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Travel & Leisure: The 9 Best Bug Sprays for a Bite-Free Outdoor Adventure

Whether you are a mountain type of person who likes nothing more than to completely or a beach bum who can’t wait to slide into a bathing suit and work on your tan, don’t forget that bug spray is just as important to pack as your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Just like you choose your face moisturizer according to your skin’s needs, you should always consider two factors when picking the most appropriate bug repellent for you and your family: your skin’s sensitivity and how dangerous the insect situation is where you’re going.

The CDC, Environmental Protection Agency, World Health Organization, and Environmental Working Group all recommend DEET-based products for heavy-duty protection against a wide range of pests. While the chemical concentration may vary by product (usually between 10 and 98 percent), formulas that contain at least 30 percent DEET are the most effective. A higher DEET concentration doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get better protection, it just means you’ll be protected for a longer period of time.

Picaridin- and IR3535-based products are also EPA-approved options that provide long-lasting protection against bugs. Picaridin is actually considered more effective against flies than DEET.

And finally, there are natural and organic bug sprays that are made with synthesized plant oils such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and natural plant oils such as soybean, lemongrass, citronella, and cedar that are good for people with sensitive skin. It’s also important to note that, of all of the options we just mentioned, only natural plant oils are not registered with the EPA, which means that they are safe to use, but are not as effective as the other three ingredients.

Here we rounded up the nine best insect repellents that will keep the bugs away this summer.

See the full list from Dobrina Zhekova on Travel & Leisure's website here.

LAST UPDATED

May 6, 2022

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Follow Travel + Leisure for travel inspiration and information on the best destinations and properties to visit around the world. Each post includes links to travel guides with insider travel tips on top hotels, restaurants, the latest in tech or gadgets, and things to do around the world. Find great ideas on where to stay, the best restaurants to eat at, the hottest shopping destinations, and smart travel tips.

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Depending on where you travel, you may want to pack bug spray, too. In places like Florida and North Carolina, summers get buggy, and you’ll be happy to have packed a spray on nights when you want to sit on the porch or dine outdoors.

Madison Flager and Meaghan Kenny

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As a veteran of the Iraq War, I found myself struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder from which greatly impacted my mental health. In 2016, I came across the film “Wild,” an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s memoir about healing by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

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Sawyer Permethrin Premium Insect Repellent is used on clothing, not skin, and it provides long-lasting protection against ticks.

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