An expert shares the best bug and mosquito repellents for summer 2022

Written by By Victoria Giardina and Ruby McAuliffe

Let’s be honest — the saying “you’re a pest” likely originated from the influx of bug bites (we blame you, mosquitos and other bite-causers) that land on our bodies throughout the warmer months.

Some proclaim, “oh, you get bites because you’re so sweet!” and “I can play connect-the-dots with all of my bites!” but, in all honesty, they’re not cute nor wanted. (Related: best bug zappers).

“While bug repellent sprays are generally non-specific to the insects they repel, keep in mind the target pests are biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks while outside playing, hiking, hunting, or boating,” Jamie Haberman, medical and veterinary entomologist and owner of A Ablaze Pest Control in New Jersey — with 41 years in the industry — told the New York Post.

Luckily, we spoke to Haberman to give us the 411 on what ingredients to look for in a good bug spray or mosquito repellent. We listed the best ones below for you to shop, along with an FAQ section for a detailed overview of what to keep in mind when using them.

Let’s be honest — the saying “you’re a pest” likely originated from the influx of bug bites (we blame you, mosquitos and other bite-causers) that land on our bodies throughout the warmer months.

Some proclaim, “oh, you get bites because you’re so sweet!” and “I can play connect-the-dots with all of my bites!” but, in all honesty, they’re not cute nor wanted. (Related: best bug zappers).

“While bug repellent sprays are generally non-specific to the insects they repel, keep in mind the target pests are biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks while outside playing, hiking, hunting, or boating,” Jamie Haberman, medical and veterinary entomologist and owner of A Ablaze Pest Control in New Jersey — with 41 years in the industry — told the New York Post.

Luckily, we spoke to Haberman to give us the 411 on what ingredients to look for in a good bug spray or mosquito repellent. We listed the best ones below for you to shop, along with an FAQ section for a detailed overview of what to keep in mind when using them.

Find the full article here.

The New York Post: An expert shares the best bug and mosquito repellents for summer 2022

Red wearable insect repellent wristband, citronella candle, and citronella essential oil bottle.
Red wearable insect repellent wristband, citronella candle, and citronella essential oil bottle.

An expert shares the best bug and mosquito repellents for summer 2022

Written by By Victoria Giardina and Ruby McAuliffe

Let’s be honest — the saying “you’re a pest” likely originated from the influx of bug bites (we blame you, mosquitos and other bite-causers) that land on our bodies throughout the warmer months.

Some proclaim, “oh, you get bites because you’re so sweet!” and “I can play connect-the-dots with all of my bites!” but, in all honesty, they’re not cute nor wanted. (Related: best bug zappers).

“While bug repellent sprays are generally non-specific to the insects they repel, keep in mind the target pests are biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks while outside playing, hiking, hunting, or boating,” Jamie Haberman, medical and veterinary entomologist and owner of A Ablaze Pest Control in New Jersey — with 41 years in the industry — told the New York Post.

Luckily, we spoke to Haberman to give us the 411 on what ingredients to look for in a good bug spray or mosquito repellent. We listed the best ones below for you to shop, along with an FAQ section for a detailed overview of what to keep in mind when using them.

Let’s be honest — the saying “you’re a pest” likely originated from the influx of bug bites (we blame you, mosquitos and other bite-causers) that land on our bodies throughout the warmer months.

Some proclaim, “oh, you get bites because you’re so sweet!” and “I can play connect-the-dots with all of my bites!” but, in all honesty, they’re not cute nor wanted. (Related: best bug zappers).

“While bug repellent sprays are generally non-specific to the insects they repel, keep in mind the target pests are biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks while outside playing, hiking, hunting, or boating,” Jamie Haberman, medical and veterinary entomologist and owner of A Ablaze Pest Control in New Jersey — with 41 years in the industry — told the New York Post.

Luckily, we spoke to Haberman to give us the 411 on what ingredients to look for in a good bug spray or mosquito repellent. We listed the best ones below for you to shop, along with an FAQ section for a detailed overview of what to keep in mind when using them.

