Several bottles of insect repellent from multiple brands on the ground
Several bottles of insect repellent from multiple brands on the ground

Bug Control Gear That Actually Works

In an industry rife with bogus products, these are the repellents and traps that experts agree can effectively keep bugs away.

Essentials

These items are your first line of defense against the types of things you want to go away.

Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Premium Insect Repellent

If you use only one item on this list, make it bug repellent—this should be your first line of defense, and a regular necessity anytime you head into the swarm. This EPA-approved picaridin formula is safe and effective, and it comes in a bottle that’s better than competitors at spraying evenly and accurately.

Continue reading Harry Sawyers's Wirecutter article here.

Media Mentions

It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.

Jaeger Shaw
Owner & Managing Editor

Media Mentions

Our top water filter for thru hiking, the Sawyer Squeeze, is 15% off.

Naomi Hudetz
Chief Operating Officer & Online Editor

Media Mentions

People with alpha-gal syndrome show allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating such meat.

Stephanie Soucheray
Reporter