There are a lot of great things about summer. Bugs are not one of them. Pesky insects have the potential to ruin backyard bliss and leave you more concerned about getting bit than having fun. So this season, get prepared by buying a bug spray that works. We tried a variety of insect repellents, listed here in order of price from lowest to highest, to choose the best overall.
Prices and availability may vary.
Related: 22 Cheap, Natural Ways to Rid Your Home of Pests
The Lowdown on DEET
Most of the products we tried contain DEET, which has been used as an insect repellent in the United States for more than 50 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a product with at least 20% DEET for effective, long-lasting protection against mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile viruses. Some people may prefer more natural methods of repelling insects, but non-chemical alternatives such as citronella have not been evaluated for effectiveness by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Related: 15 Ways to Repel Bugs Naturally (and Cheaply)
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
Price: $3.49 for a 4-ounce pump spray from Target ($0.87/ounce) Shop Now
Active ingredient: 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus Scent: Smelly, week-old lemons Effectiveness: Decent
Our Review of Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
For an alternative to bug sprays containing DEET, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent contains 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus, a naturally sourced active ingredient. It also had one of the most pungent and unpleasant smells of any product we tested. It may be that the bugs also hate the smell — they did seem to stay away.
OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent Smooth & Dry
Price: $8.59 for a 4-ounce aerosol spray from Target ($2.17/ounce) Shop Now
Active ingredient: 15% DEET Scent: Mild Effectiveness: Good
Our Review of OFF! FamilyCare Smooth & Dry
OFF!, an SC Johnson company, has been around since 1886 and makes a variety of bug repellents and sprays. Its FamilyCare Smooth & Dry line is more like a powder-dry aerosol deodorant spray. You spritz it on and there’s no need to wait for it to dry. The best feature is that it won’t damage clothing. It lasts up to six hours but doesn’t contain quite the concentration of DEET that the CDC recommends for long-lasting protection.
Related: Dumb Mistakes to Avoid While Camping
Trending on Cheapism
Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent
Price: $5.12 for a 7.5-ounce aerosol spray from Walmart ($0.68/ounce) Shop Now
Active ingredient: 25% DEET Scent: Faint bug repellent Effectiveness: Excellent
Our Review of Cutter Backwoods
For sweaty, outdoor activities, there’s Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent. This product features unscented 25% DEET and a 10-hour, sweat-resistant formula. It’s rated highly in other tests by consumer product experts, and it’s a good value for the money. Although all the products smelled like bug spray — even those labeled “unscented” — Cutter Backwoods was pretty inoffensive, fading within 20 minutes of application.
For more smart outdoor tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII (Dry)
Price: $7.98 for a 4-ounce aerosol spray from Lowe’s ($2.00/ounce) Shop Now
Active ingredient: 25% DEET Scent: Citrus Effectiveness: Very good
Sign up for our newsletter
Our Review of Off Deep Woods (Dry)
This repellant provides effective protection for up to eight hours against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, and chiggers. Of the four products we tried, this one smelled the least offensive, with a mild citrus scent. It’s a dry spray, so it doesn’t feel greasy. It exceeds the CDC-recommended minimum of 20% DEET for prolonged outdoor activities such as hiking.
And the Best Bug Spray Is …
Of the four products we tested, Cutter Backwoods is the best overall insect repellent. It’s cost-effective, with the lowest price per ounce. It’s formulated to work longer and doesn’t smell bad. For those who would prefer a less oily texture, it also comes in a “dry” variety.
Related: We Tried 7 Lotions for Dry Skin and This Is the Best
