The 7 Best Mosquito Repellents to Keep the Bugs Away, Tested and Reviewed

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but for many of us, it also means dealing with relentless mosquitoes. The effects of mosquito bites can vary from minor irritation to blistered welts, depending on your body's reaction to mosquito saliva. In addition, there is a risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus.

To protect yourself against mosquitoes, our experts agreed that the best mosquito repellents should contain DEET, picaridin, and IR3535. Wesley Trimble, Communications and Creative Director at the American Hiking Society, recommends DEET and picaridin as effective skin-applied insect repellents. Both work against mosquitoes and ticks, but avoid using DEET on waterproof-breathable membranes like GORE-TEX as it can harm the fabric. If you're going to an area with many mosquitoes, look for repellents with 10% to 30% active ingredients. For shorter outdoor activities, lower concentrations will be enough.

Continue reading to learn more about the best mosquito repellents, written by Samson McDougall.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

February 11, 2025

Imeandikwa na
Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha

Afya

Maelezo ya vyombo vya habari kutoka kwa afya

Kuishi maisha yako bora sasa na Health.com: Kupata scoop juu ya fitness, chakula, uzuri, na zaidi!

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

When I’m going to be walking in tall grass and weeds, I wear my snake boots which I’ve sprayed with Sawyer’s permethrin. Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/article308242365.html#storylink=cpy

Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
Executive Producers and Hosts, "The People's Pharmacy

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent: Top-pick bug repellent

Wirecutter Staff
Staff

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Water purification technology has reached new heights with the Sawyer Squeeze System, delivering 0.1-micron absolute filtration that removes 99.9% of harmful bacteria, protozoa, and cysts.

Camping Survival
Tovuti