Best insect repellents of 2022

Don’t let pests run—or ruin—your life. The best insect repellent will keep your skin protected and ward off bug-borne illnesses.

Whether we’re in the middle of nature or in the comfort of our own homes, rude, biting bugs can wreak havoc on humans and pets, like scores of Davids going up against a single Goliath. Effective bug control begins with the best insect repellent. It’s a proactive way to keep the critters away before they leave their mark on our sensitive skin or do more serious damage. But it can be overwhelming to browse through rows of sprays, lotions, wipes, bracelets and even electronic insect repellent. We’re here to help you find the repellents that really, genuinely work.

  • Best overall: Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
  • Best picaridin: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
  • Best for babies: Cutter Mosquito Wipes
  • Best premium: Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System
  • Best for dogs: Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray
  • Best budget: OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent

How we chose the best insect repellents

What do solar generators, tents, and coolers have in common? They’re all things you enjoy outdoors—or at least you should enjoy outdoors, insect adversaries allowing. That’s why we’d argue that effective repellent is one of the most important things you can pack on a camping trip—without it, you’d be itchy, uncomfortable, and putting yourself at risk of getting a bug from a bug. We turned to reviews, recommendations, and user testing to find the best insect repellents. Continue reading the full article, written by Jeremy Helligar here.

Popular Science: Best insect repellents of 2022

Best insect repellents of 2022

Don’t let pests run—or ruin—your life. The best insect repellent will keep your skin protected and ward off bug-borne illnesses.

Whether we’re in the middle of nature or in the comfort of our own homes, rude, biting bugs can wreak havoc on humans and pets, like scores of Davids going up against a single Goliath. Effective bug control begins with the best insect repellent. It’s a proactive way to keep the critters away before they leave their mark on our sensitive skin or do more serious damage. But it can be overwhelming to browse through rows of sprays, lotions, wipes, bracelets and even electronic insect repellent. We’re here to help you find the repellents that really, genuinely work.

  • Best overall: Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
  • Best picaridin: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
  • Best for babies: Cutter Mosquito Wipes
  • Best premium: Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System
  • Best for dogs: Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray
  • Best budget: OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent

How we chose the best insect repellents

What do solar generators, tents, and coolers have in common? They’re all things you enjoy outdoors—or at least you should enjoy outdoors, insect adversaries allowing. That’s why we’d argue that effective repellent is one of the most important things you can pack on a camping trip—without it, you’d be itchy, uncomfortable, and putting yourself at risk of getting a bug from a bug. We turned to reviews, recommendations, and user testing to find the best insect repellents. Continue reading the full article, written by Jeremy Helligar here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Popular Science
Popular Science
Awe-inspiring science, tech, DIY, and sustainability.
Media Mentions

Popular Science: Best insect repellents of 2022

Best insect repellents of 2022

Don’t let pests run—or ruin—your life. The best insect repellent will keep your skin protected and ward off bug-borne illnesses.

Whether we’re in the middle of nature or in the comfort of our own homes, rude, biting bugs can wreak havoc on humans and pets, like scores of Davids going up against a single Goliath. Effective bug control begins with the best insect repellent. It’s a proactive way to keep the critters away before they leave their mark on our sensitive skin or do more serious damage. But it can be overwhelming to browse through rows of sprays, lotions, wipes, bracelets and even electronic insect repellent. We’re here to help you find the repellents that really, genuinely work.

  • Best overall: Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
  • Best picaridin: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
  • Best for babies: Cutter Mosquito Wipes
  • Best premium: Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System
  • Best for dogs: Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray
  • Best budget: OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent

How we chose the best insect repellents

What do solar generators, tents, and coolers have in common? They’re all things you enjoy outdoors—or at least you should enjoy outdoors, insect adversaries allowing. That’s why we’d argue that effective repellent is one of the most important things you can pack on a camping trip—without it, you’d be itchy, uncomfortable, and putting yourself at risk of getting a bug from a bug. We turned to reviews, recommendations, and user testing to find the best insect repellents. Continue reading the full article, written by Jeremy Helligar here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Popular Science
Popular Science
Awe-inspiring science, tech, DIY, and sustainability.
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