The Best Bug Sprays and Insect Repellents, According to Ratings and Reviews

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Spending time outdoors is a rite of passage during the summertime. Unfortunately, so are bug bites. And every summer, I peruse up and down the aisles of every store searching for a repellent that claims to be the best. What makes the best bug spray? Some bottles advertise DEET, some advertise without. Which one is sweat proof, safest for kids, and which one is going leave a strong smell? These are the questions we all ask. And finally, we have some answers!

We’ve narrowed down the best bug spray to snag this summer that will, hopefully, keep your whole family bite free. Whether you’re camping deep in the woods for a weekend or maybe your kids spend their days outdoors playing ball, these repellents are highly rated and reviewed.

What is DEET?

You probably see a lot of bug sprays and insect repellents offering an amount of DEET, or no DEET at all. So, what's the difference? According to the American Mosquito Control Association, DEET (N-Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide) is the most effective active ingredient in an insect repellent. A 10% DEET-based repellent will typically last 90 minutes or so whereas a repellent with 30% DEET will last 5-6 hours.

And if you’re worried about those little ones, the American Academy of Pediatrics claims products containing up to 30% DEET is safe for children. Anything above 30% is too much. If you're looking for DEET-free, the CDC and EPA also suggests looking for Picaridin spray, or those with oil of lemon-eucalyptus in them.

Still have questions?

We have a detailed list on more ways to prevent bugs and their bites altogether. We also have you covered on how to get rid of stink bugs and how to get rid of gnats.

Natural Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

This DEET-free oil is praised among users for how effective it is against bugs and big mosquitos. This formula is made with oil of lemon eucalyptus, which the CDC recommends to help ward off the little critters.

Picaridin Insect Repellent

With the use of Picaridin, this repellent is safe to use on the whole fam. The bug spray is often found on "Best of" lists just like this one for its reputation of being a tough spray without DEET.

DEET-free Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

This bug repellent uses the oil of Lemon Eucalyptus-based formula to help combat mosquitoes and other bugs for up to 6 hours.

Insect Repellent Spray

People love this DEET-free repellent because of it's natural protection, but also because it's odorless with a non-greasy feel! This repellent contains 20% Picaridin which helps fight against mosquitoes, ticks, stable flies, gnats, chiggers, you name it! Many reviewers say this is the only repellent that works on them.

Babyganics Insect Spray, 2 pack

Our vote for the best children's bug spray goes to this Babyganics. You can spray your kids down without questioning what harmful chemicals you are exposing them to.

Insect Repellent Sportsman Max (Two Pack)

If you're looking for something hard hitting, look no further than the Repel Max Sportsman. With 40% DEET, this stuff stands strong against mosquitos, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas. With thousands of 5-star reviews, it's definitely one to keep on hand during the summer months.

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent

OFF! is one of the most popular brands on the market, and for good reason. With 25% DEET, it's safe enough to use on children while still remaining a powerful bug repellent. Many reviews read just like this one from a recent user, "No other product for three bucks can give you this much peace of mind when you're outdoors."

Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes

If you're on the go and don't have room for a bottle of bug spray, these wipes are the way to go. Some users even say they're just as strong as the spray, but without a greasy feel.

Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent

This insect repellent is specifically made for your clothes, fabric, tents, hiking gear and more. The spray uses Permethrin which bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings. One user even praised it saying "Almost no mosquito bites after nine days in the jungle."

Backwoods Insect Repellent

Cutter is known to cut those bugs out! I was in a June wedding in Tennessee and sprayed down the bridal party with this repellent. You could literally see the bugs fly nearby but turn around before they landed on us.

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