Best Insect Repellents of 2026

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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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

Mighty Mint - 16oz Natural Insect and Pest Control Spray Cover #TOP 1
Mighty Mint - 16oz Natural Insect and Pest Control Spray
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ortho Home Defense Indoor & Perimeter Insect Killer Cover #TOP 2
Ortho Home Defense Indoor & Perimeter Insect Killer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier Cover #TOP 3
Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Insect Repellents

Mighty Mint - 16oz Natural Insect and Pest Control Spray

860000087537
Mighty Mint - 16oz Natural Insect and Pest Control Spray Cover
Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray – Natural Indoor & Outdoor Bug Control for Spiders, Ants, Roaches, and More – Plant-Based, Extra-Strong Formula - 16 oz

Looking for a natural and safe solution to keep pesky insects and pests away? Mighty Mint's 16oz Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil is a great choice! The extra concentrated formula offers long-lasting protection without harmful chemicals, and the natural ingredients have been proven effective in the real world. The large 16oz bottle provides plenty of coverage for your home or office, and the powerful essential oil scent helps to repel spiders, ants, and more. Plus, it's easy to use with the convenient spray nozzle.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Pet safe formula
Pleasant mint scent
Effective for spiders and gnats
Easy to use
#TOP 2

Ortho Home Defense Indoor & Perimeter Insect Killer

221500
Red & white
1-Pack
Ortho Home Defense Indoor & Perimeter Insect Killer Cover
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor and Perimeter2 with Comfort Wand, Controls Ants, Roaches, Spiders and More, 1.33 gal

The Ortho Home Defense Spray is designed to tackle a wide range of common household pests, including ants, roaches, spiders, fleas, and more. It creates a protective barrier indoors that lasts up to 12 months, helping you keep your home bug-free for an extended period without frequent reapplications. This spray is versatile—you can use it inside kitchens and bathrooms or outdoors around your home’s foundation and patio to prevent insects from entering. Whether you want to stop pests before they show up or get rid of an existing problem, this spray offers a reliable and convenient solution to keep your living spaces comfortable and pest-free.

What We Like
Long-lasting protection
Easy application
Effective insect barrier
No odor or stains
Safe for pets (when dry)

Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier

4600810
1-Pack
Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier Cover
Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand, Kills Ants, Roaches, Spiders, Fleas and Ticks, 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
Fast-acting insect control
Long-lasting protective barrier
No strong odor
Easy-to-use sprayer
Pet-safe when dry
#TOP 4

Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26, Fragrance Free

697322
Clear
Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26, Fragrance Free Cover
Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26, Fragrance Free Bug Killer for Home Use, Kills Bugs on Contact, 17.5 Oz, 2 Count

Raid Ant & Roach Killer 26 is a powerful insecticide that can be used directly on bugs and in places where they hide and breed. It is effective in controlling roaches and water bugs and can be sprayed around windows, doors, and other entry points to prevent ants from entering the house. The outdoor fresh scent leaves minimal chemical odors, making it safe for indoor use. The product volume of 518 milliliters provides ample coverage for indoor surfaces and can be used as necessary to maintain control of pest infestations.

What We Like
Effective pest elimination
Kills on contact
Quick action
Mild or no lingering scent
Easy to use spray
#TOP 5

Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray 17.5 oz

669798p
Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray 17.5 oz Cover
Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray For Listed Bugs, Keeps Killing for Weeks, Fresh Scent, 17.5 oz

The Raid Ant & Roach Spray is designed to eliminate many common household pests like cockroaches, ants, spiders, and more. It works quickly by killing insects on contact, so you get fast relief from unwanted bugs. Plus, it keeps working for up to 13 weeks after you apply it, helping you maintain a bug-free home without frequent reapplication. The spray also has a fresh scent with no strong chemical odor, making it more pleasant to use around your living spaces. With Raid Ant & Roach Spray, you can easily treat surfaces where bugs gather and protect your home effectively.

What We Like
Kills wide variety of insects
Fast contact kill
Long-lasting residual effect
No strong chemical odor
Easy application on surfaces

Bonide Insecticidal Soap, 32 oz Ready-to-Use Spray

6526A
Ready-to-Spray
1 quart
Bonide Insecticidal Soap, 32 oz Ready-to-Use Spray Cover
Bonide Insecticidal Soap, 32 oz Ready-to-Use Spray Multi-Purpose Insect Control for Organic Gardening Indoor and Outdoor

Bonide Insecticidal Soap is a multi-purpose insect control spray that is designed for indoor and outdoor use. It can control various pests including adelgids, aphids, lacebugs, mealybugs, mites, tent caterpillars, grasshoppers, thrips, scale, and more. This product is a contact spray, meaning that pests must be sprayed directly to achieve control. It is approved for organic gardening and can be used up to the day of harvest. Bonide Insecticidal Soap comes in a ready-to-use formula with a convenient spray nozzle for easy deployment.

