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NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

A review of the best bug repellents.

NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

Last updated:
June 2, 2025
|  5 min read

NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

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A review of the best bug repellents.

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NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

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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.

NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

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.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Senior Staff Writer
Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.
Media Mentions

NY Times: Wirecutter: The Best Bug Repellents

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.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Senior Staff Writer
Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement.
Media Mentions
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This EPA-approved picaridin formula is safe and effective, and it comes in a bottle that’s better than that of competitors at spraying evenly and accurately.

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The Sawyer stayed with me the entire way and I didn’t have to replace it.

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This attachment also allows you to back flush your filter.

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