9 Mosquito Repellents Our Experts Recommend for Keeping Bites Away
Keep the bugs away with these top-rated sprays, candles, and backyard applications.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Mosquitoes show up whether you're grilling in the backyard, camping in the woods, or working through your summer to-do list. That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab tests mosquito repellents year-round, focusing on what actually works in the field.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Zevo On Body Mosquito + Tick Repellent
- Best with DEET: OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol
- Best essential oil-based: Wondercide Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent
For this guide, Lab results were combined with field-tested feedback from entomologists and outdoor pros, including Megan E. Meuti, Ph.D., an entomologist at Ohio State University who weighed in on ingredient effectiveness and safe use. Our picks range from plant-based formulas to proven DEET sprays that continue to perform reliably.
Looking for help with other outdoor pests? We also have recommendations for keeping wasps and gnats out of your home.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula feels comfortable on skin
- Fragrance-free, ideal for scent-sensitive users
Cons
- Aerosol format not for everyone, but it is available as a spray
Zevo On-Body Mosquito and Tick Repellent has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, a distinction backed by Lab-reviewed performance and safety data. Designed for everyday use, this aerosol spray offers up to eight hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, making it a practical choice for summer activities like hiking, gardening, or backyard dinners.
It uses IR3535, a repellent that provides mosquito and tick protection without the greasy feel or strong smell associated with some traditional bug sprays. IR3535 is generally less potent than other repellents but still effective. It's approved by the EPA and CDC and often recommended for use with children.
Testers noted how comfortable it was to wear, even during long days outdoors. “As part of our Seal evaluation, we assessed Lab data and real-world usage to ensure the product delivered on its claims,” says Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Zevo On-Body stood out for its effective protection and ease of use, especially for families looking for a reliable repellent that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.” Our tester came as an aerosol can, but sprays are available if you prefer that method of application.
| Active ingredient | IR3535 |
| Application | Aerosol spray |
Pros
- Effective, long-lasting protection
- Suited to all kinds of pests
Cons
- Leaves skin slippery
To fend off bugs like ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers for hours on end, our experts recommend Off! Deep Woods Spray. Though the name suggests camping and hiking, it's also great for the golf course, since the spray repels mosquitoes for "the longest period of time of all sprays," Meuti says.
Credit DEET, which accounts for 25% of the formula, with the repelling power of this aerosol spray. Meuti calls it one of the most effective mosquito repellents on the market, and that's been the experience with testers who have taken it deep into nature and onto some of the buggiest golf courses around. One drawback is that it can leave skin slippery.
| Active ingredient | DEET |
| Application | Body spray |
Pros
- Mild, pleasant scent
- Non-greasy formula with no sticky residue
Cons
- May require more frequent reapplication compared to conventional repellents
Wondercide Insect Repellent offers a plant-powered alternative to conventional bug sprays, using essential oils to repel mosquitoes and other pests without synthetic chemicals. It's available in a two-pack from Amazon, making it easy to keep one at home and another in your glove box.
Cedarwood oil is the common active ingredient among all four versions. Our testers also tried both the rosemary and lemongrass sprays and noted the mild, natural scent after application. The formula absorbed well and didn’t leave an oily or sticky residue, which is often a drawback of essential oil-based sprays. It’s marketed as safe for adults, children, and even pets when used as directed, and is designed for regular use on exposed skin and clothing. Multiple reapplications may be necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
| Active ingredient | Cedarwood oil (additional versions also include lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil) |
| Application | Body spray |
Pros
- Long-lasting protection from a broad range of insects
- Trusted brand with strong outdoor reputation
Cons
- Can cause irritation to eyes
If you’re looking for a strong alternative to DEET, picaridin is one of the most effective options available for repelling mosquitoes and ticks. “Another effective mosquito repellent, it’s quite similar to DEET in the way that it can get mosquitoes to turn away from its scent,” Meuti says.