What We Like
Effective pest control
Gentle on plants
Easy to apply
Environmentally friendly
Safe for home use
#TOP 7

First Saturday Lime Insect Deterrent 20LB

FSL2001
White
First Saturday Lime Insect Deterrent 20LB Cover
First Saturday Lime Insect Deterrent-20LB Bag| Monthly Insect Shield| Multi-Purpose Insect Control for Outdoors| Prevents Ants & Other Insects

The First Saturday Lime Deterrent is a versatile solution to keep your garden, home, and outdoor spaces free from pesky insects. You can dust your plants with it to protect them from unwanted bugs, helping your garden thrive. Around your house, garage, or other buildings, it acts as a barrier to keep ants, mites, ticks, and cockroaches away, making your living spaces more comfortable. For your yard, spreading it evenly helps reduce fleas and ticks, offering a safer outdoor environment. It’s also great for chicken coops, where it freshens the area by cutting down odors and moisture while repelling insects. This product provides easy, natural protection for multiple outdoor uses.

What We Like
Multi-purpose insect control
Protects plants and gardens
Deters common household pests
Freshens and deodorizes coops
Safe for outdoor use
#TOP 8

Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer

212710
Purple
1-Pack
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer Cover
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer with Comfort Wand, Bed Bug Spray, Kills Bed Bug Eggs, Fleas and Ticks, 1 gal.

Protect your home from bed bugs, fleas, and ticks with Ortho Bed Bug Spray. This spray is designed to kill even the toughest bed bugs, including those that are resistant to pyrethroids. Use it as a spot treatment around bed frames, mattress seams/tufts/folds, and baseboards to eliminate bed bugs, bed bug eggs, fleas, and ticks. The continuous spray Comfort Wand makes it easy to reach hard-to-get areas. Ortho Bed Bug Spray is the second step in a 3-step bed bug solution system. With this spray, you can sleep soundly knowing your home is protected.

What We Like
Fast-acting flea elimination
Effective bed bug control
Easy application process
Affordable price point
No strong odor
#TOP 9

Atticus Talak Bifenthrin 7.9% Insect Control

530228
Atticus Talak Bifenthrin 7.9% Insect Control Cover
Atticus Talak 7.9% Indoor/Outdoor Insect Control - Bifenthrin Concentrate (32 Ounce)

Atticus Talak Insect Control offers a powerful solution with 7.9% bifenthrin, a trusted insecticide for over 35 years that works well both indoors and outdoors. This product is highly versatile, letting you treat areas like lawns, patios, and even inside your home without worrying about plant damage. It targets over 75 pests, including ants, ticks, and mosquitoes, helping you protect your space from a wide range of bugs. Plus, it kills pests quickly on contact and continues working for up to three months, giving you long-lasting relief with a single application.

What We Like
Trusted bifenthrin formula
Indoor and outdoor use
Broad pest control
Long-lasting effect
Plant-safe
#TOP 10

BUG-A-SALT 3.0

BS63-Y
Yellow
1 Stück (1er Pack)
BUG-A-SALT 3.0 Cover
BUG-A-SALT Yellow 3.0

BUG-A-SALT Repellent is an updated pest repellent that features a new Cross Bolt Safety, a lightweight trigger mechanism, a lifted barrel with partridge sight, and a durable salt hopper for easy reloads. The Cross Bolt Safety allows you to shoot rapidly without worrying about misfires, while the lightweight trigger mechanism ensures easy shooting. The lifted barrel with partridge sight increases your shooting accuracy, making it easier to hit your target. The durable salt hopper makes it easy to reload during a pest invasion. The product is non-toxic, accurate within 3 feet, and requires no batteries. With a 90-day warranty and a limited 1-year warranty with proof of purchase from Skell, BUG-A-SALT Repellent is a reliable and effective way to keep pests at bay.

What We Like
Rapid fire
Lightweight trigger
Accurate shooting
Durable salt hopper
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 1,109,192 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 $22.48.

The insect repellents are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of insect repellents, including Mighty Mint, Ortho, Raid, Bonide, First Saturday Lime. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,047 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.