The best mosquito repellents, from sprays to lotions

Mosquitos are small but formidable creatures. In addition to causing itching, mosquito bites can transmit diseases like malaria, West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya, according to Richard J. Pollack, Ph.D., senior environmental public health officer at Harvard University. 

Pollack explains that choosing the right mosquito repellent depends on the person and the circumstances. However, “a good repellent can dramatically reduce the number of bites a person receives,” he says. That “will not only reduce how often we’ll suffer itching from the bites, but it should also reduce the chance that we’ll become infected by the pathogens the mosquito might pass onto us,” Pollack says. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a mosquito repellent. However, we chose Deep Woods Off as our best mosquito repellent overall because it has long-lasting protection, ingredients proven to repel mosquitos, and a nonsticky formula most people will be able to tolerate. 

(You really are a mosquito magnet. Here's what they're drawn to—and what you can do about it.)

The best mosquito and insect repellents

Best overall mosquito repellent: Deep Woods Off 

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Why we like it: Deep Woods Off is our best overall mosquito repellent. This mosquito repellent will work well for most people in most situations. It contains 25 percent DEET, which Amy Duckro, DO, infectious diseases physician with Kaiser Permanente, says is proven to repel mosquitos. The aerosol spray bottle also makes it easy to apply the repellent evenly and completely. 

(How much DEET do you need? Here's what the EPA recommends.)

Deep Woods Off also has a dry-to-the-touch formula that should help prevent hands and clothing from getting sticky. Plus, its long-lasting formula means you can go longer between applications. That increases the chances you will stay protected. 

Keep in mind: Some users don’t like the smell of Deep Woods Off.

Product details: Form: Aerosol Spray | Active Ingredients: DEET

Best mosquito repellent with DEET: Cutter Backwoods Dry 

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Why we like it: Cutter Backwoods Dry is our choice for the best mosquito repellent with DEET. It’s sweat-resistant, lasts for up to 10 hours, and feels dry to the touch. Cutter Backwoods Dry also comes in a smaller bottle that's easier to pack and carry.

This is also a good choice for a mosquito repellent that is effective against other insects, including ticks, gnats, fleas, and biting flies. Bites from these insects can also cause itching and disease. Choosing the best mosquito and insect repellent that works well against these critters means fewer products to worry about to try to stay healthy. 

Keep in mind: Like some of our other picks, some users complain about the smell. However, since scent is largely a matter of personal preference, this won’t bother everyone. Additionally, some people don’t like the smaller-sized containers, but that is a bonus for those who like to cut down on weight in their bags. 

Product details: Form: Aerosol Spray | Active Ingredient: 25% DEET 

Best mosquito repellent without DEET: Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent

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Why we like it: Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent is our choice for the best mosquito and insect repellent without DEET. The active ingredient in this mosquito repellent is picaridin. Duckro explains that, like DEET, picaridin is known to be effective against mosquitos. 

However, “unlike DEET, picaridin has a pleasant smell and does not dissolve plastic materials,” she says. Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent says it repels mosquitoes for up to 12 hours and lasts longer than many other repellents. It also dries quickly and is safe to use on clothing. That makes this mosquito repellent easier to use. 

Keep in mind: Some users say that cans of this repellent run out more quickly than similar products. However, how long a can will last depends largely on how it is used. 

Product details: Form: Aerosol Spray| Active Ingredient: 20% picaridin 

Best natural mosquito repellent: Repel Plant-Based Mosquito Repellent 

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Why we like it: Our choice for the best natural mosquito repellent is Repel Plant-Based Mosquito Repellent. The active ingredient in this mosquito repellent is oil of lemon eucalyptus, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found is safe and effective, only when specifically formulated for an insect repellent. Keep in mind that the CDC does not recommend using “pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus. It’s a great alternative for those who want to avoid DEET and picaridin but want to use a mosquito repellent with proven results. 

Oil of lemon eucalyptus may be less irritating to some people than those that contain harsh ingredients.

Keep in mind: It may take more time and effort to get complete coverage with a spray bottle, but this may be worth the trade-off for those who want to avoid aerosol sprays or products containing DEET and picaridin. 

