7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts
Keep the bugs away with these top-rated sprays, candles and backyard applications.
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Mosquitoes are an unavoidable part of spending time outdoors, whether you're grilling in the backyard, camping in the woods or just working through the summer to-do list. Some years are worse than others, but the annoyance and the risk never really goes away. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute tests mosquito repellents year-round, focusing on what actually works in the field and not just what’s trending.
For this updated guide to mosquito repellents and bug sprays, we combined results from our Lab with field-tested feedback from entomologists and outdoor pros. That includes insight from Megan E. Meuti, Ph.D., an entomologist at Ohio State University, who helped us evaluate ingredient effectiveness and usage safety. The products we’ve included here range from new formulas with plant-based actives to proven DEET-based sprays that continue to perform reliably. Whether you're heading out for a hike and need bug repellent for your skin or just want to keep your patio clear of mosquitos for a quiet dinner, there’s an option here that fits.
Looking for help with other outdoor pests? We also have recommendations for keeping wasps and moths out of your home.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula feels comfortable on skin
- Fragrance-free, ideal for scent-sensitive users
Cons
- Aerosol format not for everyone, but it is available as a spray
Active ingredient: IR3535 Application: Aerosol spray for use on skin
Zevo On-Body Mosquito and Tick Repellent has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, a distinction backed by Lab-reviewed performance and safety data. Designed for everyday use, this aerosol spray offers up to 8 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, making it a practical choice for summer activities like hiking, gardening or backyard dinners.
The IR3535 formula goes on clean and dry, without the sticky feel or strong scent often associated with bug sprays. IR3535 is generally less potent than other repellents but still effective. It's approved by the EPA and CDC and often recommended for use with children.
Testers noted how comfortable it was to wear, even during long days outdoors. “As part of our Seal evaluation, we assessed Lab data and real-world usage to ensure the product delivered on its claims,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Zevo On-Body stood out for its effective protection and ease of use, especially for families looking for a reliable repellent that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.” Our tester came as an aerosol can, but sprays are available if you prefer that method of application.
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol
Pros
- Effective, long-lasting protection
- Suited to all kinds of pests
Cons
- Leaves skin slippery
Active ingredient: DEET | Application: Body spray
To fend off bugs like ticks, biting flies, gnats and chiggers for hours on end, our experts recommend Off! Deep Woods Spray. Though the name suggest camping and hiking, it's also great for the golf course, since the spray repels mosquitoes for "the longest period of time of all sprays," Meuti says.
Credit DEET, which accounts for 25% of the formula, with the repelling power of this aerosol spray. Meuti calls it one of the most effective mosquito repellents on the market, and that's been the experience with testers who have taken it deep into nature and onto some of the buggiest golf courses around. One drawback is that it can leave skin slippery.
Wondercide Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent
Pros
- Mild, pleasant scent
- Non-greasy formula with no sticky residue
Cons
- May require more frequent reapplication compared to conventional repellents
Active ingredient: Cedarwood oil (additional versions also include lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil) | Application: Body spray
Wondercide Insect Repellent offers a plant-powered alternative to conventional bug sprays, using essential oils to repel mosquitoes and other pests without synthetic chemicals. It's available in a two-pack from Amazon, making it easy to keep one at home and another in your glove box.
Cedarwood oil is the common active ingredient among all four versions. Our testers also tried both the rosemary and lemongrass sprays and noted the mild, natural scent after application. The formula absorbed well and didn’t leave an oily or sticky residue, which is often a drawback of essential oil-based sprays. It’s marketed as safe for adults, children and even pets when used as directed, and is designed for regular use on exposed skin and clothing. Multiple reapplications may be necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
Lemongrass Farms Trek Spray (Twin Pack)
Pros
- 100% plant-based formula
- Textured bottle provides firm grip
Cons
- Intense scent can be overpowering
Active ingredient: Geranium oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil and cedarwood oil | Application: Body spray
Lemongrass Farms is a newer name to the bug spray category. The brand touts its quick-drying, plant-based formula and its repellants didn't leave behind any oily residue in our initial tests. That's good for sporty types who don't want to worry about a golf club or tennis racket flying out of their hands.
"I like that the cans dispense the spray evenly, making it easy to apply," says Sabina Wizemann, director of the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She also praised the textured surface of the spray bottle, which provides a firm grip, preventing it from slipping out of your hands.
Take note, however, that the Trek sprays leave behind a rather intense scent, so they're not ideal for indoor application. And since the essential oils they contain can cause allergies in some people, our experts recommend patch-testing a small area of your skin before applying the spray more widely over your body.
Pros
- Long-lasting protection from a broad range of insects
- Trusted brand with strong outdoor reputation
Cons
- Picaridin effectiveness may vary based on individual body chemistry
Active Ingredient: Picaridin | Application: Spray bottle for use on skin and clothing
If you're looking for a strong alternative to DEET, picaridin is one of the most effective options available for repelling mosquitoes and ticks. “Another effective mosquito repellent, it's quite similar to DEET in the way that it can get mosquitoes to turn away from its scent,” Meuti says.
Sawyer, a brand known for its reliable, no-frills outdoor products, offers a 20% picaridin spray that provides up to 12 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against biting flies and gnats, making it a smart pick for camping, travel or everyday use.
Pros
- High-concentration DEET (30%) for extended protection
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free, suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Higher DEET concentration may not be suitable for young children; always follow application guidelines
Active Ingredient: DEET | Application: Body wipes
Wipes have become a popular way to apply insect repellent and Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes is one of our favorites to protect against mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects. Each individually wrapped wipe contains 30% DEET, providing up to 7 hours of protection. The fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula is designed to be gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all types of users, but the higher concentration of DEET might irritate young children.
