The Best Bug Repellents

Yes, bug bites are annoying. But they’re much more than that.

Because of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, a simple bite can be debilitating (or even lethal) in worst case scenarios.

For one that’s safe and effective—and that won’t stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—try the picaridin formula in Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent. It’s the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing over 30 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug repellents, written by Doug Mahoney.

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Senior Staff Writer
Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.
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New York Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

Smiling man with short dark hair and a goatee beard in a circular crop.
Doug Mahoney
Last updated:
June 22, 2026
|  5 min read

The Best Bug Repellents

Yes, bug bites are annoying. But they’re much more than that.

Because of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, a simple bite can be debilitating (or even lethal) in worst case scenarios.

For one that’s safe and effective—and that won’t stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—try the picaridin formula in Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent. It’s the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing over 30 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug repellents, written by Doug Mahoney.

Doug Mahoney
Senior Staff Writer
Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.
/
Website
Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Senior Staff Writer
Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.
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New York Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

New York Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

Smiling man with short dark hair and a goatee beard in a circular crop.
Doug Mahoney
Last updated:
June 15, 2026
|  5 min read

The Best Bug Repellents

Yes, bug bites are annoying. But they’re much more than that.

Because of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, a simple bite can be debilitating (or even lethal) in worst case scenarios.

For one that’s safe and effective—and that won’t stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—try the picaridin formula in Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent. It’s the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing over 30 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug repellents, written by Doug Mahoney.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Senior Staff Writer
Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.
/
visit author Website
Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Senior Staff Writer
Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.
learn about the author
Popular posts
Media Mentions
View all blog articles
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.
News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.
NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.
Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the BackyardTM. What keeps you outdoors?
Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.
Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.
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