Best Insect Repellents of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Insect repellents are a must-have item for anyone planning to spend time outdoors during mosquito and tick season. With various formulas and strengths available, these products work by creating a barrier between the skin and bugs, preventing them from biting and causing discomfort or transmitting diseases. From traditional sprays and lotions to innovative wearable devices and natural alternatives, there's an insect repellent for everyone's preference and needs. When using insect repellents, it's important to follow the instructions carefully and reapply as needed to ensure maximum protection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ben's 100 Tick and Insect Repellent Pump Cover #TOP 1
Ben's 100 Tick and Insect Repellent Pump
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Cover #TOP 2
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Cover #TOP 3
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Insect Repellents

#TOP 1

Ben's 100 Tick and Insect Repellent Pump

0006-7081
Ben's 100 Tick and Insect Repellent Pump Cover
Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent - Alcohol-Free DEET Insect Repellent Pump Spray - Offers 10 Hours of Protection for Adults & Children -3.4 Fl Oz (2 Pack)

Ben's 100 Tick and Insect Repellent Pump is a 3.4 Fl Oz, 2 Pack that provides maximum protection against mosquitoes, flies, gnats, ticks, and other harmful biting insects. It is designed for use in areas of high bug density with intense biting activity and its fragrance free formula allows you to smell the great outdoors, not your repellent. Customers have reported that it works great, even in the Amazon basin, and is very effective in keeping bugs away.

What We Like
Provides max protection against mosquitoes, flies, gnats, ticks, and other harmful biting insects
The largest bottle available for carry-on luggage
100% DEET provides up to 10 hours of protection
#TOP 2

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

Miracle-Gro - 220910
Home Defense
1 Pack
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Cover
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 with Comfort Wand, Controls Ants, Roaches, and Spiders, 1.1 gal

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 with Comfort Wand is an odor-free, non-staining spray that kills ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, silverfish, centipedes and millipedes. The Comfort Wand eliminates hand fatigue and makes it easy to spray around your home's perimeter. It creates a bug barrier that will kill bugs you have and prevents new bugs for up to 12 months.

What We Like
Odor-free and won't stain
Comfort Wand eliminates hand fatigue
Creates a bug barrier that will kill bugs and prevents new bugs for up to 12 months
#TOP 3

Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

HG-96014
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Cover
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, No DEET Mosquito Repellent, 4 fl Ounce (Pump Spray)

The Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent provides an effective, DEET-free solution to keep mosquitoes at bay, including those that may carry West Nile virus. It is formulated with oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree. The repellent creates a barrier against mosquitoes that can spoil outdoor activities. The cool lemon eucalyptus scent is refreshing and never feels oily or greasy. The repellent lasts up to six hours and can be reapplied once daily, up to twice per day.

What We Like
DEET-free formula
Repels mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus
Fresh, clean scent
Lasts up to 6 hours

Mighty Mint Gallon Insect & Pest Control

860001053630
White
Mighty Mint Gallon Insect & Pest Control Cover
Mighty Mint Gallon (128 oz) Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil - Natural Spray for Spiders, Ants, and More

Mighty Mint Gallon Insect & Pest Control is an extra concentrated peppermint oil spray that is safe and natural. It is proven effective in the real world and comes in a large 1 gallon container. Customers have found it to be effective in killing bugs and deterring spiders, and the pleasant mint scent makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

What We Like
Natural and eco-friendly
Pleasant peppermint scent
Easy to use
#TOP 5

Mighty Mint Insect Killer Spray

Mighty Mint Insect Killer Spray Cover
Mighty Mint Insect & Pest Control Plus – Natural Mint Oil Insect Killer Spray, 1 Gallon

Mighty Mint Pest Control is a safe and effective solution for keeping your home pest-free. It is made from natural ingredients, ensuring it's friendly for both people and pets. You can trust its fast-acting formula, which not only kills insects on contact but also repels them from returning. The use of real mint oil gives it a pleasant scent while eliminating pests, so you don't have to worry about harsh synthetic chemicals harming your environment. This product provides a convenient and reliable way to protect your home from unwanted insects.

What We Like
Safe for people and pets
Fast-acting insect killer
Natural mint oil formula
No harsh chemicals
#TOP 6

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent 12 Pack

54010-1
Clear
Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent 12 Pack Cover
Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent (12 Pack), Mosquito Repellent, Repels Mosquitos, Ticks, Gnats, Fleas, 7% DEET, 6 fl Ounce (Pump Spray)

Cutter Insect Repellent features a 7% DEET formula that effectively keeps mosquitoes at bay, including those that may transmit serious viruses like Zika and West Nile. You’ll appreciate the light, non-greasy feel and pleasant scent, making it comfortable to wear during outdoor activities. This repellent also works against ticks, gnats, and fleas, ensuring you can enjoy nature without pesky interruptions. The convenient 360-degree pump allows you to spray from any angle, even upside down, providing flexibility and ease of use when applying the product.

What We Like
Effective mosquito protection
Non-greasy, pleasant scent
Repels various insects
360-degree spray convenience

Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier

4600810
No Color
1 gal.
Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier Cover
Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier: Starts to Kill Ants, Roaches, Spiders, Fleas & Ticks Fast, 1 gal.

Ortho Insect Barrier is a reliable solution to get rid of and prevent indoor insects. The product offers a 12-month control for ants, roaches, and spiders on non-porous surfaces. It is effective in killing all common household bugs like fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, earwigs, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, and other listed insects. You can apply it anywhere indoors, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and around doors and windows. The product dries up to 30% faster than other Ortho formulas, leaving no stains or fumes. It also comes with an Extended Reach Comfort Wand, which has 2X the reach of other Ortho Comfort Wands. This feature helps reduce back bending and hand fatigue with its one-touch continuous stream delivery, and no pumping is required. You can use Ortho Insect Barrier with confidence as it is safe for people and pets once the spray has dried.