Find the full article here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from New York Times
New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership.
Media Mentions

The New York Post: An expert shares the best bug and mosquito repellents for summer 2022

Red wearable insect repellent wristband, citronella candle, and citronella essential oil bottle.
Red wearable insect repellent wristband, citronella candle, and citronella essential oil bottle.

An expert shares the best bug and mosquito repellents for summer 2022

Written by By Victoria Giardina and Ruby McAuliffe

Let’s be honest — the saying “you’re a pest” likely originated from the influx of bug bites (we blame you, mosquitos and other bite-causers) that land on our bodies throughout the warmer months.

Some proclaim, “oh, you get bites because you’re so sweet!” and “I can play connect-the-dots with all of my bites!” but, in all honesty, they’re not cute nor wanted. (Related: best bug zappers).

“While bug repellent sprays are generally non-specific to the insects they repel, keep in mind the target pests are biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks while outside playing, hiking, hunting, or boating,” Jamie Haberman, medical and veterinary entomologist and owner of A Ablaze Pest Control in New Jersey — with 41 years in the industry — told the New York Post.

Luckily, we spoke to Haberman to give us the 411 on what ingredients to look for in a good bug spray or mosquito repellent. We listed the best ones below for you to shop, along with an FAQ section for a detailed overview of what to keep in mind when using them.

Let’s be honest — the saying “you’re a pest” likely originated from the influx of bug bites (we blame you, mosquitos and other bite-causers) that land on our bodies throughout the warmer months.

Some proclaim, “oh, you get bites because you’re so sweet!” and “I can play connect-the-dots with all of my bites!” but, in all honesty, they’re not cute nor wanted. (Related: best bug zappers).

“While bug repellent sprays are generally non-specific to the insects they repel, keep in mind the target pests are biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks while outside playing, hiking, hunting, or boating,” Jamie Haberman, medical and veterinary entomologist and owner of A Ablaze Pest Control in New Jersey — with 41 years in the industry — told the New York Post.

Luckily, we spoke to Haberman to give us the 411 on what ingredients to look for in a good bug spray or mosquito repellent. We listed the best ones below for you to shop, along with an FAQ section for a detailed overview of what to keep in mind when using them.

Find the full article here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from New York Times
New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer

Recent mentions

Close-up of a small tick crawling on the edge of a textured green leaf.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
MSN: Warmer Winter Could Lead To An Increase In Ticks
As more Northern Nevadans head outdoors this spring and summer, experts say hikers should be aware of a small pest that can cause big problems — ticks.
View post
Close-up of a small tick crawling on beige fabric outdoors with blurred green and brown background.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Yahoo! Health: How To Protect Yourself From Ticks This Season, According To Experts
What experts say you should do before — and after — heading outdoors.
View post
Couple sitting on floor behind laid out backpacks and organized camping and hiking gear.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
The Trek: Going Gaga Over Gear
Your life in a backpack? Yes, it’s possible.
View post
Various insect repellent products on a wooden shelf including sprays, lotion, and citronella candle.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
REI: How to Choose Insect Repellent
Find the right bug spray for you based on the active ingredient, concentration and application type.
View post
Spray bottle of Ranger Ready insect repellent with 20% Picaridin for long-lasting protection.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Fox 2 News: Mosquito Repellents That Actually Work
Summer is almost here and that means mosquitoes.
View post
Muddy ground with animal and tire tracks and a single green leaf near the bottom center.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Upland Almanac: Average Joe
That deep desire to get outside after a long, cold winter is what elevates turkey hunting here in the Northeast to a premier pursuit.
View post
A small black sprinkler head in the middle of a green backyard lawn with plants blurred in foreground.
Media Mentions
May 29, 2026
AOL: Keeping Summer Pests At Bay: Tips To Protect Your Home
As the summer season returns, uninvited guests make their way into our homes.
View post
Backpacker seated on a log drinking from a water bladder in a grassy field with pine trees behind.
Media Mentions
May 28, 2026
Backpacker: RIP To These Bygone Backpacking Trends
Take a hike down memory lane to celebrate the gear and fads that got backpacking to where it is today.
View post