No items found.

The 11 Best Bug Repellents of 2020 from The Spruce

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

A favorite bug repellent with a record of effectiveness is Sawyer's Permethrin Pump Spray. A CDC-recommended insect repellent, Sawyer's uses picaridin to ward off mosquitos, flies, ticks, chiggers, and other nuisance insects. Emily Mader, Program Manager of the Department of Entomology at the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, explains why it’s so important to note what pests a repellent is targeting. She says, “Keep in mind is that not all repellents will work the same on different insects. Your product label will let you know if the repellent is effective against mosquitoes, flies, and/or ticks.”

Available in a spray or lotion, Sawyer's products earn some of the highest marks for long-lasting protection as the spray lasts up to 12 hours and the lotion up to 14 hours. Many users also appreciate how easy it is to spray both skin and clothes with Sawyer Insect Repellent without worrying about damaging fabrics or finishes, which sometimes occurs with high-concentration DEET insect repellents. In addition, most people find the scent of picaridin to be much less overpowering than DEET.

In general, people rave about the effectiveness of Sawyer Insect Repellent. Whether you have casual outdoor plans or deep woods activities in mind, this bug repellent is safe, effective, and long-lasting.

See the full guide by Erica Puisis on The Spruce's website here.

LAST UPDATED

October 28, 2023

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

The Spruce

Media Mentions from The Spruce

We're here to help you make your best home.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

Personally, I use Sawyer’s Fabric Treatment–available in pump or spray–for my hunting and hiking clothes.

Popular Mechanics

Media Mentions

Casserly’s favorite water treatment is a squeeze filter like the SAWYER SQUEEZE filtration system ($29, sawyer.com), which screws onto the included flasks or a plastic water bottle. Squeeze filters are ideal for individual use. They’re light and inexpensive, and you can drink the water immediately through the filter.

Scout Life
Media Mentions from Scout Life

Media Mentions

While young babies should be protected with clothing and netting (not chemicals), older babies and children should use a suitable repellent to help avoid bites, discomfort, and insect-borne illnesses.

Molly Bradac