Sawyer, a brand known for its reliable, no-frills outdoor products, offers a 20% picaridin spray that provides up to 12 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks, and up to eight hours against biting flies and gnats, making it a smart pick for camping, travel, or everyday use. Just be careful when spraying it around your face, since picaridin can cause irritation if it gets your eyes.
| Active ingredient | Picaridin |
| Application | Spray bottle for use on skin and clothing |
Pros
- High-concentration DEET (30%) for extended protection
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free, suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Higher DEET concentration may not be suitable for young children; always follow application guidelines
Wipes have become a popular way to apply insect repellent, and Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes are one of our favorites to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. Each individually wrapped wipe contains 30% DEET, providing up to seven hours of protection. The fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula is designed to be gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all types of users, but the higher concentration of DEET might irritate young children.
The wipe format allows for precise application, especially on sensitive areas like the face, neck, and ankles, and is ideal for travel or outdoor activities.
| Active ingredient | DEET |
| Application | Body wipes |
Pros
- Excellent protection
- Simple to use
- EPA-reviewed formula is safe and odorless
Cons
- Not meant for windy conditions
- Only protects against mosquitoes, not ticks and other pests
For mosquito protection without applying anything to your skin, the Thermacell E55 was the standout device in our tests. This rechargeable device creates a 20-foot zone of protection, say, around your campsite or outdoor dining area. It might sound too good to be true, especially since you can’t see or smell the heat-generated repellent as it works its magic, but in test after test it did a superb job of scaring off mosquitoes.
The one exception is when a stiff breeze is blowing, since it dissipates the repellent, though, of course, a stiff enough wind will also keep the bugs away. It also only repels mosquitoes, not ticks or other pests.
The E55 is incredibly easy to set up and operate. After charging the device with the provided USB cable, simply place it in the center of your desired zone of protection and hit the power button. It takes about 15 minutes for the repellent to heat up and create a full zone of coverage. A full battery provides five and a half hours of protection. The cartridge that contains the repellent will need to be replaced every 12 hours; a status indicator on the control panel lets you know how much protection you have left.
In addition to the simplicity and effectiveness of the E55, our experts like Thermacell’s claim that its repellent uses EPA-reviewed pyrethroid as its active ingredient. Replacement fills are fairly affordable, costing about $20 for 40 hours of protection—good for plenty of hot summer nights.
| Active ingredient | Pyrethroid |
| Application | Device |
Pros
- Provides 30 hours of protection
- Refreshing scent
Cons
- Not suited for indoor use
Although it isn’t a permanent solution, our experts say lighting a citronella candle is a tried-and-true way to temporarily ward off mosquitoes. This pick from Murphy’s Naturals has a 30-hour burn time (confirmed in our tests) and a refreshing scent of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood.
While we always remind consumers that “natural” is not a regulated term, our review of the candle's active ingredients list found them to be plant-based botanical oils, which are considered minimum-risk biopesticides by the EPA. Along with citronella, most of the other oils in this candle have also been shown to have some repellent efficacy against mosquitoes. It's not suited for indoor use.
If you’re not a fan of candles, consider Murphy’s Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray, which it says can repel mosquitoes for up to six hours, deer ticks for up to four hours, and Lone Star and brown dog ticks for more than eight hours. The 2-ounce bottle is TSA-approved as a carry-on item, so it’s ideal for travel.
| Active ingredient | Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, citronella oil, lemongrass oil and cedarwood oil |
| Application | Candle |
Pros
- Repels ticks, as well as mosquitoes
- Doesn't need to be applied directly to skin to work effectively
Cons
- Harmful to cats
Spraying your clothes before heading out for a hike or a round of golf is one of the easiest ways to stay bug free. In particular, reach for this permethrin-based product from Sawyer for one of the most effective strategies. The spray is so powerful and long-lasting that after you spray it directly onto clothes, it will last for several washes.
It can also be applied to the exterior of outdoor gear like tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks. Though we didn’t test this repellent in the field, Meuti said “it will keep both ticks and mosquitoes away, so it's perfect for hiking or while gardening in the yard." But take note: Permethrin is toxic to cats, so pet lovers should opt for another repellent.
| Active ingredient | Permethrin |
| Application | Clothing spray |
Pros
- Prevents mosquitoes from breeding in the first place
- Safe for people and pets
Cons
- Doesn't protect against existing bugs
Here's another option for eliminating mosquitoes at their source. Stick one of these small (but mighty) circles in any birdbath, pond, plant tray, or flood-prone area up to 100 square feet to kill mosquito larvae for 30 days. Keep in mind that this isn't a solution for getting rid of existing bugs.
