Best Bug Sprays for 2024

If you prefer not to use aerosol cans, Proven has a great picaridin-based insect repellent in a pump spray form. Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical found in the family of plants that produce black pepper. It is not as fragrant as DEET and according to some studies picaridin as effective at repelling insects as DEET.

The Proven picaridin pump spray is the only one that I found to be truly odorless during my testing. I would probably be crazy for bystanders to see me sniffing my skin and clothes for a whiff of this stuff.

For a pump spray, it doesn’t have a bad texture — plus, it goes on pretty light and I only had to rub it in a little bit. It absorbed quickly. Of all the bug sprays I’ve used in my life, this was the first time I tried Proven, and I’ll probably buy it in the future.

For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, a lemon eucalyptus insect repellent is a gentler way to ward off bugs and their bites. I tried a few different lemon eucalyptus insect sprays and Natrapel came out on top.

Since this bug spray does not contain two chemicals proven to repel insects, it is logical to think that it would not be as effective as its DEET or picaridin counterparts. CDC And Environmental Protection Authority recognize lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective insect repellent. Natrapel’s bottle states that it provides up to six hours of protection, as opposed to the typical eight to twelve hours in DEET and picaridin products.

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

I am obsessed with these permethrin repellents from Sawyer. I have sprayed all my fabric patio furniture and the tarp covering my home gym equipment. Permethrin is a repellent designed for clothing and gear. It should not be used on your skin or on clothing while you are wearing it. Seriously, follow the safety instructions.

The aerosol permethrin creates a nice broad, even, fast spray. I have easily coated my patio furniture with it in a few seconds. The pump spray is less convenient, but still good.

Although the bottles say they are unscented, I did notice a slight odor when I used the sprays. It smelled like spray paint, but much less strong. These bottles are not something I would want to travel with — they are quite large — so I would recommend spraying your gear down before going on a camping trip or other outdoor adventure.

Sawyer’s permethrin spray remains effective for up to six weeks or six washes.

Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Just like Proven’s pump spray, the unscented lotion is truly unscented. The “soft scent” lotion smells so good that I would use it as a regular lotion if I didn’t know it was a bug repellent!

This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the Proven pump spray. These bottles are conveniently sized and therefore easy to take with you on your travels. 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 don’t sweat it out as much on hot, active days.

For an extremely packable repellent, try wipes. I like Ben’s 30% DEET wipes because I know they’ll be effective and they’re easy to take with you wherever you go. You can easily bring insect repellent wipes on a plane, throw a few in your daypack for unexpected bugginess, and equip yourself with lightweight repellent for multi-day outdoor excursions. You can get four packs of 12 wipes on Amazon.

Wipes are also great if you don’t like spraying or rubbing lotion into your skin — instead of rubbing dirt onto your skin as you apply a spray, wipes cleanse your skin while providing protection from bugs. Wipes also make it easier to protect your skin while preventing damage to your clothes. (At higher concentrations, DEET can stain certain fabrics.)

Natrapel strikes again with picaridin insect repellent wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is virtually odorless with up to 12 hours of protection. These wipes are slightly gentler than the Ben’s wipes above, but still effectively wipe away dirt.

Like Ben’s wipes, these are extremely portable and will fit in almost any type of bag you want to carry. It’s a win-win.