Stay Bite-Free With the Best Bug Sprays for 2025

What we like about it: Cutter Dry insect repellent is the best bug spray by far in terms of feel. The aerosol nozzle sprays wide and evenly, and the formula dries nearly instantly on your skin. You don’t have to rub this spray into your skin at all. The bottle says unscented, but Cutter Dry does have a slight smell to it. It’s not overpowering like many other sprays, though, and definitely not intolerable. 

Who it’s best for: This repellent is best for everyday use, and it’s made with 10% DEET, so it will do its job in most environments.

Who should avoid it: If you’re planning on traveling to buggier environments, we recommend something stronger, such as a 20% or 30% DEET repellent.

What we like about it: If you prefer to avoid aerosol sprays, Proven makes a great picaridin-based pump spray insect repellent. Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical compound found in the family of plants that produce black pepper. It’s not as odorous as DEET products, and according to some research, picaridin is extremely effective at repelling bugs. 

The Proven picaridin pump spray is the only one I found to be truly odorless during my testing. And for a pump spray, it doesn’t have a bad texture — plus, it goes on pretty light, and I only had to rub it in a tiny bit. It absorbed quickly. Of all the bug sprays I’ve used in my life, this was my first time trying Proven, and I’ll likely buy it in the future. 

Who it’s best for: Proven picardin is best for the person who wants a lightweight, truly odorless bug repellent. It is also best for those who live in areas with lots of tall grass and bodies of water that can attract more bugs than normal.

Who should avoid it: If you don’t need such a strong bug spray, you may want to opt for one like the Cutter Dry Insect Repellent instead. Some users also report that this repellent is most effective with frequent application.

What we like about it: For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, a lemon eucalyptus insect repellent is a gentler way to stave off bugs and their bites. I tried a few different lemon eucalyptus bug sprays, and Natrapel came out on top. Lacking the two chemicals proven to repel insects, it’s natural to think this bug spray isn’t as effective as its DEET- or picaridin-containing counterparts. The CDC and EPA recognize lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective insect repellent. The Natrapel bottle does say it offers up to six hours of protection versus the typical eight to 12 hours in DEET and picaridin products. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is an oil, this bug spray doesn’t feel as oily as you might expect.

Who it’s best for: This bug repellent is best if you want a more natural product that works and lacks synthetic ingredients. If you don’t mind a more oily substance, then this bug spray can be a good fit for you.

Who should avoid it: If you don’t want to apply bug spray often, then Natrapel will disappoint you. You have to apply it regularly for it to remain effective. If you want something stronger because of the areas you live in or where you’ll be vacationing this summer, then you will probably prefer another DEET- or picaridin-containing bug spray. It is also slightly tougher to rub in compared to DEET and picaridin sprays. If you don’t like the smell of lemon eucalyptus, then this scent may be off-putting.

What we like about it: I’m obsessed with these permethrin insect repellents from Sawyer. I sprayed all of my fabric patio furniture and the tarp covering my home gym equipment. Permethrin is an insect repellent designed for clothes and camping gear — it is not to be used on the skin or on clothes while you’re wearing them. The aerosol permethrin creates a nice, wide, even, fast spray. I coated my outdoor furniture easily in a few seconds. The pump spray is less convenient but still good. Sawyer’s permethrin spray lasts up to six weeks or through six washes.

Who it’s best for: This spray is best for those who spend a lot of time in their backyard and want to make sure their patio chairs, tables, workout space and clothing are working overtime with bug repellent. It’s great that one round of spray can protect your yard for up to six weeks. This is also ideal for the person who loves hiking in buggy areas and wants some extra protection.

Who should avoid it: If you want something more family-friendly that can be applied to the skin, this isn’t a good pick. Additionally, if you want an odorless or unscented bug spray, this one has a strong spray paint scent, which some people may not like. If you use this bug spray, we advise following the safety instructions. Another downside is that the bottles are big, so they’re not compact enough to travel with.

What we like about it: Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Like the Proven pump spray, the odorless lotion is truly odorless. The “gentle scent” lotion smells so nice, I’d use it as regular lotion if I didn’t know it was an insect repellent. This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the Proven pump spray. And these bottles are conveniently sized for travel; the smaller bottle is even appropriate for air travel. 

Who it’s best for: If you prefer a bug lotion over bug spray, then this is the best pick for you. It has a gentle, pleasant scent and is easy to apply. This may be best if you’re going hiking or participating in other activities that make you sweat outdoors, since the lotion absorbs into the skin better.

Who should avoid it: If you prefer a bug spray over a lotion, this may not be your first bug repellent choice. It also may not be your top pick if you want a product that is more natural and lacks traditional bug spray chemicals.

What we like about it: Natrapel strikes again with picaridin insect-repellent wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is nearly odorless. It provides protection for up to 12 hours. These wipes are slightly softer than Ben’s wipes, but still effectively wipe away dirt. These are extremely portable and can fit in any pack you plan on carrying. It’s a win-win all around.  

Who it’s best for: This is best for the person who doesn’t want to carry around bug spray or lotion and prefers carrying individual wipes with them in their carry-on, gym bag or purse. It doesn’t hurt that this is an odorless option as well and will keep you protected for a full day and then some.

Who should avoid it: If you don’t like the idea of using wipes and prefer bug spray, then Natrapel’s wipes will be a miss for you. Additionally, if you want a more natural alternative, this isn’t the best option.

What we like about it: For a packable insect repellent, try wipes. I like Ben’s 30% DEET wipes because I know they’re effective and easy to travel with. You can take insect repellent wipes on planes, toss a few in your day bag for unexpected bugginess and equip yourself with lightweight repellent for multiday outdoor excursions. On Amazon, you can get four packs of 12 wipes. Wipes are also great if you don’t like spraying or rubbing lotion onto your skin — instead of rubbing dirt on your skin while applying a spray or lotion, these wipes actually clean your skin while adding bug protection. Wipes also make it easier to protect your skin while avoiding clothing damage. (At higher concentrations, DEET can leave marks on certain fabrics.)

Who it’s best for: The Ben’s 30% DEET Wipes are best if you travel often and want an easy way to carry bug repellent. They’re also a good option if you don’t like using bug spray or lotion during outdoor activities or want to make sure your clothing doesn’t get damaged.

Who should avoid it: If you prefer traditional bug spray, you may not love these wipes. Additionally, they’re not sustainable, so that’s something to consider if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option.