The 7 Best Mosquito Repellents to Keep the Bugs Away, Tested and Reviewed

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but for many of us, it also means dealing with relentless mosquitoes. The effects of mosquito bites can vary from minor irritation to blistered welts, depending on your body's reaction to mosquito saliva. In addition, there is a risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus.

To protect yourself against mosquitoes, our experts agreed that the best mosquito repellents should contain DEET, picaridin, and IR3535. Wesley Trimble, Communications and Creative Director at the American Hiking Society, recommends DEET and picaridin as effective skin-applied insect repellents. Both work against mosquitoes and ticks, but avoid using DEET on waterproof-breathable membranes like GORE-TEX as it can harm the fabric. If you're going to an area with many mosquitoes, look for repellents with 10% to 30% active ingredients. For shorter outdoor activities, lower concentrations will be enough.

Continue reading to learn more about the best mosquito repellents, written by Samson McDougall.

媒体报道

Clothing and gear can be treated with a 0.5% permethrin spray, sold under names including Sawyer, Insect Shield and Ranger Ready.

Bay Area News Group
News Group

媒体报道

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion offers the longest protection windows on test — up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks — and its creamy, low-odor formula goes on smooth and dries quickly.

Rachel Cavanaugh
作家

媒体报道

The Sawyer Squeeze and Cnoc Vecto made hydration easy.

Josh King
特约撰稿人