9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

NBC News: 9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

照片缩略图 博客作者
Associate Updates Editor
Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select based in New York City, NY. Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for Select on NBC News.
媒体报道

NBC News: 9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

9 Best Insect Repellents: DEET and DEET-free Bug Sprays

During the warmer months, bug bites — like sunburns — are sometimes an unfortunate consequence of spending time outdoors. But bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be much more than just irritating or itchy — they can also carry illnesses like malaria and Lyme disease. Applying insect repellent is one preventative and protective measure to avoid getting bitten. But figuring out which ones are actually effective can be confusing, seeing as the labels are often covered with complicated ingredients and jargon like “DEET” and “all-natural.”

To help simplify your shopping, we consulted experts about what’s important to pay attention to when buying bug repellent. Using their guidance, we also rounded up highly rated products you can use to prevent bug bites.

Continue reading to learn more about the best insect repellents, written by Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla.

照片缩略图 博客作者
Associate Updates Editor
Zoe Malin and Ambar Pardilla
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select based in New York City, NY. Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for Select on NBC News.
媒体报道
browse all articles
在索耶
March 16, 2026
6 Min
The Trek: Peg Leg’s Calendar Year Triple Crown Gear List
Read More

媒体报道

I treat my clothing with Sawyer Permethrin before hitting the trail.

Mac
Mac
特约撰稿人

媒体报道

Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze

Gustavo
徒步旅行者

媒体报道

I like to use my CNOC as a gravity system with the Sawyer Squeeze filter.

Mike Unger, Liz Thomas, & Naomi Hudetz
Treeline Review Staff
<<  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