Top 9 Mosquito & Bug Sprays: Expert Testing and Reviews

Top Pick

For a dependable and efficient mosquito repellent, we highly recommend Off!'s Active Insect Repellent. Its mild fragrance and non-greasy texture make it comfortable to wear, and it’s versatile enough to be sprayed on clothing. During testing, the aerosol spray provided effortless application and even distribution, and we appreciated that it didn’t leave a residue on darker skin tones. 

Whether you're working out outdoors or lounging on your patio furniture, this bug spray is sweat-resistant and effective against a range of pests, such as biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas. While the protection lasts up to six hours—shorter than some alternatives—we only needed one application and remained bite-free during our outdoor activities. 

We also appreciate that this mosquito repellent is budget-friendly and highly efficient, requiring minimal product for each use. The spray dries quickly without leaving a sticky film, making it an ideal choice for summer. Its primary ingredient, DEET, is recognized as safe by both the CDC and EPA. 

Type: Aerosol | Active Ingredient: DEET | Protection Duration: 6 hours | Size: 6 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Top DEET-Free Option

If you’re sensitive to DEET or simply prefer a DEET-free option, the EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent is a great choice. Formulated with picaridin, an EPA-approved ingredient, it provides comparable effectiveness to DEET without the greasy feel. Ideal for those seeking a fragrance-free and skin-friendly solution, this repellent is perfect for sensitive skin. 

We appreciate the spray nozzle’s wide, even coverage and the formula’s moisturizing yet non-greasy texture. It offers some of the longest-lasting protection on our list—up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks, and eight hours against biting flies, gnats, and chiggers. 

Although labeled as water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof, making it less suitable for poolside, beach, or garden hose use. While the brand claims it’s safe for children, we found applying it to kids requires a bit more effort. 

Type: Spray | Active Ingredient: Picaridin | Protection Duration: 8–14 hours, depending on pest | Size: 4 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Top Non-Greasy Option

Similar to sunscreen, mosquito repellent often gets a bad rap for being greasy. During testing, Off!’s product impressed us with its dry, long-lasting formula. It absorbed completely into the skin, leaving no residue or white cast, and had a powdery finish. For best results, we suggest applying a thin layer of moisturizer or sunscreen before use. Despite this, it remains highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests. 

As an aerosol repellent, it’s easy to apply and ensures even coverage. It’s safe for both skin and clothing, though it’s not recommended for use on acetate, leather, plastic, or similar surfaces. If you have oily skin or plan to sweat heavily outdoors, this non-greasy repellent is an excellent choice. 

Type: Aerosol | Active Ingredient: DEET | Protection Duration: 8 hours | Size: 4 ounces per bottle | EPA Registered: Yes

Top Long-Lasting Option

For outdoor activities like camping, yard work, or barbecues, a reliable and long-lasting mosquito repellent is essential. The Sawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellent stands out with its 11-hour protection. Unlike standard repellents, which wear off quickly, this controlled-release formula gradually releases DEET, ensuring prolonged effectiveness. During testing, we found that just a small amount of this lotion provided even coverage for both arms.

While the label claims the product is odorless, we noticed a slight astringent smell that faded over time and didn’t cling to clothing. Like many lotion-based repellents, it can feel slightly oily upon application, but this is a minor trade-off given its durability and effectiveness against mosquitoes and ticks. Additionally, it’s sweat-resistant and works well with sunscreen, making it ideal for all-day outdoor use. 

Type: Lotion | Active Ingredient: DEET | Protection Duration: 11 hours | Size: 4 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Top Lotion Option

Mosquito repellent lotions are perfect for ensuring even coverage on exposed skin, allowing you to spot any missed areas easily. This Sawyer lotion stands out for its effectiveness, thorough application, and portable packaging. During testing, we appreciated its sweat resistance and even coverage. While it felt slightly oily and had a mild citrus scent initially, both faded quickly as the lotion absorbed into the skin. However, it does leave a white cast, similar to sunscreen or other lotions. 

This repellent, made with picaridin, effectively wards off biting flies, ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, and other insects. While many lotion-based repellents can damage certain fabrics or surfaces, this product is safe for use with most clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing gear, and more. 

