9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

NBC News: 9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Associate Updates Editor
Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select based in New York City, NY. Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for Select on NBC News.
Media Mentions

NBC News: 9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Associate Updates Editor
Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select based in New York City, NY. Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for Select on NBC News.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer

Recent articles

Media Mentions
May 6, 2026
Antimusic: It's Time to Get Outside (And Take These Items With You)
Check out our list of things you might want to take with you on your outdoor adventure.
View post
Media Mentions
May 6, 2026
NY Mag: The Strategist: The 10 Very Best Tents for Camping and Backpacking
Whether you’re car-camping or hitting the John Muir Trail for two weeks with just a backpack for company, there’s an appropriate shelter for that.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Treeline Review: The Presidential Traverse Hiking, Backpacking, and Trail Running Guide
A quintessential northeastern hike with epic views and technical trails.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Backpacker: 8 Items Thru-Hikers Are Ditching Mid-Trek These
These 8 pieces of backpacking gear were deemed unnecessary by long-distance hikers.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Treeline Review: Bike Touring Packing List: Must-Have Gear for Multi-Day Trips
The essential lightweight gear you need for bike touring.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
National Forest Foundation: Here is What You Need to Know to Stay Safe During Tick Season
Here is what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve during tick season.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Turkeys For Tomorrow: Tick Prevention Guide: How to Prevent Ticks
A primer in the ways that hunters and other outdoorsmen can reduce the odds of contact with ticks.
View post