The best bug sprays of 2025

If you prefer to avoid aerosol sprays, Proven makes a great picaridin-based insect repellent. Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical compound found in the family of plants that produce black pepper. It’s not as smelly as DEET, and according to some research, picaridin is equally effective at repelling bugs as DEET.

The Proven picaridin pump spray is the only one I found to be truly odorless during my testing. I would probably look crazy to passers-by if they saw me sniffing my skin and clothes to smell the stuff.

As far as a pump spray goes, it doesn’t have a bad texture — plus, it goes on pretty light and I only had to rub it in a bit. It absorbed quickly. Of all the bug sprays I’ve used in my life, this was the first time I tried Proven and I’ll probably buy it in the future.

For those who want to avoid chemicals altogether, Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a gentler way to prevent insects and their bites. I tried several different lemon eucalyptus bug sprays and Natrapel came out on top.

Free of the two chemicals that have been proven to repel insects, 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 does say it offers up to six hours of protection, compared to the typical eight to 12 in DEET and picaridin products.

However, if you don’t mind applying more often, Natrapel’s aerosol or pump spray is a good option. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is oil, this bug spray doesn’t feel as greasy as you might expect. Rubbing in is a little harder compared to DEET and picaridin sprays, but overall not bad. Both types of bottles are easy to spray. Also, the smell is nice (if you like lemon eucalyptus).

I am obsessed with these Permethrin Insect Repellents 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 wearing it. Seriously, follow the safety instructions.

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

Although the bottles say the product is fragrance free, I did notice a slight smell while using the sprays. It smelled like spray paint, but much weaker. 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 after six washes.

Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven’s Picaridin Lotion. Like the Proven Pump Spray, the Odorless Lotion is truly odorless. The “gentle scent” lotion smells so nice I would have used it as a regular lotion if I didn’t know it was an insect repellent!

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 even suitable for airplane travel.

Personally, I 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 a highly packaged insect repellent, try wipes. I like Ben’s 30% DEET wipes because I know they are effective and easy to carry around. You can easily take bug wipes on the plane, throw a few in your day bag for unexpected bugs, and equip yourself with a light repellant for multi-day outdoor excursions. You can get four packs of 12 wipes on Amazon.

Wipes are also great if you don’t like to spray or rub lotion on your skin – instead of rubbing dirt onto your skin as you spray, these wipes actually clean your skin while adding bug protection. Wipes also make it easy to protect your skin while avoiding damage to your clothes. (At higher concentrations, DEET can leave traces on certain tissues.)

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

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