Type: Lotion | Active Ingredient: Picaridin | Protection Duration: 8-14 hours, depending on pest | Size: 2 or 4 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Top Travel-Friendly Option

When heading to mosquito-prone areas like tropical or humid destinations, a reliable and travel-friendly repellent is essential. The Off! Family Care Insect Repellent II With Picaridin is compact, making it easy to pack without taking up much space. Its fine mist nozzle ensures even coverage, providing effective protection against mosquitoes. 

During testing, we appreciated its lightweight, non-greasy formula that blended seamlessly into the skin. It remains effective even when sweating and is safe for use on clothing and plastics. However, its compact size may not be sufficient for multiple users, especially since it requires reapplication every two hours. 

Type: Spray | Active Ingredient: Picaridin | Protection Duration: 2 hours | Size: 4 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Most User-Friendly Application

Applying mosquito repellent should be quick and efficient to ensure full protection. The Coleman SkinSmart Insect Repellent stands out for its user-friendly application and durable effectiveness. During testing, we were impressed by the aerosol nozzle’s ability to distribute the product evenly, making it simple to rub into the skin. It also avoids leaving a white cast or sticky residue.

This repellent provides up to eight hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It uses IR3535, an EPA-approved active ingredient, ensuring effectiveness. While the bottle is larger and less travel-friendly, its rust-resistant design includes a leak-proof locking switch. It’s a reliable and easy-to-apply option for any outdoor adventure. 

Type: Aerosol | Active Ingredient: IR3535 | Longevity: 6-8 hours | Size: 6 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Top SPF-Infused Option

Sunny days often come with bugs, making a dual-purpose product that shields against both insects and harmful UV rays a smart choice. The Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Insect Repellent combines sunscreen and bug spray into one convenient solution.

With an impressive SPF 50, this formula is ideal for sunny summer outings. It protects against UVA and UVB rays while repelling insects for up to eight hours. Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, it keeps skin hydrated without a greasy feel. Additionally, it’s free of DEET and oxybenzone, making it coral-safe for swimmers. However, its water resistance lasts only 80 minutes, so frequent reapplication is necessary.

Type: Aerosol | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octyl methoxycinnamate, octisalate | Longevity: 8 hours | Size: 4.7 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Top Natural Option

If you're someone who likes knowing exactly what's going your skin, this pick from Repel is au naturale. Made with lemon eucalyptus oil, this plant-based repellent is entirely DEET free. In addition to being gentle on the skin, the lemon eucalyptus formula also offers a fresh smell—a nice alternative to the classic bug spray odor. That said, the aroma is still pretty strong, so we recommend trying it out on a small patch of skin before dousing your whole body.

This repellent can be applied directly to your skin or clothing, offering protection for up to six hours. It’s available in packs of one, two, or six, making it versatile for short outings or extended adventures. However, since it’s a spray and not an aerosol, achieving complete coverage might require a bit more effort.

Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: Lemon eucalyptus oil | Longevity: 6 hours | Size: 4 ounces | EPA Registered: Yes

Final Decision

Our favorite choice is Off! Active Insect Repellent, known for its effectiveness on both skin and clothing, along with its non-greasy texture. For those preferring a DEET-free option, we suggest EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent.

How We Tested

We rigorously tested 15 mosquito repellents, assessing them on criteria like effectiveness, user-friendliness, scent, coverage, and cost. For each product, we applied a small amount to our arms for five minutes to check for adverse reactions like itching or rashes. We observed the texture (lightweight or greasy), absorption rate, and drying time. Additionally, we evaluated the scent, noting whether it was pleasantly mild or overly strong.

Next, we applied the repellent to our entire arm. After it dried, we sprayed water to see if it washed off or remained intact. We then used the product at least five more times outdoors, monitoring its staying power and whether it matched the advertised protection duration. We also assessed portability, checking if the bottle was easy to carry and leak-proof.

Expert Tips for Choosing Mosquito Repellents

Type

Mosquito repellents are available in various forms, including lotions, sprays, wipes, and oils. Our testing covered lotions, aerosols, trigger sprays, and spritz sprays. The ideal type depends on your lifestyle. For instance, lotions may be easier to apply on children, while sprays, like our top choice Off! Active Insect Repellent, are versatile for both skin and clothing.

