The Best Bug Sprays to Keep You Bite-Free This Summer

My personal favorite bug spray has to be this one. It doesn’t use DEET, but instead “has a 20% concentration of picaridin, which is as effective as DEET, and you don’t have to worry about whether it’s bad for you. It’s easy to apply as well. I find that pump sprays work better than their aerosol counterparts because you’re less likely to overspray. Instead, the pump on this one sprays superior bug spray evenly and accurately, for maximum protection."

Best Feature: Beyond not using DEET and having a great pump spray, my favorite thing about this spray has to be the size. At first, you’d think you’d want the biggest bug spray out there to just glob it in. But in truth, you don’t need that much, and what’s more important than amount is access and convenience.

Scouted Contributor Steven John loves this bug spray for almost too many reasons to count. Beyond being long lasting (12 hours), it's easy to apply, uses picaridin instead of DEET, and best of all, comes scent free, so you don't smell all gross even though you're protected from bugs.

Best Feature: This is one of the longest lasting sprays we've tried. Spray it once and you're set for the day.

Scouted Editor Jillian Lucas loves Green Goo cream as it helps make mosquito bites not itchy in case you get one. But with this bug spray, you likely won’t. It’s all natural, so it doesn’t have picaridin or DEET. Instead, it has Yarrow to reduce skin irritation, Peppermint which provides a cooling and calming sensation, and it’s all enriched with lemongrass. It smells good and doesn't leave you sticky, which is a win, win.

Best Feature: If you don't want to use DEET, this all natural option is the way to go.

This bug spray uses DEET, but still has a pump spray, which is better for application in comparison to aerosol. This way you get a nice even coating of the spray instead of it pooling up on your skin, leaving you all greasy. It also comes in a small bottle so you can take it anywhere.

Best Feature: If you're a DEET believer, this pump spray will cover you up better than an aerosol and will protect you from mosquitos, easy.

This bug spray has a 20% picaridin formula and no DEET, which I personally like because it works, but doesn’t leave you worrying about chemicals that may or may not be bad for you. It has an aerosol applicant, which I don’t love, but some do. It’s marketed for ticks but it’s great against mosquitos, as well. It’s good for spraying upside down so you can get your feet, which mosquitos in my experience love to go for.

Best Feature: The aerosol applicant (for some!). This will cover you up, and help you get your feet (which for me, is a place I get bitten a ton).

If you want to go the DEET and aerosol route, Off! makes a good bug spray. The dry touch technology this offers solves the problem of aerosol spray blasting too much on your skin, and this one isn’t oily or greasy. It is made with 25% DEET as well to fend off any bugs in your path.

Best Feature: For some, it's quantity over quality. Not to say this isn't high quality bug spray—it is—but this two-pack will help ensure any trip into the outdoors is one that is bug bite free.