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6 Seriously Effective Bug Sprays, Lotions, and More

It’s a sad fact of nature: There are tons of creepy-crawlies that can spoil your time in the great outdoors. But, by arming yourself with the best bug sprays money can buy, you can dodge mosquito bites, prevent vector-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus, and actually enjoy your hike, park hangout, or barbecue.

There are sprays, lotions, and even wipes that can keep insects at bay—but also plenty of pretenders. To separate the products that really work from the ones full of empty promises, we spoke with experts to get a clearer idea of what makes a bug repellent truly effective and learn their top picks to bring on your next outing.

Continue reading to learn more about effective insect repellent, written by Sara Coughlin.

LAST UPDATED

August 9, 2024

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Sara Coughlin

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Zenovia Stephens, ...told SELF it was her favorite bug spray for hikes and backpacking trips, and that she used it on herself as well as her kids.

Sara Coughlin

Media Mentions

[Sawyer Picaridin] 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.

Wirecutter Staff
Staff

Media Mentions

We have found the most effective and long-lasting solution to be a portable hollow fibre membrane filter that eliminates 99.99999% of harmful bacteria, the most common form of contamination seen in fresh surface water, rainwater and wells.

Christian Troy and Riley Garrison
Executive Director and Project Manager