The best bug sprays for 2025

If you prefer to avoid aerosol sprays, Proven makes an excellent picaridin-based bug spray. Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical compound found in the black pepper plant family. It’s not as smelly as DEET, and according to some research, picaridin is just as effective at repelling bugs as DEET.

The proven picaridin pump spray is the only one I found to be truly odorless in my testing. I would probably look crazy to passers-by if they saw me smelling my skin and clothes to catch such a smell.

For a pump spray, it doesn’t have a bad texture — plus, it goes on pretty easily and I only had to rub it in a small amount. It was quickly absorbed. Of all the bug sprays I’ve used in my life, this was my first time trying Proven and I will definitely buy it in the future.

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

Without two chemicals proven to repel bugs, it’s natural to think that this bug spray isn’t as effective as its counterparts that contain DEET or picaridin. The CDC and EPA recognize oil of lemon eucalyptus as an effective insect repellent. The Natrapel bottle says it offers up to six hours of protection versus the typical eight to 12 in DEET and picaridin products.

However, if you don’t mind applying more often, an aerosol or pump spray of Natrapel is a good option. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is an oil, this bug spray doesn’t feel as greasy as you might expect. It’s a bit harsher to rub in compared to DEET sprays and picaridin, 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’m obsessed with these permethrin bug repellants from Sawyer. I sprayed all my fabric patio furniture and the tarp covering my home gym equipment. Permethrin is an insect repellent designed for clothing and equipment — it should not be used on the skin or on clothing while you are wearing it. Seriously, listen to the safety instructions.

Aerosol permethrin creates a nice wide, even and fast spray. I covered my outdoor furniture with this easily in seconds. The pump spray is less convenient, but still good.

While the bottles say the product is fragrance free, I did notice a slight smell while using the sprays. It smelled similar to spray paint, but much less strong. These bottles aren’t something I’d want to travel with — they’re quite large — so I’d recommend spraying your gear before heading out on a camping trip or other outdoor adventure.

Sawyer’s Permethrin Spray lasts up to six weeks or six washes.

Not a fan of sprinkles? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Like the Proven pump spray, the fragrance-free lotion is truly fragrance-free. The “gentle scent” lotion smells so nice that I would use it as regular lotion if I didn’t know it was an insect repellant!

This lotion uses the same 20% picaridin formula as the proven pump spray. Conveniently sized, these bottles would be easy to travel with, and the smaller bottle is also suitable for air travel.

I personally think the lotion is better for hiking and backpacking because it absorbs better into the skin. I feel like I’m less likely to sweat on hot, active days.

For extremely packable bug repellent, try wipes. I like Ben’s 30% DEET wipes because I know they are effective and they are easy to take anywhere. You can easily take insect repellent wipes on the plane, throw a few in your day bag for unexpected snags, and stock up on lightweight repellent for multi-day outdoor excursions. On Amazon, you can get four packs of 12 wipes.

Wipes are also great if you don’t feel like spraying or rubbing lotion on your skin — instead of rubbing dirt into your skin while applying a spray, these wipes actually clean your skin while adding protection against blemishes. Wipes also make it easier to protect your skin while avoiding damage to your clothes. (At higher concentrations, DEET can leave marks on certain fabrics.)

Natrapel strikes again with picaridin bug wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is almost odorless with up to 12 hours of protection. These wipes are a little softer than the Ben’s wipes above, but still wipe away dirt effectively.

Like Ben’s wipes, these are extremely portable and can fit into almost any type of package you plan to carry. It’s a win-win all around.