What We Like
12-month control
Kills all common household bugs
Extended Reach Comfort Wand
#TOP 8

W4W Mosquito Repellent Coils

W4W
W4W Repels Mosquito 3PK
W4W Mosquito Repellent Coils Cover
Mosquito Repellent Coils - Outdoor Use Reaches Up to 10 feet - Each Coil Burns for 5-7 Hours (Three Pack Contains 12 coils & 6 Coil Stands)

The W4W Mosquito Repellent Coils are perfect for outdoor use, providing up to 10 feet of coverage and burning for 5-7 hours. This 3 pack contains 12 coils and 6 coil stands, making it ideal for patios, porches, camping trips, pool areas, backyards, and any other outdoor activities. Customers have found the coils to be effective in reducing the number of mosquitos, although some have found the smell to be too strong.

What We Like
Provides up to 10 feet of coverage
Burns for 5-7 hours
3 pack contains 12 coils and 6 coil stands
#TOP 9

ChienMin Ultrasonic Pest Repeller 6 Pack

ChienMin
ChienMin Ultrasonic Pest Repeller 6 Pack Cover
Ultrasonic Pest & Insect Repeller, 6 Pack, Ultrasonic Repellent for Insect, Roaches, Mice, Spiders, Ants, Bugs, Mosquitoes

The ChienMin Ultrasonic Repellers are designed to help you keep your home pest-free with ease. Utilizing powerful ultrasonic technology, these devices emit high-frequency sound waves that effectively repel a variety of pests, including insects and rodents. Each repeller covers a generous area of up to 1,600 square feet, making them perfect for larger spaces like homes and offices. They are eco-friendly and safe for both people and pets, offering a chemical-free alternative to traditional pest control methods. Simply plug them into any standard outlet, and let them work silently to create a pest-free environment for you.

What We Like
Wide coverage area
Eco-friendly solution
Easy to use
Effective against various pests
#TOP 10

Cutter Insect Repellent Spray, 11oz

96183
Blue
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Cutter Insect Repellent Spray, 11oz Cover
Cutter Insect Repellent 11 Ounces, Unscented Aerosol, Repels Mosquitoes Up To 10 Hours

Cutter Insect Repellent Spray is an unscented aerosol that contains 10% DEET, effectively repelling mosquitoes for up to 10 hours. It also repels ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas, creating a barrier against annoying bugs that can spoil outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

What We Like
Long-lasting protection against a variety of bugs
Easy-to-use aerosol spray
Suitable for outdoor, active lifestyles
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Choosing the Right Insect Repellents

Introduction

Insect repellents are an essential part of outdoor activities during the summer. Not only do they protect you from annoying bugs, they also help protect you from diseases that can be spread by some of these insects. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right insect repellent. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important factors to consider when selecting an insect repellent.

Type of Repellents

Most insect repellents are available in aerosol sprays, creams, lotions, and sticks. Aerosol sprays are the most common type of insect repellent and are easy to apply evenly to large areas of skin. They are also portable and can easily be carried in a purse or pocket for use on the go. Creams and lotions are generally more expensive than sprays and are ideal for those with sensitive skin, as they are gentler and often contain fewer chemicals. Sticks are great for outdoor activities like camping, as they don’t have to be sprayed or rubbed on and can be applied directly to clothing.

Ingredients

When selecting an insect repellent, it is important to pay attention to the active ingredients. DEET is the most common active ingredient and has been proven to be effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Other active ingredients to look for include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535. For those looking for a more natural option, there are also plant-based repellents, such as citronella and geraniol, which are safer to use on children, but may not be as effective.

Protection Time

Insect repellents are usually labeled with a percentage of active ingredient and the amount of protection time they provide. For example, a repellent with 15% DEET may provide up to 8 hours of protection, while a repellent with 30% DEET may provide up to 12 hours of protection. It is important to look for repellents that provide the longest protection time, as this will ensure you are protected for the duration of your activity.

Additional Features

Some repellents also have additional features, such as water resistance and sweat resistance. Water-resistant repellents are ideal for activities like swimming or playing in the rain, while sweat-resistant repellents are great for those who are active outdoors. Additionally, some repellents are specifically designed for use on clothing or furniture and can provide additional protection against insect bites.

Conclusion

Choosing the right insect repellent is an important part of staying safe while outdoors. By considering the type of repellent, active ingredients, protection time, and additional features, you can ensure you are choosing the best repellent for your needs. So the next time you’re headed outdoors, make sure to grab the right insect repellent and be prepared for anything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do pest repellers really work?

In summary, ultrasonic pest repellers emit high-frequency sounds that manufacturers claim reduce household pest infestation, but laboratory tests have shown that the majority of such devices do not work as advertised, in violation of FTC guidelines.

2. Do ultrasonic pest repellers work on insects?

The consensus from each study was that ultrasonic pest repellers have little to no impact on pest activity. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also found that the claims made by some manufacturers are not backed by scientific evidence.

Editor's Notes

During our insect repellent research, we found 24 insect repellent products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 542,892 customer reviews through our big data system to write the insect repellents list. We found that most customers choose insect repellents with an average price of $18.42.

The insect repellents are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of insect repellents, including Ben's, Ortho, Cutter, Mighty Mint, W4W. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 55,016 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.