The Best Bug Repellents

For a bug blocker that’s safe and effective—and won’t stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—skip the DEET and get a picaridin formula like Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin. It’s the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing 15 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Read the full article by Doug Mahoney on Wirecutter's website here.

LAST UPDATED

January 6, 2025

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Sawyer’s insect repellent is also very effective for ticks and biting flies, and it won’t damage gear or equipment.

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This repellent, made from 20% Picaridin, provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

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