Ingredients

McHale highlights DEET and picaridin as the most common active ingredients, with IR3535 and lemon eucalyptus also being effective. “These are all EPA-registered components used in insect and tick repellents,” he explains. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that DEET concentrations of 20% to 30% provide protection lasting two to 10 hours. However, concentrations above 50% do not enhance effectiveness.

“DEET, originally developed for military use, has the longest track record among repellents and boasts a strong safety profile, aside from rare minor skin irritations,” McHale notes. “It’s widely regarded as the most effective tick repellent, though it can leave an odor, a greasy feel, and may harm certain synthetic materials.”

Picaridin, a common ingredient in mosquito repellents, is a synthetic compound derived from the same plant used to produce table pepper. It is odorless and highly effective against flying and biting insects. However, McHale points out that it lacks the extensive safety history associated with DEET.

Application and Use

The effectiveness of mosquito repellents can vary based on their type and formulation. Some may require frequent reapplication or perform poorly with sweat and water. Identifying your needs and preferences can guide you to the right choice. For instance, Sawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellent offers 11 hours of consistent protection and is resistant to sweat.

“Choosing the right formulation depends on your planned activities,” McHale advises. “Consider the concentration of the active ingredient and how often you can reapply during your outing.” The Bullfrog SPF 50 Mosquito Coast Sunscreen and Insect Repellant is unique for combining sunscreen and repellent, but its water resistance lasts only 80 minutes, necessitating frequent reapplication.

Additional Mosquito Repellents Worth Exploring

Natrapel Tick & Insect Repellent: This repellent, powered by picaridin, delivers up to 12 hours of defense against mosquitoes and ticks. Its fine mist aerosol ensures broad coverage without the need for rubbing. However, we noticed its fragrance was overly potent, and the spray dispensed more liquid than necessary.

Off! Sportsmen Deep Woods Insect Repellent 3: While the strong DEET scent was off-putting, this repellent offers up to eight hours of protection against mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, sand flies, no-see-ums, stable flies, and black flies. It also deters ticks, chiggers, and fleas. The spray emits a thin, forceful stream, requiring thorough application for even coverage.

Common Questions

What is the most effective mosquito repellent?

With numerous options and several effective ingredients, finding the best mosquito repellent for you may require some experimentation. McHale suggests opting for products containing DEET or picaridin for maximum effectiveness.

What scent will keep mosquitoes away?

The EPA notes that specific scents, particularly in topical repellents, can effectively repel mosquitoes and other insects. Examples include catnip oil, citronella oil, and lemon eucalyptus oil. “Lemon eucalyptus, in particular, has proven effective against flying, biting insects attracted to carbon dioxide and lactic acid,” McHale explains. “Most repellents disrupt the insects’ olfactory receptors.”

To further prevent mosquitoes, especially around your home, McHale highlights harborage elimination as a safe and effective strategy. (You can also use a mosquito repellent designed for your yard.)

“Key measures include agitators in decorative ponds, removing standing water, and directing rainwater away from living spaces,” McHale states. “This involves using citronella or lemon eucalyptus candles outdoors, introducing mosquito-eating fish to ponds to disrupt breeding, covering ponds with bird netting to prevent leaf buildup that attracts mosquitoes, and placing oscillating fans near gathering areas to deter flying insects.”

How long do mosquito repellents last on your skin?

The duration of protection provided by a mosquito repellent depends on several factors. McHale advises checking the concentration of the active ingredient and following application guidelines, as reapplication often extends protection.

“The effectiveness is directly tied to the concentration of the active ingredient,” he explains. “For instance, 10% DEET or 7% picaridin, when applied as directed, offers about two hours of protection, while 20% increases it to four hours. However, studies show that protection does not improve significantly beyond 20%.”

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by L. Daniela Alvarez, a Mytour contributor with three years of experience in lifestyle and product review writing, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a Mytour writer. We tested 15 mosquito repellents, assessing them on effectiveness, usability, scent, coverage, and value. Additionally, we reviewed other popular brands, focusing on their ingredients and performance. For expert insights, we consulted Jim McHale, president and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management.