Skin & Hair Products The 8 Best Bug Sprays of 2023 Bullfrog's Mosquito Coast works for up to 8 hours By Elizabeth Yuko, PhD Elizabeth Yuko, PhD LinkedIn Twitter Elizabeth Yuko, PhD, is a bioethicist and journalist, as well as an adjunct professor of ethics at Dublin City University. She has written for publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 21, 2022 Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO LinkedIn Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine doctor currently practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Not only are bug bites uncomfortable and annoying—some can also make you sick. For example, mosquitoes can carry diseases like malaria, the Zika virus, and West Nile fever; while tick bites can cause Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. And that’s where bug sprays come in. According to Adam Mamelak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Austin, Texas, most bug sprays are actually bug repellents. “As opposed to killing insects like insecticides, repellents mask the carbon dioxide naturally produced by the body, forming a smell that insects don't like,” he tells Verywell Health. “Different repellents will claim to defend you from a certain set of insects, but not necessarily all insects and bites,” Dr. Mamelak says. When shopping for a bug spray, "consider the consistency of the product, its length of effectiveness, and its smell. Make sure the spray you purchase serves your needs," he says. We researched dozens of bug sprays and evaluated them for effectiveness, duration, cost, and ingredients. A family medicine physician from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding what to look for in bug sprays, whether you should use it while pregnant, and safety concerns about DEET. Here are the best bug sprays on the market today. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bullfrog Sunscreen and Insect Repellent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Natural: All Terrain Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent at Amazon Jump to Review Best Long-Lasting: Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Kids: OFF! Family Care Picaridin Aerosol at Amazon Jump to Review Best without Deet: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Ticks: Sawyer Products Permethrin Insect Repellent at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Mosquitoes: Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Proven Insect Repellent Spray at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Sunscreen and Insect Repellent 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Tractor Supply Co. Pros Also includes sunscreen Works for up to eight hours DEET-free, PABA-free, paraben-free Cons The sunscreen is only water-repellant for 80 minutes Some people may not feel as protected as they do with a repellent containing DEET We chose Bullfrog Mosquito Coast bug spray as our top choice because it feels smooth on the skin, and lasts up to eight hours while protecting with SPF 50 sunscreen. Though some people refuse to try anything without DEET, this one is highly effective and doesn’t come with a strong chemical smell. Plus, it's DEET-, PABA-, and paraben-free. Price at time of publish: $15 Active Ingredients: IR3535 | Form: Continuous spray Best Natural All Terrain Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent REI View On Amazon Pros Pleasant smell Environmentally friendly Doesn’t irritate your skin Cons Only lasts one to three hours Those looking for a bug spray without artificial chemicals have somewhat limited options—especially since natural insect repellents leave many people feeling as though they’re wearing no protection at all. All Terrain Herbal Armor uses natural oils to help ward off insects and has a relatively inoffensive smell (for a bug spray) while being safe for skin and the environment. While it doesn't last as long as some other bug spray options, it can be reapplied without irritating the skin. Price at time of publish: $11 Active Ingredients: Oil of Soybean 11.5%, Oil of Citronella 10.0%, Oil of Peppermint 2.0%, Oil of Cedar 1.50%, Oil of Lemongrass 1.00%, Oil of Geranium 0.05% | Form: Pump spray Best Long-Lasting Sawyer Products Picaridin Continuous Spray Insect Repellent 4.5 Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's View On Ems.com Pros Long-lasting protection Fragrance-free Non-greasy Cons Spray bottle can malfunction This bug spray from Sawyer Products has gained a loyal following of outdoor enthusiasts. That is at least partially thanks to its ability to offer up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to eight hours of protection against flies, gnats, and chiggers. The other big reason is that it sprays evenly and dries quickly, without the usual sticky or greasy residue. Price at time of publish: $11 Active Ingredients: 20% picaridin | Form: Continuous spray What the Experts Say “Picaridin is a synthetic chemical that mimics piperidine, a compound naturally found in black pepper plants that's capable of repelling bugs. Unlike DEET, it doesn’t have an odor or oily finish, and is better tolerated by patients with sensitive skin. Look for fragrance-free preparations.” — Adam Mamelak, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Austin, Texas The Best Sunscreens That Have You Covered Year-Round Best for Kids