Best bug spray

Tired of constantly swatting bugs? It's time to get a reliable bug spray. Whether you are gardening, hiking, or just taking a walk outside, the last thing you want is insects buzzing around you. Certain bugs, like mosquitos, can transmit diseases, while others are just downright annoying. All you need is a good bug spray to create a protective barrier between you and these intrusive insects. From plant-based to DEET-free chemical options, we've lined up great options for you.

These OFF! Deep Woods bug spray canisters are great for insect protection on camping trips or outdoor events like music festivals or multi-day hiking excursions. Equipped with DryTouch Technology, this formula resists sweat and drys on contact without leaving a greasy or oily residue. It's super effective at repelling irritating pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, gnats, and flies for 8 hours straight.

Sawyer's skin-friendly insect repellent is formulated with 20 percent picaridin, proven to be as effective as DEET at repelling insects. Safe for use on children and adults, it has a subtle fresh scent. The formula provides up to 12 hours of protection against ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, chiggers, and gnats, and is designed to work under a wide variety of conditions. Plus, it's fragrance-free and dries clear, so you won't have any nasty smell or greasy residue to worry about. 

Murphy's all-natural insect repellent is blended with 30-percent pure lemon eucalyptus oil and natural citronella oils to keep buzzing bugs at bay. Spritz a few pumps on your skin or gear for 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes and up to 4 hours against ticks. It actually repels bugs better than any chemical product out there—including DEET—all while leaving behind an invigorating lemony scent.

Say goodbye to slathering yourself in insect repellent before you head outdoors. This SkinSmart DEET-free spray repellent is perfect for the whole family. Its non-greasy, lightweight formula provides up to eight hours of lasting protection. The spray is odorless to keep you from smelling like a mosquito trap and colorless, so there's no white casting. The aluminum can is rust-resistant and comes fitted with a twist locking cap and a nozzle that sprays at any angle for complete protection.

If you are a fan of California Baby care products, you'll love this natural bug repellent spray. Specifically made for babies six months and above, the plant-based formula can be applied to exposed skin as well as on external clothing without a sticky residue. It's made with pure essential oils and topped off with lemongrass, cedar, and citronella for a fresh botanical scent. 

Keep bugs at bay

The best bug spray is a must-have for any outdoor activity, especially if you dread insect bites and stings. Our top pick for best bug spray is OFF! Deep Woods bug spray and mosquito repellent. This DEET-based spray is enhanced with Dry Touch Technology, meaning it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky after drying. If applied properly, the formula offers protection for a whopping eight hours.

If you find the scent of DEET-based sprays overwhelming, opt for Sawyer Products 20% picaridin insect repellent. The active ingredient is picaridin, known to deter a variety of bugs for about 8 to 12 hours, and smells less awful compared to DEET.

With a soothing aroma and hypoallergenic ingredients, California Baby plant-based bug repellent spray is great for kids or anyone with sensitive skin. It's formulated from a special blend of botanicals and essential oils rendering it 100-percent natural.

Why trust us?

At Gardening Etc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.