9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

NBC News: 9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

Woman sprays bug spray on man's arm near a blue camping tent in a forested area.
Woman sprays bug spray on man's arm near a blue camping tent in a forested area.

9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Associate Updates Editor
Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select based in New York City, NY. Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for Select on NBC News.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

NBC News: 9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

Woman sprays bug spray on man's arm near a blue camping tent in a forested area.
Woman sprays bug spray on man's arm near a blue camping tent in a forested area.

9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Associate Updates Editor
Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select based in New York City, NY. Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for Select on NBC News.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
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