OFF! Family Care Picaridin Aerosol Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Isn’t oily or greasy Offers especially strong protection against mosquitoes Cons Can wear off after 90 minutes, but says to only reapply every six hours If you’re looking for a safe and effective bug spray for kids, Stacy Chimento, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Florida, recommends Off! Family Care Picaridin bug spray to her patients, because it contains 10% picaridin, which she says “provides long-lasting protection without making you feel greasy, oily, and sticky.” Price at time of publish: $10 Active Ingredients: 10% Picaridin | Form: Aerosol Spray Best without Deet Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent 5 Amazon View On Walmart View On Basspro.com View On Cabelas.com Pros Offers some protection against deer ticks Long-lasting bottle Cons Some may find the smell to be strong The EPA cautions against using some oil of lemon eucalyptus products in children under the age of three Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent has somewhat of a polarizing scent. Some people really like the citrusy fragrance, while others find it to be a little too medicinal, not to mention on the strong side. But smell aside, it does provide effective protection against bugs that bite using a relatively gentle formula. “Repel is an alternative to DEET; great for those looking for a ‘natural’ alternative and wanting to avoid chemicals,” Dr. Mamelak says. However, it's important to be aware that oil of lemon eucalyptus may not be any safer (or indeed as safe) as DEET. Price at time of publish: $11 Active Ingredients: Oil of lemon eucalyptus | Form: Aerosol spray Best for Ticks Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Amazon View On Amazon View On REI Pros Very effective for ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, spiders, mites, and other insects One treatment lasts six weeks (or six washings) Cons Have to treat before use and let dry Only can be used to treat clothing and gear—not directly applied on skin Unlike the other products on the list which can be applied directly to the skin, this insect repellent from Sawyer Products is sprayed on your clothing, shoes, tent, backpack, and anything else you’re carrying outdoors in an area prone to ticks. Though it also helps keep other insects away from you, it’s one of the few treatments out there that is truly effective at repelling ticks, thanks, in part to its active ingredient: permethrin. “For extra protection, apply permethrin to your clothing,” Dr. Mamelak explains. “A powerful synthetic insecticide, permethrin can also protect against fleas, ticks, and a number of other insect threats.” Price at time of publish: $22 Active Ingredients: Permethrin | Form: Spray (for clothing/gear only: not skin) The 8 Best First Aid Kits of 2023 Best for Mosquitoes Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Cpooutlets.com Pros Effective against several biting insects, including mosquitoes Goes on with a dry finish, and isn’t oily or greasy Cons Can stain synthetic clothing and shoes When it comes to bug spray, once people find something that works, they tend to stick with it. And that’s the case with Off! Deep Woods. “It’s a reliable product that has been around for years, and readily available at supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies,” Dr. Mamelak says. “DEET is also considered one of the standard ingredients to which others are compared and measured for their efficacy.” Price at time of publish: $13 Active Ingredients: 25% DEET | Form: Aerosol spray Best for Sensitive Skin Proven Insect Repellent Spray Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Pros Fragrance-free Long-lasting Cons Can leave skin feeling oily or sticky For people with sensitive skin, even small amounts of chemicals or fragrance can trigger a reaction—which is what makes Proven Insect Repellent Spray a good choice. “Those with sensitive skin should avoid bug spray with DEET, as this active ingredient is oily and can irritate the skin,” Chimento says. “Picaridin is less likely to make your skin feel greasy and less likely to cause an allergic skin reaction or irritation.” Price at time of publish: $13 Active Ingredients: Picaridin | Form: Spray The Best Sunburn Relief Gels and Lotions To Soothe Inflamed Skin Final Verdict When it comes down to protection and convenience, it’s hard to beat Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Bug Spray (view at eBay). Though it doesn’t contain DEET—which for some is a dealbreaker—it is highly effective at keeping biting insects at bay, even without using the common chemical. The continuous spray bottle makes it easy to apply, while also leaving the skin without that tacky feeling you can get after putting on insect repellent. But the fact that it contains sunscreen with an SPF of 50 is the real clincher. Not only does that save time, but it also can make it easier to get kids appropriately coated in both sunscreen and insect repellent without (too much of) a fight. What to Look for in a Bug Spray Active Ingredients The most important thing to look for when shopping for bug spray is the active ingredient(s). With a range of natural and chemical-based products available, it may take some trial-and-error to find out that works best for you. “You should look for insect