Best bug sprays for 2025

If you prefer to avoid aerosol sprays, Proven makes an excellent picaridin-based pump spray insect repellent. Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical compound found in the black pepper plant family. It's not as smelly as DEET, and according to some research, picaridin is just as effective at repelling bugs as DEET.

The tested Picaridin Pump Spray is the only one I've found to be truly odorless during my testing. I would probably look crazy to bystanders if they saw me smelling my skin and clothes to get sick of this stuff.

For a pump spray, it doesn't have a bad texture — plus, it shines pretty easily and I only had to rub it in a little. It is quickly absorbed. Of all the bug sprays I've used in my life, this was my first time trying Proven and I will likely buy it in the future.

For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a gentler way to keep bugs and their bites at bay. I tried a few different eucalyptus lemon bug sprays, and Natrapel came out on top.

Without both chemicals proven to repel insects, it's natural to think that this bug spray isn't as effective as its counterparts that contain DEET or picaridin. On CDC and EPA recognize lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective insect repellent. A bottle of Natrapel says it offers up to six hours of protection versus the typical eight to 12 in DEET and picaridin products.

However, if you don't mind applying more often, Natrapel's aerosol or pump spray is a good option. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is an oil, this bug spray doesn't feel as greasy as you might expect. It's a little harder to rub in compared to DEET and picaridin sprays, but not bad at all. Both types of bottles are easy to spray. Plus, the scent is nice (if you like lemon eucalyptus).

I am obsessed with these Permethrin Insect Repellents from Sawyer. I sprayed all my fabric patio furniture and the tarp that covers my home gym equipment. Permethrin is an insect repellent designed for clothing and equipment — it should not be used on the skin or on clothing while worn. Seriously, heed the safety instructions.

Permethrin aerosol creates a nice broad, even, fast spray. I covered my outdoor furniture with this easily in seconds. The pump spray is less convenient, but still good.

While the bottles say the product is unscented, I did notice a slight smell while using the sprays. It smelled similar to spray paint, but much less strong. These bottles aren't something I'd want to travel with — they're quite large — so I'd recommend spraying your gear before heading out on a camping trip or other outdoor adventure.

Sawyer's Permethrin Spray lasts up to six weeks or through six washes.

Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven's Picaridin Lotion. Like the proven pump spray, the unscented lotion is truly unscented. The “gentle scent” lotion smells so good I'd use it as a regular lotion if I didn't know it was an insect repellent!

This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the proven pump spray. Conveniently sized, these bottles would be easy to travel with, and the smaller bottle is even suitable for air travel.

I personally think lotion is better for hiking and backpacking because it absorbs better into the skin. I feel like I'm less likely to sweat it out on hot, active days.

For an extremely compact insect repellent, try wipes. I like Ben's 30% DEET wipes because I know they are effective and easy to carry around. You can easily take insect repellent wipes on planes, throw a few in your day bag for unexpected snags, and equip yourself with a lightweight repellant for multi-day outdoor excursions. On Amazon, you can get four packs of 12 wipes.

Wipes are also great if you don't want to spray or rub lotion on your skin—instead of rubbing dirt off your skin while applying a spray, these wipes actually clean your skin while adding bug protection. Wipes also make it easier to protect your skin while avoiding damage to your clothes. (At higher concentrations, DEET can leave traces on certain fabrics.)

Natrapel strikes again with picaridin insect repellent wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is almost odorless with protection for up to 12 hours. These wipes are a bit softer than the Ben wipes above, but still effectively remove dirt.

Like Ben's wipes, these are extremely portable and can fit into almost any type of pack you plan to carry. It's a win-win all around.