The wipe format allows for precise application, especially on sensitive areas like the face, neck and ankles, and is ideal for travel or outdoor activities.
Thermacell E55 E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
Pros
- Excellent protection
- Simple to use
- EPA-reviewed formula is safe and odorless
Cons
- Not meant for windy conditions
- Only protects against mosquitos, not ticks and other pests
Active ingredient: Pyrethroid | Application: Device
The best mosquito repellant from our tests isn’t a conventional spray or candle. Instead it's a rechargeable device called the Thermacell E55 that creates a 20-foot zone of protection, say, around your campsite or outdoor dining area. It might sound too good to be true, especially since you can’t see or smell the heat-generated repellant as it works its magic, but in test after test it did a superb job of scaring off mosquitoes.
The one exception is when a stiff breeze is blowing, since it dissipates the repellant, though, of course, a stiff enough wind will also keep the bugs away. It also only repels mosquitoes, not ticks or other pests.
The E55 is incredibly easy to set up and operate. After charging the device with the provided USB cable, simply place it in the center of your desired zone of protection and hit the power button. It takes about 15 minutes for the repellant to heat up and create a full zone of coverage. A full battery provides five and a half hours of protection. The cartridge that contains the repellant will need to be replaced every 12 hours; a status indicator on the control panel lets you know how much protection you have left.
In addition to the simplicity and effectiveness of the E55, our experts like Thermacell's claim that its repellent uses EPA-reviewed pyrethroid as its active ingredient. Replacement fills are fairly affordable, costing about $20 for 40 hours of protection — good for plenty of hot summer nights.
How we choose the best mosquito repellents
When choosing mosquito repellents, our experts start by gathering a list of the products most commonly found on store shelves and online. They look for a wide range of solutions for different scenarios, from candles designed for small decks and patios to backyard applications with claimed coverage areas of up to 5,000 square feet.
Our product experts then performed tests of the products in their own yards, when possible. In addition, our health and sustainability experts reviewed ingredient lists to ensure products are in accordance with guidelines set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What is the best thing to keep mosquitoes away?
There are a number of things to consider to limit mosquitos:
✔️ Repellent vs. insecticide: You need to decide whether your goal is to repel mosquitoes or kill them off completely. Repellents are best for small-scale, temporary relief (think: summer meals in the open air). Reach for an insecticide when your goal is to wipe out entire mosquito populations for weeks at a time, if not longer. To be clear, the insecticides that you use in your yard shouldn't be the same ones that you spray on your body and clothes.
✔️ Active ingredients: Always follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This will help ensure that you're buying the most effective repellents that are also safe. All bug sprays marketed in the U.S. must contain EPA-registered active ingredients that can effectively repel mosquitoes, ticks and flies. (See below "How Do I Stop Mosquitoes From Biting Me?" for more info on these active ingredients.)
✔️ Yard maintenance: Aside from using top-of-the-line sprays and repellents, generally the best way to reduce mosquitoes is by emptying anything that holds water. "Remember the tip-and-toss rule," said Craig Stoops, chief science officer for Mosquito Authority, a pest control service. "Tip over items that you can’t dispose of to empty water where mosquito larvae may be found. Then toss any items in your backyard that you don’t need anymore that may be sources of mosquito breeding."
The EPA offers this additional checklist for eliminating mosquito habitats at their source:
- Drain standing water in rain gutters, old tires and buckets.
- Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted plant trays at least once a week.
- Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
- Replace your outdoor lights with yellow-hued lightbulbs that attract far fewer mosquitoes.
How do I stop mosquitoes from biting me?
A variety of active ingredients are deployed by brands in the battle against bugs. Here are the four most common:
✔️ DEET: It was once believed that DEET worked by interfering with a mosquito’s ability to detect humans by masking the scent of carbon dioxide (the gas we exhale with every breath) and lactic acid (a chemical that is in our sweat). However, more recent studies reveal that chemicals within DEET are repellent to mosquitoes, meaning that they have specific receptors within their antennae that allow mosquitoes to smell and avoid DEET if they smell it at a distance, says Meuti.
✔️ Picaridin: Another effective mosquito repellent, it's quite similar to DEET in the way that it can get mosquitoes to turn away from its scent, explains Meuti.
✔️ IR3535: A synthetic amino acid, this repellent can bind to the same sensory receptor as DEET and picaridin, suggesting that this compound also smells bad and is avoided by mosquitoes.
✔️ Oil of lemon eucalyptus: For a more natural repellent, you may reach for this effective oil. It's designed for broad outdoor application and is EPA-registered, unlike other essential oils like citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood, which are not registered because the EPA deemed they pose minimal risk to people. Note, however, that oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended for children under the age of 3.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related, including lawn and yard care.
Writer and editor Timothy Dahl is a camping enthusiast and has spent years battling mosquitos with every type of insect repellent.
In his role as Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like This Old House and Consumer Reports.
For this report, DiClerico and our review team also worked closely with Sabina Wizemann, director of the Institute's Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab, and Megan E. Meuti, P.h.D., an assistant professor of entomology at Ohio State University.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years. With a deep background in hands-on testing and reporting, he has reviewed and worked with hundreds of tools, products, and home innovations. Timothy's work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Mechanics, and he's the founder of Charles & Hudson. He specializes in making complex projects accessible and is passionate about empowering homeowners with clear, actionable guidance.
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