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The Best Mosquito Repellents to Keep Pesky Bugs Away

The Camping List Review Team
Written By The Camping List Review Team
Last updated: Mar 20, 2025, 03:10 PM
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Mosquito Repellents

Mosquitoes are annoying. There’s no denying, that nothing is worse than not being able to fall asleep because you have a mosquito humming in your ear. Of course, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is crucial, especially if you want to sleep peacefully without the annoyance of these pests. Naturally, the ingredients in a repellent are crucial to consider. What you need is an effective repellent that provides long-lasting protection and doesn’t leave a sticky residue on your skin.

Some of the best mosquito repellents include natural ingredients like eucalyptus oil or citronella, known for their insect-repelling properties. The key is to find a product that not only keeps mosquitoes at bay but is also safe and gentle on the skin. In this article, we’ve focused on the best mosquito repellents available in the market today. Here, you’ll find the best mosquito repellent for your needs.

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Our Top Picks of Mosquito Repellents

Detailing the Best Mosquito Repellents of 2025

Ranger Ready Permethrin + Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent

Best Overall
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The Ranger Ready P2Pak Permethrin + Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent is a dual-action insect and tick repellent that provides unbeatable protection from pesky bugs. With its unscented, non-greasy formula, this repellent is the ideal choice for any outdoor enthusiast looking to stay safe and comfortable while enjoying nature. The two-part protection utilizes body-worn Picaridin 20% and clothing-worn Permethrin 0.5%. Picaridin 20% provides a full 12 hours of protection from ticks and mosquitos, while the clothing-worn Permethrin 0.5% offers up to 5 washings or 40 days of sun exposure. Permethrin 0.5% is also safe to use on dogs and horses. This makes the Ranger Ready P2Pak the perfect repellent for families with small children and pets.

This insect and tick repellent has a number of unique features that make it stand out from other repellents on the market. It dries quickly, does not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, or finished surfaces, and it has a 360-degree trigger spray that ensures even coverage every time it’s used. Plus, being an effective DEET alternative for adults and children over 1 year old makes it an attractive option for those looking for an all-natural solution to their bug problems.

Product Pros
  • Safe to use on skin and clothing
  • No unpleasant smell
  • Does not require a lot of product for effectiveness
  • Works well in rain and humid conditions
Product Cons
  • Spray nozzle will sometimes not work correctly

Spalding Laboratories Bye Bye Insects Mosquito Repellent

Runner Up
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Get this amazing mosquito repellent from Spalding Laboratories and see results in seconds! This smooth, light formula results from thousands of tests on over 30 formulations to get just the right level of comfort plus protection. Keep mosquitoes, ticks, and flies away for up to four hours while hiking, biking, fishing, or just chilling outside by a nice warm fire at night. Bye Bye Insects’ high-potency formula is made of botanicals and essential oils to create a unique combination that soothes the skin while defending it against swarms of bugs. 

Included in the formula is also geraniol, rosemary oil, citronella, peppermint oil, and lemongrass oil for a sweet scent that won’t get you coughing or irritate your throat. Don’t worry about any sticky residue as you apply it as it goes on smoothly and stays on all night after just one spray. To apply, simply spray it into your hands and rub it over your face and arms, avoiding your eyes and mouth. These features and more are why this mosquito repellent is the best overall on our list. 

Product Pros
  • Smells great
  • Works on adults and kids
  • Clean feel on skin
Product Cons
  • Small container

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol

Top Non-greasy Formula
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OFF! is a trusted brand of SC Johnson, and their aerosol insect repellent with 25% DEET is one of the most effective mosquito repellents on the market. As the name suggests, this powder dry mosquito repellent is ideal for adventuring deep into the woods. It feels dry on the skin and doesn’t leave the skin greasy like most mosquito repellents.

