The Best Bug Sprays to Use This Summer

Top picks against any pest.

If bugs aren’t annoying enough this summer, trying to figure out which bug spray to use only adds to the irritation. Until now. Bug sprays that work contain one of three ingredients: oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or DEET. Another compound, permethrin, is sprayed on your clothes, not you, but is very effective against ticks. Whether you’re trying to avoid ticks, which carry Lyme disease, or mosquitos—called the most dangerous animal, due to the number of diseases it can carry (Zika and West Nile Virus, among many others)—here’s what to use.

See the full list of recommendations by Marty Munson on Men's Health here.

LAST UPDATED

October 23, 2024

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Men's Health

Media Mentions from Men's Health

With 25 print editions in 35 countries and more than 21 million readers across its social and digital platforms, Men’s Health is the world’s largest men’s magazine brand, and the number one source of information for and about men. It’s the brand for active, successful, professional men who want greater control over their physical, mental, and emotional lives. We give men the tools they need to make their lives better through in-depth and expert-backed reporting, covering everything from fashion and grooming to health, nutrition, fitness, weight loss, as well as cutting-edge gear, the latest in entertainment, science, and more.

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The Sawyer Mini is super lightweight, fits in your pocket, and filters up to 100,000 gallons of water.

Menachem Kossowsky
Writer

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Sawyer’s picaridin spray works up to 12 hours, and the company’s picaridin lotion is effective up to 14.

Bruce Ingram
Contributing Writer

Media Mentions

The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter earns our top pick for its unbeatable mix of weight, longevity and versatility.

Meg Carney
Contributing Writer