Best Bug Sprays for 2025

If you prefer to avoid aerosols, Proven makes a great picaridin-based spray insect repellent. Picaridin is a synthetic compound derived from piperine, a chemical compound found in the plant family that produces black pepper. It does not smell like 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 during my testing. I probably would have looked crazy to passersby if they saw me sniffing my skin and clothes to catch a whiff of this stuff.

For a pump spray, it doesn’t have a bad texture – plus, it goes on pretty light and I only had to rub it in a bit. It is absorbed quickly. Of all the bug sprays I have used in my life, this was my first time trying Proven, and I will probably 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. Tried a few eucalyptus lemon bug sprays, and Natrapel came out on top.

Free of the two chemicals proven to repel insects, it is natural to think that this bug spray is not as effective as its counterparts that contain DEET or picaridin. U CDC and EPA recognize lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective insect repellent. Natrapel’s 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 it more often, the Natrapel aerosol or spray pump is a good option. Despite the fact that the active ingredient is an oil, this bug spray does not feel as greasy as you might expect. It’s a little harder to rub in compared to DEET and picaridin sprays, but it’s not bad overall. 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 of my canvas patio furniture and the canvas that covers my home gym equipment. Permethrin is an insect repellent designed for clothing and gear – it should not be used on the skin or on clothing while wearing it. Seriously, pay attention to the safety instructions.

Permethrin aerosol creates a nice broad, even, fast spray. I coated my outdoor furniture with this easily in seconds. The pump spray is less convenient, but still good.

While the bottles say the product is odorless, I noticed a slight odor while using the sprays. It can be similar to spray paint, but much less powerful. These bottles are not something I would want to travel with – they are rather large – so I recommend spraying your gear before going on a camping trip or other outdoor adventure.

Sawyer’s permethrin spray lasts up to six weeks or for six washes.

Not a fan of sprays? Try Proven’s picaridin lotion. Like the Proven pump spray, the unscented lotion is truly unscented. The “gentle smelling” lotion smells so good I’d use it as regular lotion if I didn’t know it was bug repellent!

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

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

For an extremely packable insect 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 bug repellant wipes on the plane, throw a few in your daypack for unexpected bugginess and equip yourself with light repellant for multiday outdoor excursions. On Amazon, you can get four packs of 12 wipes.

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

Natrapel strikes again with picaridin insect repellent wipes. The formula contains 20% picaridin and is almost odorless with protection of up to 12 hours. These wipes are slightly softer than 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 pack you plan to carry. It’s a win-win all around.