Don't worry about fish or other wildlife, said our expert team: BTI, the EPA-registered ingredient in this product, only kills mosquito larvae and is nontoxic to people, pets, and other animals. Meuti gives a resounding "yes" to this mosquito repellent: "This is a great idea for reducing mosquito numbers on your property!"
| Active ingredient | BTI |
| Application | Water treatment |
How we chose the best mosquito repellents
When choosing mosquito repellents, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab start by gathering a list of the products most commonly found on store shelves and online. They look for a wide range of solutions for different scenarios, from candles designed for small decks and patios to backyard applications with claimed coverage areas of up to 5,000 square feet.
Our product experts then evaluated a dozen products in their own yards, evaluating factors like efficacy, ease of application, odor, and skin feel. In addition, they reviewed ingredient lists to ensure products are in accordance with guidelines set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What to look for when shopping for the best mosquito repellent
There are several things to consider to limit mosquitoes:
✔️ Repellent vs. insecticide: You need to decide whether your goal is to repel mosquitoes or kill them off completely. Repellents are best for small-scale, temporary relief (think: summer meals in the open air). Reach for an insecticide when your goal is to wipe out entire mosquito populations for weeks at a time, if not longer. To be clear, the insecticides that you use in your yard shouldn’t be the same ones that you spray on your body and clothes.
✔️ Active ingredients: Always follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This will help ensure that you're buying the most effective repellents that are also safe. All bug sprays marketed in the U.S. must contain EPA-registered active ingredients that can effectively repel mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. (See below "How Do I Stop Mosquitoes From Biting Me?" for more info on these active ingredients.)
✔️ Yard maintenance: Aside from using top-of-the-line sprays and repellents, generally the best way to reduce mosquitoes is by emptying anything that holds water. "Remember the tip-and-toss rule," said Craig Stoops, chief science officer for Mosquito Authority, a pest control service. "Tip over items that you can’t dispose of to empty water where mosquito larvae may be found. Then toss any items in your backyard that you don’t need anymore that may be sources of mosquito breeding."
The EPA offers this additional checklist for eliminating mosquito habitats at their source:
- Drain standing water in rain gutters, old tires, and buckets.
- Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week.
- Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
- Replace your outdoor lights with yellow-hued lightbulbs that attract far fewer mosquitoes.
How do I stop mosquitoes from biting me?
A variety of active ingredients are deployed by brands in the battle against bugs. Here are the four most common:
✔️ DEET: It was once believed that DEET worked by interfering with a mosquito’s ability to detect humans by masking the scent of carbon dioxide (the gas we exhale with every breath) and lactic acid (a chemical that is in our sweat). However, more recent studies reveal that chemicals within DEET are repellent to mosquitoes, meaning that they have specific receptors within their antennae that allow mosquitoes to smell and avoid DEET if they smell it at a distance, says Meuti.
✔️ Picaridin: Another effective mosquito repellent, it's quite similar to DEET in the way that it can get mosquitoes to turn away from its scent, explains Meuti.
✔️ IR3535: A synthetic amino acid, this repellent can bind to the same sensory receptor as DEET and picaridin, suggesting that this compound also smells bad and is avoided by mosquitoes.
✔️ Oil of lemon eucalyptus: For a more natural repellent, you may reach for this effective oil. It's designed for broad outdoor application and is EPA-registered, unlike other essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood, which are not registered because the EPA deemed they pose minimal risk to people. Note, however, that oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended for children under the age of 3.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Writer and editor Timothy Dahl is a camping enthusiast and has spent years battling mosquitoes with every type of insect repellent.
In his role as director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like This Old House and Consumer Reports.
For this report, DiClerico and our review team also worked closely with Sabina Wizemann, director of the Institute’s Beauty & Personal Care Lab, and Megan E. Meuti, Ph.D., an assistant professor of entomology at Ohio State University.
Readers Also Read
How to Protect Yourself During the Dengue Outbreak
Experts Reveal How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
The #1 Way to Ease a Mosquito Bite
Keep Wasps Away With These Expert-Backed Tips
