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.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Senior Staff Writer
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.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This Sawyer repellent won a SELF Outdoor Award in 2022.

Sara Coughlin

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The first detections of West Nile virus this year are a reminder to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and possible disease.

Desiree Fischer
Reporter

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Both Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggest that oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin can each serve as an alternative to DEET.

Terry Graedon
Editor, The People's Pharmacy