer hits, bugs are suddenly everywhere. Everyone's had to deal with them, but nobody wants to talk about it. There are a variety of them as well -- mosquitos, ticks, gnats, chiggers, biting flies and no-see-ums. Yuck. (And ouch and itch.) I grew up in Louisiana and now live in Florida, so I've spent a lifetime dousing my clothes and skin in insect repellent. Bug spray is a staple in the south, to say the least.

You're definitely going to want to have an insect repellent on you if you want to spend any time outdoors, fishing, hiking, or especially if you're planning on going camping or visiting any marshy areas. However, with so many options out there, picking a good one can be difficult. You don't want to waste money on a bug repellent with minimal effectiveness. That's why I've put together a list of some of the best bug sprays available right now, as determined by my testing of more than 20 products in the South Florida heat.

Read more details on the best bug sprays written by Amanda Capritto here.

LAST UPDATED

February 20, 2024

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Amanda Capritto

CNET

Amanda Capritto writes about health, fitness, nutrition and medicine. She's a certified personal trainer and health coach, and spends her free time doing CrossFit, hiking, and trying new extreme activities every so often. Skydiving, anyone?

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It absolutely works like a charm whether you’re sitting in the backyard or hiking deep in the woods.

Diva Anwari
Contributor for MSN.

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.

The RV Geeks
Contributor

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.

Dawn Magyar
NJ Advance Media for NJ.com