repellents containing one or more of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol,” Dr. Mamelak says. “Insect repellents containing DEET are considered some of the most effective.” Concentration of Ingredients The concentration of ingredients in a bug spray matters just as much as the ingredients themselves. “According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, insect repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET and should not be applied to newborns and children under two months of age,” Dr. Mamelak explains. In some situations, knowing the concentration of active ingredients can help you pick a bug spray based on how long you’re going to be outside. If you’re only spending a short time outdoors—as in, two hours or fewer—products containing a low level of picaridin or DEET (5-10%) will suffice, Chimento says, while a bug spray that contains at least 20% DEET or picaridin is a better option when spending longer periods (like eight to 10 hours) outside. How it Feels and Smells on the Skin In order for a bug spray to be in any way effective, it has to be something you’re willing to spray on yourself and/or your clothing. So if you can’t stand the way it feels on your skin, you’re probably not going to use it. For example, “DEET repellents can have an oily finish on the skin,” Dr. Mamelak says, which may cause some people to avoid it. An insect repellent’s scent can also mean the difference between using it and venturing off into the woods without protection. No one expects to love the smell of bug spray, but you want to at least be able to tolerate it. For instance, “lemon eucalyptus oil can have a rather potent smell that sometimes can be overpowering,” Dr. Mamelak notes, while others will choose that aroma over the one of chemicals every time. And though they likely won’t be as effective as the sprays on the list, some people find that wearing certain essential oils can be beneficial. “Lavender, peppermint, basil, garlic and eucalyptus smell great in their own right and also help repel mosquitoes,” Thomas Marbut, general manager and corporate trainer at Mosquito Squad tells Verywell Health. Frequently Asked Questions How often should you reapply bug spray? According to Chimento, a general rule of thumb is to reapply bug spray that contains 20% or more DEET every six hours. On the other hand, a spray that contains 7% DEET will provide 90 minutes of protection, she adds. “Check the label and look at the concentrations of the active ingredients,” Chimento explains. “The higher the concentration of the active ingredient, the longer the protection and the less you need to reapply.” And if your outdoor activities involve water, Chimento says you’re going to need to reapply your insect repellent more frequently. “Bug sprays can wash off in the water, so you should reapply afterward if you are sweating profusely or swimming,” she says. What is DEET in bug spray? DEET (a type of diethyltoluamide), a colorless, oily liquid with a mild odor, is one of the most common active ingredients in insect repellent. “DEET interferes with receptors and neurons on a mosquito's antennae and mouth-parts that detect carbon dioxide and other chemicals like lactic acid,” Dr. Mamelak explains.When used in higher concentrations, DEET can cause skin irritation, Dr. Mamelak says—though he points out that DEET itself doesn’t present a health concern, so long as it’s used properly. “Excessive or prolonged use of DEET may cause skin rashes, blisters, and skin and mucous membrane irritation,” says Dr. Mamelak, while adding that "health problems associated with bug spray almost always stem from improper use of that spray."For this reason, Chimento suggests doing a patch test before using any products containing DEET. “I would recommend applying a small amount of bug spray that contains DEET to the skin to see if your skin reacts poorly before spraying all over the body,” she says. Can you use bug spray while pregnant? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is safe for pregnant people to use a bug spray that has been approved by and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—as long as the insect repellents are used as directed. All of the EPA-registered bug sprays contain one of the following active ingredients: DEETPicaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)IR3535Oil of lemon eucalyptus Para-menthane-diol 2-undecanoneIf you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor about using bug spray before dousing yourself in it—even if it’s something natural, like lemon eucalyptus oil. Otherwise, the CDC recommends using the EPA’s search tool to find an insect repellent that contains what you need (and doesn’t contain ingredients you might decide to stay away from). What the Experts Say “Ingredients to look out for in bug spray include picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other plant oils, such as soybean. These ingredients will provide the longest, most effective protection.” — Stacy Chimento, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Florida Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer and editor, Elizabeth Yuko is always on the lookout for new (and research-backed) products, techniques, and services that can help people cope with their health challenges and needs. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit