The 9 Best Bug Sprays We Tested While Camping, Hiking, and Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TestedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tested

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Denise Domlesky

People / Denise Domlesky

Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor activity like a swarm of insects — and the pesky bug bites that follow.Whether camping or hiking, laying on the beach, or simply taking an evening stroll, having a reliable bug spray on hand is crucial for keeping mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and more at bay. But with the wide variety of options available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming.Pro Tip!When shopping for a bug spray, make sure that the product is EPA-registered, recommendsHolly Tuten, a vector ecologist (disease-carrying bugs expert) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. AnEPA registration number, which consumers can find on the bottle, indicates that the product has been tested and approved as safe and effective for the duration listed on the packaging.Over six weeks, we tested 10 different bug spray formulas, including two editor picks. Our testers applied the sprays in a variety of outdoor scenarios and evaluated each product’s ease of use, coverage, duration, scent, and overall effectiveness. The bug sprays we’ve hand-picked below were a cut above the rest.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Cheaper:SALEOff! Family Care Insect Repellent at Amazon$14$10Jump to ReviewBest Budget:OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest Long-Lasting:Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest for Travel:EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect Repellent at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Camping:Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest DEET-Free:SALEProven Insect Repellent Spray at Amazon$18$14Jump to ReviewBest Natural:Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Wipes:SALECutter All Family Mosquito Wipes at Amazon$7$5Jump to Review

Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor activity like a swarm of insects — and the pesky bug bites that follow.

Whether camping or hiking, laying on the beach, or simply taking an evening stroll, having a reliable bug spray on hand is crucial for keeping mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and more at bay. But with the wide variety of options available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming.

Pro Tip!When shopping for a bug spray, make sure that the product is EPA-registered, recommendsHolly Tuten, a vector ecologist (disease-carrying bugs expert) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. AnEPA registration number, which consumers can find on the bottle, indicates that the product has been tested and approved as safe and effective for the duration listed on the packaging.

Pro Tip!

When shopping for a bug spray, make sure that the product is EPA-registered, recommendsHolly Tuten, a vector ecologist (disease-carrying bugs expert) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. AnEPA registration number, which consumers can find on the bottle, indicates that the product has been tested and approved as safe and effective for the duration listed on the packaging.

Over six weeks, we tested 10 different bug spray formulas, including two editor picks. Our testers applied the sprays in a variety of outdoor scenarios and evaluated each product’s ease of use, coverage, duration, scent, and overall effectiveness. The bug sprays we’ve hand-picked below were a cut above the rest.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Cheaper:SALEOff! Family Care Insect Repellent at Amazon$14$10Jump to ReviewBest Budget:OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest Long-Lasting:Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest for Travel:EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect Repellent at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Camping:Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest DEET-Free:SALEProven Insect Repellent Spray at Amazon$18$14Jump to ReviewBest Natural:Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Wipes:SALECutter All Family Mosquito Wipes at Amazon$7$5Jump to Review

Best Overall:Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Cheaper:SALEOff! Family Care Insect Repellent at Amazon$14$10Jump to ReviewBest Budget:OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest Long-Lasting:Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest for Travel:EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect Repellent at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Camping:Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest DEET-Free:SALEProven Insect Repellent Spray at Amazon$18$14Jump to ReviewBest Natural:Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Wipes:SALECutter All Family Mosquito Wipes at Amazon$7$5Jump to Review

Best Overall:Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to Review

Best Overall:Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent at Amazon$21

Best Overall:

Best Overall, Cheaper:SALEOff! Family Care Insect Repellent at Amazon$14$10Jump to Review

Best Overall, Cheaper:SALEOff! Family Care Insect Repellent at Amazon$14$10

Best Overall, Cheaper:

SALE

Best Budget:OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent at Amazon$8Jump to Review

Best Budget:OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent at Amazon$8

Best Budget:

Best Long-Lasting:Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent at Amazon$7Jump to Review

Best Long-Lasting:Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent at Amazon$7

Best Long-Lasting:

Best for Travel:EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect Repellent at Amazon$16Jump to Review

Best for Travel:EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect Repellent at Amazon$16

Best for Travel:

Best for Camping:Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent at Amazon$21Jump to Review

Best for Camping:Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent at Amazon$21

Best for Camping:

Best DEET-Free:SALEProven Insect Repellent Spray at Amazon$18$14Jump to Review

Best DEET-Free:SALEProven Insect Repellent Spray at Amazon$18$14

Best DEET-Free:

Best Natural:Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Natural:Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent at Amazon$30

Best Natural:

Best Wipes:SALECutter All Family Mosquito Wipes at Amazon$7$5Jump to Review

Best Wipes:SALECutter All Family Mosquito Wipes at Amazon$7$5

Best Wipes:

Best OverallSawyer Products Premium Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$21 at Amazon$21 at Walmart$9 at REI

Best OverallSawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent

Best Overall

Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent

PHOTO: Amazon

$21 at Amazon$21 at Walmart$9 at REI

Star QualitiesExceptional protection with one applicationOdorless and not greasyEasy-to-use dispensing pumpRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesExceptional protection with one applicationOdorless and not greasyEasy-to-use dispensing pump

Exceptional protection with one application

Odorless and not greasy

Easy-to-use dispensing pump

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any

Couldn’t find any

Sawyer Products’ spray is also odorless — a plus for anyone sensitive to strong smells — and has a non-greasy finish. Its dispensing pump is very precise, preventing any spillage, but it may be slightly inconvenient for those who prefer the ultra-quick application of a true spray. You can’t go wrong with this solid, DEET-free option with its pleasant user experience.

Type:Pump spray |Pest Type:Ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, and more |Size:3 oz. |Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)

PHOTO: People / Kelly LewisPHOTO: People / Kelly LewisPHOTO: People / Kelly LewisPHOTO: People / Kelly LewisPHOTO: People / Kelly Lewis

Best Overall, CheaperOff! Family Care Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$14$10 at Amazon$8 at Target$7 at WalmartStar QualitiesVery effectiveDries quicklyLeaves no residue/scentRed FlagsNozzle initially overspraysOnly available in larger sizeFor those on a budget, Off!’s Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent offers reliable protection against mosquito bites for an affordable price. Amid our test, it performed well in several conditions, including at a backyard party and during several full days of gardening and hiking. In these situations, our tester felt bugs landing on her body but ended the day without any bites — a major win in our book.We also appreciated that this product dried quickly — the brand touts it as a powder-dry formula — and that it left zero residue on the skin for a barely-there feel. (The formula did have a slight smell straight out of the bottle, but the odor vanished as the product dried.)Our one criticism — that this product’s nozzle initially oversprays — was no match for its effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for all ages.The More You KnowAlthough questions often arise about the use of DEET, particularly on children,no existing data evidences a need to restrict the use of DEET, according to the EPA. (The chemical is also approved for use on children with no age restrictions.)Type:Spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers |Size:4 oz.|Active Ingredient:DEET (15%)PHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela Andaloro

Best Overall, CheaperOff! Family Care Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$14$10 at Amazon$8 at Target$7 at Walmart

Best Overall, CheaperOff! Family Care Insect Repellent

Best Overall, Cheaper

Off! Family Care Insect Repellent

$14$10 at Amazon$8 at Target$7 at Walmart

Star QualitiesVery effectiveDries quicklyLeaves no residue/scentRed FlagsNozzle initially overspraysOnly available in larger size

Star QualitiesVery effectiveDries quicklyLeaves no residue/scent

Very effective

Dries quickly

Leaves no residue/scent

Red FlagsNozzle initially overspraysOnly available in larger size

Nozzle initially oversprays

Only available in larger size

For those on a budget, Off!’s Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent offers reliable protection against mosquito bites for an affordable price. Amid our test, it performed well in several conditions, including at a backyard party and during several full days of gardening and hiking. In these situations, our tester felt bugs landing on her body but ended the day without any bites — a major win in our book.

We also appreciated that this product dried quickly — the brand touts it as a powder-dry formula — and that it left zero residue on the skin for a barely-there feel. (The formula did have a slight smell straight out of the bottle, but the odor vanished as the product dried.)

Our one criticism — that this product’s nozzle initially oversprays — was no match for its effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for all ages.

The More You KnowAlthough questions often arise about the use of DEET, particularly on children,no existing data evidences a need to restrict the use of DEET, according to the EPA. (The chemical is also approved for use on children with no age restrictions.)

The More You Know

Although questions often arise about the use of DEET, particularly on children,no existing data evidences a need to restrict the use of DEET, according to the EPA. (The chemical is also approved for use on children with no age restrictions.)

Type:Spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers |Size:4 oz.|Active Ingredient:DEET (15%)

PHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela AndaloroPHOTO: People / Angela Andaloro

Best BudgetOFF! Clean Feel Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$8$7 at Amazon$8 at Target$11 at WalgreensStar QualitiesLong-lastingLeft no sticky residue or scentDries fastReduced bug bitesRed FlagsNone that we could findAnother offering from the drugstore staple Off!, the brand’s Clean Feel Insect Repellent is highly effective, user-friendly, and affordable. We found that it provided reliable, long-lasting mosquito protection, even in humid conditions — like a trip to Disney World in the Florida heat — as well as during extended outdoor activities in the rain. Each time, one thorough application delivered on the eight hours promised on the bottle.Its formula was quick-drying and non-greasy. It also had a light, sweet scent, despite being marked as fragrance-free. Its spray nozzle applied the product evenly and was easy to use, though some may prefer to spread the product with their hands for full coverage.Type:Aerosol spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies |Size:4 oz.|Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)PHOTO: People / Jen HauptPHOTO: People / Jen HauptPHOTO: People / Jen Haupt

Best BudgetOFF! Clean Feel Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$8$7 at Amazon$8 at Target$11 at Walgreens

Best BudgetOFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent

Best Budget

OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent

$8$7 at Amazon$8 at Target$11 at Walgreens

Star QualitiesLong-lastingLeft no sticky residue or scentDries fastReduced bug bitesRed FlagsNone that we could find

Star QualitiesLong-lastingLeft no sticky residue or scentDries fastReduced bug bites

Long-lasting

Left no sticky residue or scent

Dries fast

Reduced bug bites

Red FlagsNone that we could find

None that we could find

Another offering from the drugstore staple Off!, the brand’s Clean Feel Insect Repellent is highly effective, user-friendly, and affordable. We found that it provided reliable, long-lasting mosquito protection, even in humid conditions — like a trip to Disney World in the Florida heat — as well as during extended outdoor activities in the rain. Each time, one thorough application delivered on the eight hours promised on the bottle.

Its formula was quick-drying and non-greasy. It also had a light, sweet scent, despite being marked as fragrance-free. Its spray nozzle applied the product evenly and was easy to use, though some may prefer to spread the product with their hands for full coverage.

Type:Aerosol spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies |Size:4 oz.|Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)

PHOTO: People / Jen HauptPHOTO: People / Jen HauptPHOTO: People / Jen Haupt

Best Long-LastingCutter Backwoods Dry Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$7 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$10 at WalgreensStar QualitiesExtremely long-lasting even when wetEasy-to-use misting nozzleRed FlagsStrong chemical/DEET smell may be off-putting for someIn our testing, we found that Cutter’s Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent stood out for its long-lasting coverage. It lived up to its claim of 10 hours of protection — even through sweat, rain, and a brief dip in the pool. Our tester noted that she didn’t need to reapply throughout the day either, and that its fine mist spray was incredibly easy to apply.Our only complaint about this product was its strong and unpleasant odor, potentially due to its high concentration of DEET (25 percent) compared to other formulas. While its scent may limit its desirability, particularly for frequent use, it was incredibly effective and could be a fit for those seeking serious, long-lasting protection.Type:Spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, biting flies, no-see-ums, gnats, and fleas |Size:4 oz.|Active Ingredient:DEET (25%)PHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise Domlesky

Best Long-LastingCutter Backwoods Dry Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$7 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$10 at Walgreens

Best Long-LastingCutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent

Best Long-Lasting

Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent

$7 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$10 at Walgreens

Star QualitiesExtremely long-lasting even when wetEasy-to-use misting nozzleRed FlagsStrong chemical/DEET smell may be off-putting for some

Star QualitiesExtremely long-lasting even when wetEasy-to-use misting nozzle

Extremely long-lasting even when wet

Easy-to-use misting nozzle

Red FlagsStrong chemical/DEET smell may be off-putting for some

Strong chemical/DEET smell may be off-putting for some

In our testing, we found that Cutter’s Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent stood out for its long-lasting coverage. It lived up to its claim of 10 hours of protection — even through sweat, rain, and a brief dip in the pool. Our tester noted that she didn’t need to reapply throughout the day either, and that its fine mist spray was incredibly easy to apply.

Our only complaint about this product was its strong and unpleasant odor, potentially due to its high concentration of DEET (25 percent) compared to other formulas. While its scent may limit its desirability, particularly for frequent use, it was incredibly effective and could be a fit for those seeking serious, long-lasting protection.

Type:Spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, biting flies, no-see-ums, gnats, and fleas |Size:4 oz.|Active Ingredient:DEET (25%)

PHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise DomleskyPHOTO: People / Denise Domlesky

Best for TravelEarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$16 at Amazon$27 at Walmart

Best for TravelEarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect Repellent

Best for Travel

EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Travel Size Insect Repellent

$16 at Amazon$27 at Walmart

Star QualitiesAlmost entirely effective at deterring bugsPleasant and mild smellDewy, non-greasy finishLong-lastingRed FlagsSpotty coverage due to nozzle spraying dropletsRequires rubbing in

Star QualitiesAlmost entirely effective at deterring bugsPleasant and mild smellDewy, non-greasy finishLong-lasting

Almost entirely effective at deterring bugs

Pleasant and mild smell

Dewy, non-greasy finish

Red FlagsSpotty coverage due to nozzle spraying dropletsRequires rubbing in

Spotty coverage due to nozzle spraying droplets

Requires rubbing in

Type:Spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers |Size:0.6 oz.|Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)

PHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina OllingerPHOTO: People / Kalina Ollinger

Best for CampingRanger Ready Tick & Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$21 at AmazonView on VitacostStar QualitiesEasy-to-use misting nozzleProvides good coverageAlmost odorlessSmooth, non-greasy finishRed FlagsRequired multiple applications in humid conditionsGoing camping? Reach for Ranger Ready’s Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray. We tested this product on a four-day camping trip in deep wooded territory and found that it was effective at repelling bugs for several hours, even during activities like hiking and kayaking. Its minty and citrusy scent was a pleasant surprise, and the fine mist spray was easy to apply and provided even coverage without leaving any residue on the skin.One thing to note: While this spray promises 12-hour protection, it appeared to wear off slightly during more humid conditions and we ended up reapplying it every four hours just to be safe. Despite this, its performance and ease of use make it a solid option for repelling bugs in the wild.Type:Non-aerosol spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, no-see-ums, and fleas |Size:8 oz.|Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)PHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry Yung

Best for CampingRanger Ready Tick & Insect RepellentPHOTO: Amazon$21 at AmazonView on Vitacost

Best for CampingRanger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent

Best for Camping

Ranger Ready Tick & Insect Repellent

$21 at AmazonView on Vitacost

Star QualitiesEasy-to-use misting nozzleProvides good coverageAlmost odorlessSmooth, non-greasy finishRed FlagsRequired multiple applications in humid conditions

Star QualitiesEasy-to-use misting nozzleProvides good coverageAlmost odorlessSmooth, non-greasy finish

Provides good coverage

Almost odorless

Smooth, non-greasy finish

Red FlagsRequired multiple applications in humid conditions

Required multiple applications in humid conditions

Going camping? Reach for Ranger Ready’s Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray. We tested this product on a four-day camping trip in deep wooded territory and found that it was effective at repelling bugs for several hours, even during activities like hiking and kayaking. Its minty and citrusy scent was a pleasant surprise, and the fine mist spray was easy to apply and provided even coverage without leaving any residue on the skin.

One thing to note: While this spray promises 12-hour protection, it appeared to wear off slightly during more humid conditions and we ended up reapplying it every four hours just to be safe. Despite this, its performance and ease of use make it a solid option for repelling bugs in the wild.

Type:Non-aerosol spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, no-see-ums, and fleas |Size:8 oz.|Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)

PHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry YungPHOTO: People / Henry Yung

Best DEET-FreeProven Insect Repellent SprayPHOTO: Amazon$18$14 at AmazonStar QualitiesExtremely long-lasting (12 hours) even when wetA little goes a long wayOdorlessRed FlagsSmall bottle for the priceAlthough research shows that, as an insect repellent,DEET is safe for use as directed— including on the skin, hair, clothes, and footwear — not everyone prefers to use it. For an alternative, reach for Proven’s Insect Repellent Spray, which contains 20 percent picaridin — another insect repellent with broad efficacy against various insects —  for a full 12 hours of protection, even during activities like swimming.Beyond its effectiveness, we noted that this product was easy to apply, with minimal stickiness compared to other sprays, and that it doesn’t have a noticeable odor. Although a little goes a long way, the bottle is slightly small for the price, which might be a drawback for some.Type:Spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, chiggers, and no-see-ums |Size:6 oz. |Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)PHOTO: People / Charna FlamPHOTO: People / Charna Flam

Best DEET-FreeProven Insect Repellent SprayPHOTO: Amazon$18$14 at Amazon

Best DEET-FreeProven Insect Repellent Spray

Best DEET-Free

Proven Insect Repellent Spray

$18$14 at Amazon

Star QualitiesExtremely long-lasting (12 hours) even when wetA little goes a long wayOdorlessRed FlagsSmall bottle for the price

Star QualitiesExtremely long-lasting (12 hours) even when wetA little goes a long wayOdorless

Extremely long-lasting (12 hours) even when wet

A little goes a long way

Odorless

Red FlagsSmall bottle for the price

Small bottle for the price

Although research shows that, as an insect repellent,DEET is safe for use as directed— including on the skin, hair, clothes, and footwear — not everyone prefers to use it. For an alternative, reach for Proven’s Insect Repellent Spray, which contains 20 percent picaridin — another insect repellent with broad efficacy against various insects —  for a full 12 hours of protection, even during activities like swimming.

Beyond its effectiveness, we noted that this product was easy to apply, with minimal stickiness compared to other sprays, and that it doesn’t have a noticeable odor. Although a little goes a long way, the bottle is slightly small for the price, which might be a drawback for some.

Type:Spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, chiggers, and no-see-ums |Size:6 oz. |Active Ingredient:Picaridin (20%)

PHOTO: People / Charna FlamPHOTO: People / Charna Flam

Best NaturalMurphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick RepellentPHOTO: Grove$30 at Amazon$17 at WalmartView on Grove.coStar QualitiesEPA-registered essential oil formulaSafe for use on childrenRed FlagsCouldn’t find anyThis natural formula features a 30 percent concentration of oil of lemon eucalyptus and is EPA-registered, meaning it does exactly what it promises: It repels mosquitoes for up to six hours, deer ticks for up to four hours, and lone star and brown dog ticks for more than eight hours. (It’s also usable for all ages.)It’s also a tried-and-true favorite of PEOPLE shopping editorMadison Yauger: “I love the lemon eucalyptus scent. We have an annual beach trip and I always worry about ticks and mosquitos, and this spray seemed to keep them at bay.”Type:Non-aerosol spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes and ticks |Size:6 oz.|Active Ingredient:Oil of lemon eucalyptus (30%)PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Best NaturalMurphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick RepellentPHOTO: Grove$30 at Amazon$17 at WalmartView on Grove.co

Best NaturalMurphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent

Best Natural

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent

PHOTO: Grove

$30 at Amazon$17 at WalmartView on Grove.co

Star QualitiesEPA-registered essential oil formulaSafe for use on childrenRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesEPA-registered essential oil formulaSafe for use on children

EPA-registered essential oil formula

Safe for use on children

This natural formula features a 30 percent concentration of oil of lemon eucalyptus and is EPA-registered, meaning it does exactly what it promises: It repels mosquitoes for up to six hours, deer ticks for up to four hours, and lone star and brown dog ticks for more than eight hours. (It’s also usable for all ages.)

It’s also a tried-and-true favorite of PEOPLE shopping editorMadison Yauger: “I love the lemon eucalyptus scent. We have an annual beach trip and I always worry about ticks and mosquitos, and this spray seemed to keep them at bay.”

