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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

December 3, 2023

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Men's Health

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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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For clothing and gear (but not skin), Sawyer Products’s permethrin repellent is as effective as similar formulas at repelling ticks and mosquitoes, and its trigger spray is easier to control.

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While not technically a filtered water bottle, Sawyer Products’ water filtration system can transform anything into a safe, clean drinking vessel. Simply fill up the included reusable pouch at any water source, screw the pouch onto the filter, and either drink directly from the filter or squeeze the now-filtered water into another vessel (like a water bottle or pot for cooking).

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The Sawyer Squeeze is a time-tested, on-the-go filtration system. This lightweight option is wonderful for personal use, providing great functionality on multi-day excursions and daily adventures in the backcountry.

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