Due to the higher concentration of DEET, this mosquito repellent forms a continuous barrier of vapors that keeps mosquitoes and other insects carrying West Nile viruses, Zika, and dengue viruses. You can also spray it over your outdoor clothing to keep the bugs from landing on them. It contains a synthetic fragrance that you may not like but subsides within a few minutes.

Product Pros
  • Creates a vapor barrier on the skin
  • The powerful formula contains 25% DEET
  • Doesn’t leave the skin oily
  • Long-lasting protection
Product Cons
  • Can cause skin rashes

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent

Best Fragrance
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Cutter’s Skinsations Insect Repellent is gentle on the skin and contains a refreshing fragrance. It can be used by the whole family, including kids, because it has a low DEET content and contains aloe vera and vitamin E for moisturization. This is suitable for people allergic to repellents, as it contains the active ingredient in low concentration. This mosquito repellent spray gives effective protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting flies carrying viruses and infections. It is as oily as a moisturizer and doesn’t feel like a layer of grease on the skin.

Product Pros
  • Has a pleasant scent
  • Gentle skin-friendly formula
  • Suitable for the whole family
  • Non-greasy formula
Product Cons
  • Hard to spray bottle

Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Natural Ingredients
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If you want to protect your family from insect bites, try Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. This mosquito repellent contains essential oil in 30% concentration as an active ingredient, which is great at keeping away the mosquitoes all night long. This oil is mixed with distilled water and corn-based ethanol to make an easy-to-use spray.

This essential oil’s gentle and natural aroma smells like you came from a spa. This spray bottle has no synthetic chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. You can also use it on the clothes from a distance, because it leaves no stain and comes off when you wash them.

Product Pros
  • Safe for the whole family
  • A refreshing scent of lemon
  • Long-lasting effectiveness
  • Plant-based ingredients
Product Cons
  • May be difficult to use

Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent

Safest Formula
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This Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent is the most effective solution to add a protective layer on clothes, tents, sleeping bags, and other items that surround you on your adventure. It doesn’t keep the bugs away, it kills them when they come in contact with it. Permethrin affects the nervous system of insects, paralyzes them, and often kills them instantly. You can use this repellent spray on jackets, socks, shoes, boots, tents, and other camping gear. Once a piece of cloth is treated with it, it stays there for six weeks or six washes. Do not use it on edible items, packing, or cooking utensils.

Permethrin is an active ingredient that is tested to be effective against 55 types of insects. According to one study, the likelihood of tick bites is reduced by 73 times.

Product Pros
  • Keeps mosquitoes away during camping
  • Safe for fabric and gear
  • Does not cause the stain
  • Protects from tick bites
Product Cons
  • Skin-based repellent is still required

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Honorable Mention
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This Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a DEET-free solution to protect yourself from viruses during outdoor fun. It contains oil extracted from the leaves of a lemon eucalyptus tree that is known to prevent mosquito bites. This DEET-free formula is ideal for people allergic to DEET. In addition to the protection of lemon eucalyptus, which lasts for 6 hours, this oil is beneficial for joint pain and muscle spasms. Unlike the typical bug spray smell, this spray leaves your skin with a sweet scent of fresh lemons. 

Product Pros
  • Free from harsh chemicals
  • Has a refreshing smell
  • Plant-based non-greasy ingredients
  • Provides several hours of protection
Product Cons
  • Can cause an allergic reaction

How To Choose the Best Mosquito Repellent: A User’s Guide

Pssst… What’s Biting? 🦟

Imagine an evening in your backyard. Or worse—hosting an outdoor event. Now, what if your guests were constantly swatting away mosquitoes?

It doesn’t matter if you’ve tried to clear the area earlier, how comfortable your guests feel as they mingle will be edged into their memory for a long time. And it may be the first thing they remember when thinking of your gatherings. “Note to self: avoid outdoor parties at X’s home due to mosquitoes.”

