Are the chemicals safe? Can I apply it to my face? Can I apply it to a wound? While it can be hard to navigate the evolving world of insect repellent and know what chemicals are safe to be lathering ...

Using an effective insect repellent is a crucial part of protecting yourself from bug-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. But even the best bug spray won’t be very effective if ...

Gather the ingredients for your homemade bug spray. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which attracts cats but repels bugs naturally. Using dried catnip, which you can find for a few dollars at any pet ...

Some oils from natural ingredients like peppermint, garlic, lemon, and thyme may help ward off insects. However, more research is needed to fully support the benefits of homemade bug sprays. Not ...

Flies, mosquitos, and ticks can dampen any outdoor excursion, especially on a hot summer day. A short hike can quickly become a swat fest when the bugs are out, and there’s nothing worse than having ...

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review ...

We updated this article in July 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team. This traditional spray is formulated with 25% DEET and has a ...

Best DEET-free bug spray: Coleman SkinSmart DEET-Free Insect Repellent Best DEET bug spray: Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent Nothing ruins time spent outdoors while camping, hiking or relaxing in the ...