Good Housekeeping: 7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

Keep the bugs away with these top-rated sprays, candles and backyard applications.

Good Housekeeping: 7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

Last updated:
May 27, 2025
|  5 min read
Spraying insect repellent on an arm.

Good Housekeeping: 7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

Good Housekeeping: 7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

YouTube video highlight

Keep the bugs away with these top-rated sprays, candles and backyard applications.

Watch video

Good Housekeeping: 7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

未找到项目。

7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

Mosquitoes are an unavoidable part of spending time outdoors, whether you're grilling in the backyard, camping in the woods or just working through the summer to-do list. Some years are worse than others, but the annoyance and the risk never really goes away. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute tests mosquito repellents year-round, focusing on what actually works in the field and not just what’s trending.

For this updated guide to mosquito repellents and bug sprays, we combined results from our Lab with field-tested feedback from entomologists and outdoor pros. That includes insight from Megan E. Meuti, Ph.D., an entomologist at Ohio State University, who helped us evaluate ingredient effectiveness and usage safety. The products we’ve included here range from new formulas with plant-based actives to proven DEET-based sprays that continue to perform reliably. Whether you're heading out for a hike and need bug repellent for your skin or just want to keep your patio clear of mosquitos for a quiet dinner, there’s an option here that fits.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug and mosquito repellents, written by Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl.

照片缩略图 博客作者
Writers
Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years.

Good Housekeeping: 7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

Mosquitoes are an unavoidable part of spending time outdoors, whether you're grilling in the backyard, camping in the woods or just working through the summer to-do list. Some years are worse than others, but the annoyance and the risk never really goes away. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute tests mosquito repellents year-round, focusing on what actually works in the field and not just what’s trending.

For this updated guide to mosquito repellents and bug sprays, we combined results from our Lab with field-tested feedback from entomologists and outdoor pros. That includes insight from Megan E. Meuti, Ph.D., an entomologist at Ohio State University, who helped us evaluate ingredient effectiveness and usage safety. The products we’ve included here range from new formulas with plant-based actives to proven DEET-based sprays that continue to perform reliably. Whether you're heading out for a hike and need bug repellent for your skin or just want to keep your patio clear of mosquitos for a quiet dinner, there’s an option here that fits.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug and mosquito repellents, written by Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl.

照片缩略图 博客作者
Writers
Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years.
照片缩略图 博客作者
Writers
Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years.
媒体报道

Good Housekeeping: 7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

7 Best Bug and Mosquito Repellents, Tested by Experts

Mosquitoes are an unavoidable part of spending time outdoors, whether you're grilling in the backyard, camping in the woods or just working through the summer to-do list. Some years are worse than others, but the annoyance and the risk never really goes away. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute tests mosquito repellents year-round, focusing on what actually works in the field and not just what’s trending.

For this updated guide to mosquito repellents and bug sprays, we combined results from our Lab with field-tested feedback from entomologists and outdoor pros. That includes insight from Megan E. Meuti, Ph.D., an entomologist at Ohio State University, who helped us evaluate ingredient effectiveness and usage safety. The products we’ve included here range from new formulas with plant-based actives to proven DEET-based sprays that continue to perform reliably. Whether you're heading out for a hike and need bug repellent for your skin or just want to keep your patio clear of mosquitos for a quiet dinner, there’s an option here that fits.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug and mosquito repellents, written by Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl.

照片缩略图 博客作者
Writers
Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years.
照片缩略图 博客作者
Writers
Dan DiClerico and Timothy Dahl
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years.
媒体报道
browse all articles
在索耶
September 27, 2021
6 Min
东海岸:超级运动员凯蒂-斯波兹骑车 360 英里穿越缅因州
Read More

媒体报道

We’ve used this filter for over 800 miles in the backcountry and it’s still the best option for clean drinking water.

布雷特-克雷泽
布雷特-克雷泽
Adventurer. Writer. Creator.

媒体报道

Squeeze Water Filtration System by Sawyer

车库自制装备
车库制造齿轮的媒体报道

媒体报道

This popular repellent from Sawyer has 20% Picaridin, which protects against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory
Explore All Sawyer has to Offer

Built for the Outdoors

see ALL PRODUCTS