Interestingly, how your event is set up and the comfort it provides say more than what you actually say about it. The best mosquito repellents play a significant role in pest elimination. Of course, it must be effective, but also safe for use around you and your guests. Most noteworthy, a mosquito-infested area can cause all sorts of problems, from simple annoyances to serious health concerns. It’s about creating a comfortable, stress-free environment for you and your guests while keeping the area mosquito-free.

10 Reasons to Choose Quality Mosquito Repellent

1. Provides effective protection, keeping you and your guests comfortable.
2. Offers a pleasant, non-irritating formula for everyone.
3. Ensures easy application and reapplication.
4. Minimizes the presence of mosquitoes, enhancing outdoor cleanliness.
5. Is safe for children and older individuals.
6. Can be environmentally friendly, depending on the type.
7. Suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
8. Prevents mosquito-borne diseases.
9. Can be easily portable for on-the-go use.
10. Encourages outdoor activities without the nuisance of mosquitoes.

What To Consider When Choosing Quality Mosquito Repellent

1. Ingredients

Mosquito repellents are made from various ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and natural plant-based products. Consider the safety profiles of these ingredients and potential skin sensitivities.

2. Duration of effectiveness

Long-lasting repellents mean less frequent reapplication. Check how long the repellent remains effective after a single application.

3. Application method

Choose between sprays, lotions, or wearable devices. Sprays are quick to apply, while lotions may last longer. Wearable devices can be convenient but may have variable effectiveness.

4. Scent

Some repellents come with scents, while others are unscented. Scented repellents can be pleasant but might not be suitable for everyone. Unscented repellents are a safer choice if you or your guests are sensitive to fragrances.

5. Water resistance

If your outdoor activity involves water, like swimming or sweating, choose a repellent that’s water-resistant.

6. Environmental impact

Consider repellents that are eco-friendly, especially if you are using them in areas near wildlife or water sources.

7. Skin sensitivity

For those with sensitive skin, look for gentle formulas. Natural or plant-based repellents might be more suitable.

8. Area of use

Consider the area where you’ll be using the repellent. Larger areas might require more potent solutions or devices like mosquito traps or spatial repellents.

9. Price

As with any product, the price is a factor. Mosquito repellents come in various price ranges, and choosing one that offers good value while being effective is key.

10. Packaging

Convenient packaging, like small bottles or aerosol cans, is easier to carry and use, especially for on-the-go applications.

7 Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness of a Mosquito Repellent

1. Apply evenly on all exposed skin.
2. Reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.
3. Use in combination with other mosquito-control methods for best results.
4. Store repellents safely and out of reach of children.
5. Don’t apply directly to the face; instead, apply to the hands and then to the face.
6. Avoid using near food and drinks.
7. Pay attention to any skin reactions and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”—Dalai Lama

I once hosted a barbecue in my backyard when I had just moved into the neighborhood. Just as guests started arriving, I realized the mosquitoes were going to be a problem. Thankfully, I had a can of ‘Off! Deep Woods’ repellent at hand. A quick application around the seating area and on guests who needed it, and we were set. The event went smoothly, and the first thing my guests mentioned was how they enjoyed the evening without being bothered by bugs!

Ultimately, the best mosquito repellent does more than just prevent bites—it enhances the comfort and health safety of you and your family. I hope you choose a mosquito repellent that lets you and your family sleep peacefully without the worry of being woken up throughout the night!

People Also Asked

How long does a mosquito repellent last?

DEET-based mosquito repellents with 10% concentration will last about 90 minutes. Insect repellents for clothes remain effective after several days and washes, depending on their concentration.

Is it safe to use mosquito repellents daily?

Mosquito repellents should be applied once a day to avoid over-exposure of chemicals to the skin. It is not safe to apply on open wounds and already irritated skin.

What are the harmful effects of using mosquito repellents?

Overexposure to repellents can cause skin rashes and irritation in the mucous membrane of the skin. Some people can be sensitive to the ingredients or the smell, which can cause nausea, headache, and dizziness.

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