Product details: Form: Spray | Active Ingredients: oil of lemon eucalyptus

Best outdoor mosquito repellent system: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable Adventure EX-Series EX90

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Why we like it: The best outdoor mosquito repellent system is the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable Adventure EX-Series EX90. It’s a battery-powered machine with a refillable reservoir of liquid mosquito repellent. All you have to do is press the machine’s “On” button, and it will heat up the repellent, dispersing it through the air. This model should create a 20-foot barrier of mosquito repellent from wherever you decide to put it, within 15 minutes. This mosquito repellent device is a great alternative for those who can’t, or prefer not to, use repellent directly on the skin. We like this model for its portability so you can take it on camping and road trips. 

Keep in mind: The battery lasts for up to nine hours, but will eventually need to be recharged. Also keep in mind that this is a scent-free mosquito repellent. 

Product details: Form: Battery Powered Mosquito Repellent | Active Ingredients: Metofluthrin | Sustainability: Battery is rechargeable 

Best spray on mosquito repellent: Ranger Ready Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray 

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Why we like it: Our choice for best spray-on mosquito repellent is Ranger Ready Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray. This spray has a quick-dry, nonsticky formula. It also comes in a variety of scents in addition to a scent-free version. That makes this mosquito repellent a great choice for those who don’t like the smell of standard repellents. 

Because this option comes in a spray bottle, it’s easier to keep the spray out of your eyes and apply only where needed. This repellent is also available in a variety of sizes, so it’s easy to find the one that meets your needs. Whether you need a small bottle to pack in carry-on luggage or a large bottle to pack for a few weeks away, you should be able to find an option that works for you. 

Keep in mind: Some users have complained that the bottle leaks.

Product details: Form: Spray | Ingredients: 20% picaridin | Sustainability: Bottles can be recycled 

Best mosquito repellent for kids: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition

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Why we like it: Our choice for the best mosquito repellent for kids is Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition. This mosquito repellent is combined with sun protection.  It can be hard to get kids to stay still, so using a product that combines mosquito repellent and SPF may make it easier to keep kids safe outdoors. 

This mosquito repellent is hypoallergenic and contains Vitamin E, so it may be more gentle for some children’s skin. Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition is also available as an aerosol spray or pump, making it easier to find an option that works for all children. 

Keep in mind: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition might help repel mosquitoes for up to eight hours. However, SPF typically needs to be applied more frequently. 

Product details: Form: Aerosol Spray or Pump | Active Ingredient: IR3535 

Best Mosquito Repellent Lotion: Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent Lotion

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Why we like it: Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent is our choice for the best mosquito repellent lotion. The lotion is odorless and dries quickly, making it easier to use. And because the lotion needs to be rubbed in, it’s easier to ensure you don’t miss a spot with lotion than with clear sprays. 

Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent lotion repels mosquitoes for up to 14 hours—that’s longer-lasting protection than most of our other choices. The lotion container is also small and light, making it easy to pack. 

Keep in mind: Unlike sprays, lotion cannot be applied on clothing or gear. However, for some people, this will be sufficient. A similar formulation is available as a pump or spray, but protection does not last as long. 

Product details: Form: Lotion | Ingredients: 20% picaridin

I drew heavily on my own experience using mosquito repellents. I live in Washington, D.C., where mosquitoes are common throughout the summer. I also enjoy hiking and have traveled extensively through malarial areas. Mosquitoes seem to flock to me, and I've tried many different repellents to keep them away. Additionally, I studied brand product descriptions, third-party reviews, and competitor articles, considering the following:

• Third-party reviews: I have opinions regarding the best mosquito and insect repellents from my own experience. However, I wanted to be sure my experience was stacked up against what others thought, so I read third-party reviews extensively. 

• Brand reputation: Some brands of mosquito and insect repellents have earned a reputation for quality. I believe that brands that have earned a loyal following over time from satisfied customers deserve a closer look. 

• Expert advice and research: Because research into the best active ingredients for repelling mosquitoes is always evolving, I turned to two experts, Pollack and Duckro, as well as published research to ensure we only selected mosquito repellents with active ingredients known to be safe and effective. 

Tips for buying insect and mosquito repellents

There are several factors to consider when selecting a mosquito repellent. Pollack emphasizes that no matter which type of mosquito repellent you use, “to use such products effectively and safely, each person should read, understand, and follow the instructions on the product.”

