Best Bug Sprays for 2025

For any outdoor adventure, whether camping or hanging out in your backyard, you should always protect yourself with bug spray. This is especially important if you travel to a country where malaria and other diseases are spread by mosquitoes, per the CDC, which recommends that you only use insect repellents approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises using insect repellents containing no more than 30% DEET or others approved by the EPA.

To help you narrow your search for the best bug spray, we tested over 20 wipes, lotions, sprays and DEET-free insect repellents from different brands in the muggy South Florida heat.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug sprays, written by Amanda Capritto.

DÈNYE MIZAJOU

January 24, 2025

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Medya Mansyone

The Sawyer Mini is super lightweight, fits in your pocket, and filters up to 100,000 gallons of water.

Menachem Kossowsky
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Medya Mansyone

Sawyer’s picaridin spray works up to 12 hours, and the company’s picaridin lotion is effective up to 14.

Bruce Ingram
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Medya Mansyone

The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter earns our top pick for its unbeatable mix of weight, longevity and versatility.

Meg Carney
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