Best Insect Repellents to Keep Bugs at Bay 2024

In America alone, there are an estimated 476,000 people diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, all spread by just one creature: The deer tick. Add in the diseases that can be spread by fleas, mosquitoes, and other insects — diseases including West Nile Virus, malaria, and other maladies that can be dangerous and even fatal — and one thing becomes clear: if you’re going to be spending time outside, especially during the warmer months, you need to wear insect repellent.

Often called bug spray (though this is a misnomer in many cases, as insect repellents are often lotions or balms), insect repellent can be a highly effective way to ward off biting pests. But you need to choose the best insect repellent, like our top choice, Sawyer’s Picaridin Insect Repellent, for the specifics of your situation. These vary based on location and weather, the clothing you are wearing, and the types of insects you need to repel. We did the research, talked to the experts including dermatologists and exterminators, and thought back on years of personal experience in choosing the best highly effective insect repellents.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Steven John.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

October 27, 2024

Imeandikwa na

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This lightweight, 2-ounce filter removes bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and 100 per cent of microplastics.

Mia Wandl
Associate Producer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s insect repellent is also very effective for ticks and biting flies, and it won’t damage gear or equipment.

Tori Peglar
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This repellent, made from 20% Picaridin, provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

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