The Top 5 Bug Sprays

If you're heading outside you are probably going to get bitten. Different bugs have the potential to carry diseases and not all sprays work. It's also important to factor in your skin's sensitivity. While bug spray may keep the bugs away it may give you a reaction. There are natural bug sprays for sensitive skin and there are sprays more chemical composed that will protect you for a longer period of time. Like sunscreen, you'll want to reapply. Here are 5 great options to shop for.

OFF! Deep Woods Insect and Mosquito Repellent

Bus Spray with DEET

Long-lasting with 25% DEET.

Best Overall

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This bug spray is long-lasting and has DEET in it. It is labeled for deep woods activity but works great in any situation, it’s just heavy duty. The spray has a non-greasy or oily feeling and sprays out smoothly. You don’t need to shake the container and it won’t leak. A pack of 2 comes at under $10 which is a great deal as well.

Pros:

Long-lasting

Cons:

Not necessarily good for sensitive skin

Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent

Easy Application Bug Spray

The pack comes with a travel-sized lotion.

Best Application

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This is a great travel-sized repellent to buy but what also makes it great is the easy application nozzle. Easily squeeze spray out in an even layer onto your skin, bag, tent, or another object. The lotion bottle doesn’t have a strong smell but you should wash your hands after using it. The chemical formula contains permethrin instead of DEET and it’s just as effective.

Pros:

Easily application

Cons:

Be careful to wash your hands after using the lotion

Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent

Tick and Insect Spray

Comes with a floral-type smell.

Best for Ticks

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This bug spray comes in a smaller bottle so you may want to buy two for family trips but for regular at-home use in the yard, this bottle is great and the product comes out smoothly. You don’t have to push too hard on the top to get the bottle to spray and it works great with all bugs including ticks. The smell isn’t bad but it does linger.

Pros:

Great for ticks

Cons:

Small bottle for the price

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray

Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray

Non-greasy bug repellent.

Best Organic

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This spray is organic and great for sensitive skin. If you get bit and it itches, this spray will both help keep more bugs away and calm your skin slightly. It is DEET free and has a calming scent. It’s not sticky but you do have to apply frequently. This spray does have a smell.

Pros:

Organic

Cons:

Has a smell

Sky Organics Bug Spray

Organic and Vegan Bug Spray

Plant-based and DEET-free while still providing protection.

Best Cruelty-Free

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Admittedly, the bottle is very attractive, and the spray itself works well. Its DEET-free formula doesn’t feel gross on the skin and it’s made with essential oils like lavender and lemongrass which repel bugs. You can recycle the can, and the application is easy to push the spray nozzle. It seems to last up to 2 hours on the skin and at the end of the day there wasn’t any type of rash or sensitivity.

Pros:

Contains essential oils

Cons:

No DEET

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you have a reaction to DEET?

Like anything you apply to your skin, there may be a reaction. If your skin is typically sensitive to new products and you want to give a new bug spray a try, test it at home and see how it goes. DEET itself is safe for skin contact.

What is a DEET substitute?

Picaridin is a good substitute, and unlike DEET, it is non-greasy and odorless. It’s just as effective at repelling bugs and is found in most organic formulas.