The Best Insect Repellents to Protect You From Bug Bites in Summer 2022

Steer clear of mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests with these EPA-approved bug sprays, lotions, and wipes.

Spending time outdoors is more important than ever these days. But in summer, there’s a new threat to worry about: bugs. On top of itchy bites, tiny bloodsuckers like mosquitoes and ticks can spread serious diseases.

Enter insect repellents, or your first line of defense against practically any pest you rather avoid. Still, there are tons of repellents to choose from, “and they work to varying levels of effectiveness,” explains Mike Merchant, Ph.D., a professor and urban entomologist at Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Extension Service. Here, everything you need to know to choose an effective bug spray, plus the best ones to stock up on written by Jake Smith.