Bug Repellents That Work

Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying–they spread dangerous diseases. In this episode, senior staff writer Doug Mahoney shares proven prevention tips and breaks down the differences between various effective repellents.

He also explains why you should avoid certain “natural” repellents, like essential oils and citronella candles, and why bug zappers are bad for the environment.

Click to watch the video from the New York Times Podcasts.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

May 29, 2025

Imeandikwa na
Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha

Doug Mahoney

Doug Mahoney ni mwandishi mwandamizi wa wafanyakazi katika Wirecutter inayofunika uboreshaji wa nyumbani. Alitumia miaka 10 katika ujenzi wa hali ya juu kama seremala, msimamizi, na msimamizi. Anaishi katika nyumba ya kilimo yenye umri wa miaka 250 na alitumia miaka minne akijenga upya nyumba yake ya zamani. Pia hufuga kondoo na ana ng'ombe wa maziwa ambaye hunyonyesha kila asubuhi.

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer, a brand known for its reliable, no-frills outdoor products, offers a 20% picaridin spray that provides up to 12 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against biting flies and gnats, making it a smart pick for camping, travel or everyday use.

Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl
Writers

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Our new friend, Oats, at Sawyer gave our Sawyer filters a bath and also gave us a whole new bottle of permethrin for free!

Lauren “Mothra” Mullen
Hiker, Writer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

We carry a Sawyer Snake Bite kit with us whever we go because it works for bug bites on the beach too.

Mvuvi wa Forrest
Mwandishi wa Kuchangia