Select only repellents that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency

According to Pollack, “products formulated with DEET, picaridin, or pyrethroids have good track records as effective and low-risk repellents.” Other ingredients, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535, have also been shown to be effective. Pollack warns that although alternative products exist, “they tend to be relatively ineffective or may actually pose unjustifiable risks.” 

 Look for the right concentration of active ingredients 

Once you have identified a product with an effective active ingredient, it’s important to make sure the product contains the right amount to be safe and effective. Duckro recommends looking for an insect repellent with 25-40 percent DEET or 20 percent picaridin. “These ingredients have the most data supporting their effectiveness,” she said. 

Avoid untested ingredients and methods 

Many commonly used repellents include citronella, cedar, or peppermint. However, “these natural insect repellents have not been evaluated by the EPA for effectiveness,” Duckro says. Pollack adds that consumers should be “highly skeptical regarding the supposed value of sound devices.” Both Pollack and Duckro recommend sticking with mosquito repellents that have a proven track record of working.  

Select the right mosquito repellent for the right circumstances 

When selecting a mosquito repellent, consider how it will be used. “A product with a lower concentration of the repellent substance may be suitable for low-risk situations, such as while outside for just an hour or so” in an area that does not have a high incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, Pollack says. However, “a product formulated with a higher concentration of repellent, or a time-release formulation, may be more suitable” for someone spending more time outdoors or in high-risk areas, he says. 

How to repel mosquitos

• Apply mosquito repellent to skin: According to Pollack, “Mosquito repellents may mask the odors we produce that are attractive to mosquitoes and other biting insects. They may also irritate and ward off the insects that might otherwise crawl or land on us before they bite.” 

• Apply mosquito repellent to clothing and gear: Covering up as much skin as possible is an effective way of preventing mosquito bites, according to Pollack. Clothing and gear can be sprayed with mosquito repellent to provide an extra level of protection. Additionally, “permethrin can be applied to clothing and outdoor gear as a mosquito repellent,” Duckro says.

• Use fans: Positioning fans to waft mosquitoes away can be an effective way of repelling mosquitoes, Pollack says.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the most effective repellent for mosquitoes?

Duckro recommends using an insect repellent that contains 25-40% DEET or 20% picaridin. Pollack stresses that to be effective, all mosquito repellents have to be used according to the instructions on the label. 

What do professionals use to keep mosquitoes away?

Pollack says that most mosquito biologists use mosquito repellents with a track record of effectiveness. They also “cover up skin with clothing to reduce opportunities for mosquitoes to find exposed skin” and avoid mosquitos when possible, he says. This could include staying indoors or avoiding areas with standing water where mosquitoes breed. 

Duckro also stays alert to the risks in the area she is visiting so that she plans accordingly. Some mosquitoes, such as those that transmit malaria and West Nile virus, are “active at dusk and dawn,” but those that transmit Zika and dengue virus “bite during the day,” she says. 

What smell do mosquitoes hate?

Many products using citronella, cedar, or peppermint claim that mosquitoes are repelled by these smells. “However, these natural insect repellents have not been evaluated by the EPA for effectiveness,” and there is no evidence that mosquitos hate these smells, Duckro says. She adds that “scented soaps or perfumes may attract mosquitoes.” 

What is the best way to apply mosquito repellent?

According to Duckro, “When using a spray, spray the repellent on the hands first, and then apply it to the face rather than spraying the repellent directly onto the face. Avoid getting insect repellents near the mouth and eyes.”  As a precaution, “it’s best to apply an insect repellent for a child instead of letting them apply the product because kids often put their hands in their mouths,” she adds.

What affects how well mosquito repellent works? 

Read the product label to understand “how water, sweat, and temperatures affect the product you are using, and reapply the repellents according to the product label,” Duckro says. 

Can sunscreens be used with mosquito repellent? 

“Some sunscreens are less effective when combined with DEET,” Duckro says, “and sunscreens increase the skin absorption of DEET, which may increase the risk of toxicity, particularly in kids.” When using sunscreen and insect repellents, “sunscreen should be applied first and allowed to fully dry before applying an insect repellent,” she says.