Type:Non-aerosol spray |Pest Type:Mosquitoes and ticks |Size:6 oz.|Active Ingredient:Oil of lemon eucalyptus (30%)

PHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison YaugerPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

Best WipesCutter All Family Mosquito WipesPHOTO: Amazon$7$5 at Amazon$5 at Walmart$5 at Home DepotStar QualitiesEasy-to-wise wipesIngredients safe for all agesRed FlagsOnly 15 wipes per pack, so they don’t last as long as a sprayWhile all other products on this list are sprays, we’d be remiss not to mention one alternative option — a wipe! — that’s a favorite of PEOPLE shopping editorKayla Kitts. Containing a lower concentration of DEET (7.5 percent), Kitts recommends these wipes because they’re easy to use on the go and they’re safe for the whole family. “My son is a mosquito magnet, so we have tried every product possible,” she says. “These wipes are the only thing that has worked for him!” However, there are only 15 wipes per pack, so even though wipes are great for covering more areas than spray, you won’t get as much mileage out of them.Type:Wipes |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas |Size:15 wipes|Active Ingredient:DEET (7.5%)

Best WipesCutter All Family Mosquito WipesPHOTO: Amazon$7$5 at Amazon$5 at Walmart$5 at Home Depot

Best WipesCutter All Family Mosquito Wipes

Best Wipes

Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes

$7$5 at Amazon$5 at Walmart$5 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesEasy-to-wise wipesIngredients safe for all agesRed FlagsOnly 15 wipes per pack, so they don’t last as long as a spray

Star QualitiesEasy-to-wise wipesIngredients safe for all ages

Easy-to-wise wipes

Ingredients safe for all ages

Red FlagsOnly 15 wipes per pack, so they don’t last as long as a spray

Only 15 wipes per pack, so they don’t last as long as a spray

While all other products on this list are sprays, we’d be remiss not to mention one alternative option — a wipe! — that’s a favorite of PEOPLE shopping editorKayla Kitts. Containing a lower concentration of DEET (7.5 percent), Kitts recommends these wipes because they’re easy to use on the go and they’re safe for the whole family. “My son is a mosquito magnet, so we have tried every product possible,” she says. “These wipes are the only thing that has worked for him!” However, there are only 15 wipes per pack, so even though wipes are great for covering more areas than spray, you won’t get as much mileage out of them.

Type:Wipes |Pest Type:Mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas |Size:15 wipes|Active Ingredient:DEET (7.5%)

Other Bug Sprays We Tested

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent:When we tested Repel’s Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, we found that although it’s effective at repelling mosquitoes, even in hot and humid conditions, full coverage requires a thorough application. Also, although its formula isn’t sticky or greasy, its strong lemon eucalyptus scent can be overpowering. It’s practical for on-the-go use, but its intense smell might deter some users from repurchasing.

What to Know About Bug Sprays

Consider the Setting

When choosing the right bug spray or insect repellent, the first step is to plan ahead — to consider where you’ll be wearing it and for how long. “Think about things like the ages of the people in your group, how long you’re going to be outside, and what type of environment you’re going to be in,” says Tuten. “For example, hiking across an open desert will have different challenges than hiking in a forest, off-trail with high grass.”

Once you’ve identified those specific requirements — relating to your environment, the insects that might be present there, and how long you’ll need protection — search for a formula that meets them.

Choose an EPA-Registered Formula

“An EPA Registration Number lets a consumer know that the product has been tested and approved — including for the duration indicated on the bottle — as safe and efficacious,” says Tuten. In short, to ensure that a bug spray works the way it claims, choose an EPA-registered product.

Curious about a specific product but don’t have it on hand? The EPA also has a search tool forconsumers to find out if certain formulas are EPA-registered.

To identify the best bug sprays on the market, our PEOPLE Tested team spent 700 hours with 10 formulas. Our testers applied each spray a minimum of five times in a variety of outdoor scenarios, from a four-day camping trip to a summer pool party, evaluating the below characteristics.

Avery Stoneis a contributing writer for PEOPLE and was previously the editorial director forByrdieandBrides. Her work has also appeared inThe Cut(NYMag),The Wall Street Journal,The Hollywood Reporter,Bustle,Billboard, ELLE, GQ, VICE,Eater, NYLON,Refinery29, and more.

When covering the best bug sprays, Avery thoroughly inspected the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn more about their individual experiences and make note of any noteworthy results. She also connected withHolly Tuten, a vector ecologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, to learn more about bug sprays, their benefits, and what to look for in their formulas.

Our Expert PanelHolly Tutenis a vector ecologist (vectors are agents that carry disease, such as bugs) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Our Expert Panel

Holly Tutenis a vector ecologist (vectors are agents that carry disease, such as bugs) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com