The Best Bug Repellents

Everyone should avoid bug bites, which are annoying at best and debilitating (or even lethal) in worst-case scenarios.

For a bug repellent that’s safe and effective—and that won’t stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—skip the DEET and get a picaridin formula, like Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent. It’s the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing over 25 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.

Senior Staff Writer

Doug Mahoney

Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.

NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

Doug Mahoney

Last updated:

October 21, 2025

| 5 min read

The Best Bug Repellents

Everyone should avoid bug bites, which are annoying at best and debilitating (or even lethal) in worst-case scenarios.

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

Senior Staff Writer

Doug Mahoney

Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.

Senior Staff Writer

Doug Mahoney

Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.

See author bio

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NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

Doug Mahoney

Last updated:

June 2, 2025

| 5 min read

The Best Bug Repellents

Everyone should avoid bug bites, which are annoying at best and debilitating (or even lethal) in worst-case scenarios.

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

Senior Staff Writer

Doug Mahoney

Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.

Senior Staff Writer

Doug Mahoney

Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.

learn about the author

Media Mentions

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 Backyard^TM. 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.

browse all articles

Media Mentions

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