Mosquitoes are annoying pests, and they can turn an enjoyable day outdoors into an unpleasant experience. Not only do they carry and spread diseases, but nothing ruins a picnic or camping trip faster than pesky mosquitoes buzzing around your head and leaving you with itchy bites. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution — with the right mosquito repellent, you can keep mosquitoes away, enjoy the outdoors, and have peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
With so many different types of mosquito repellents on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the highest-rated mosquito repellents of 2025 to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay. So, grab some mosquito repellent and start enjoying your outdoor space again!
The Ranger Ready Repellent Mosquito Repellent is an effective product that provides full-body protection from ticks and mosquitoes. It contains 20% picaridin, making it an effective, DEET-free insect repellent that offers complete protection from various insects. The repellent provides up to 12 hours of protection from ticks and mosquitoes and an impressive 8 hours of protection from other biting insects. The product is both non-greasy and odorless, making it safe for the whole family to use including pregnant women and children over 12 months old. Even better, it dries quickly without leaving any residue or staining your clothing.
This insect repellent has a 360-degree mist sprayer that allows full-body protection with up to 45+ applications per bottle. It comes in compact packaging, allowing you to take on your next outdoor adventure without worrying about being attacked by annoying bugs. With its travel-friendly packaging, safe ingredients, and affordable price tag, this mosquito repellent tops our list.
Here’s what our reviewer, Zoe, has to say about this product:
“This mosquito repellent seriously had no scent and was easy to spray on. It did have a bit of a sticky feel after applying, but that eventually went away. Most importantly, I didn’t get bit once and I was outdoors for several hours!”
Are you looking for an effective, long-lasting insect- and tick-repellent lotion? Look no further than the Sawyer Products Mosquito Repellent, which is designed to keep the whole family safe. This repellent offers up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks and 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers. It features 20% picaridin, which is more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET. This mosquito repellent protects against ticks that carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, as well as mosquitoes that carry West Nile, dengue, and Zika viruses.
With its non-greasy formula, this lotion won’t damage plastics or synthetic coatings. It’s a great buy for anyone looking to protect themselves from pests without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes in a 4-ounce bottle that can fit in most bags and pockets, making it easy to take with you anywhere. It’s safe and comfortable enough to wear, even on your most active days.
The OFF! Mosquito Repellent is an ideal product to protect both you and your family against pesky insects. It’s made with DEET — a strong repellent that protects against mosquitoes and many other biting insects. It features a powder-dry formula, which means it won’t leave any oily or greasy residue behind. This insect repellent is designed to repel mosquitoes that may carry Zika, dengue, or West Nile viruses.
The aerosol spray allows for easy application and widespread coverage — simply spray it on in a continuous, sweeping motion to cover large areas of skin quickly and effectively. The aerosol packaging also means you don’t have to worry about spills or messes while applying or transporting the product. The product’s light scent isn’t overpowering, making this repellent a reliable choice for those who want all-day insect protection.
Our reviewer Grace, an outdoorsy mom, had this to say about the product:
“This stuff actually has a pretty pleasant scent and the formula is gentle enough that I don’t worry about using it on my son’s sensitive skin. As long as we remember to reapply every few hours, this works great for bonfire nights and camping trips.”
If you want to enjoy an outdoor evening without the worry of pesky mosquitoes, Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent is for you! Formulated from a combination of five plant-based, repellent oils, this product provides powerful protection against mosquitoes so you can enjoy the outdoors. These incense sticks provide up to 2.5 hours of mosquito protection, covering an area of 12 feet. Best of all, they don’t contain petroleum, synthetic fragrances, or harsh chemicals, meaning you won’t have to worry about questionable fillers.
The incense sticks are easy to use and provide long-lasting protection. Simply light the stick for 10 to 20 seconds, blow it out, and place it in a holder or sand-filled pot around your desired area for a mosquito-free evening. There are 2 tubes included in the set, each containing 12 sticks, for a total of 24 mosquito-repelling insect sticks so you can enjoy hours of worry-free protection.
The Repel Mosquito Repellent is a great choice for consumers looking for a DEET-free insect repellent with a refreshing scent. Formulated with lemon eucalyptus oil, this pump-operated spray provides up to six hours of protection against mosquitoes and other insects. Its non-greasy or sticky formula means you don’t have to worry about it leaving residue on your skin.
It’s lightweight, easy to carry in your bag or pocket, and provides widespread coverage. It also provides protection against both common and potentially harmful insect-borne illnesses like Zika, West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. The hassle-free application makes it easy to keep yourself and your family protected while enjoying the outdoors. Thanks to its lightweight formula, you won’t feel weighed down after application. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering.
When the weather heats up, the mosquitoes come out to play. Unfortunately, these pests can ruin a nice outdoor barbecue or a peaceful evening on the porch with friends. Luckily, there are many mosquito repellents on the market that can keep them away so you can enjoy the great outdoors without worry. This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider while shopping so you can choose the best mosquito repellent for your needs.
When selecting a mosquito repellent, it’s important to ensure that the product contains safe, effective ingredients. Common active ingredients in many products include DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, and IR3535. Research any unfamiliar ingredients before purchasing a product to ensure it won’t cause any unwanted irritation or reactions — especially if you or someone in your family has allergies or sensitive skin. Additionally, check customer reviews and ratings from unbiased sources to gauge the product’s effectiveness for repelling mosquitoes.
Choose a repellent that’s conveniently packaged and easy to apply. Liquid repellents typically require more frequent applications than sprays, which often last 8+ hours before needing reapplication. Similarly, some products may come in lotion form, which requires massaging into the skin. You can also find mosquito repellents in pump-style containers, which are easier to apply over larger areas. Consider which application type is best and most convenient for your needs.
If you want your mosquito repellent to have a subtle scent, you can find products that are scented with essential oils, such as lemon eucalyptus or citronella. People who’re allergic to scented products should look for unscented options to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay without having to deal with allergic reactions. Additionally, some repellents have strong, chemical scents that can be overpowering and unpleasant, so be sure to check the product description before making a purchase if this is something you want to avoid.
A repellent’s active ingredients can provide insight into how long it may last before needing reapplication and how quickly it repels mosquitoes. For maximum protection against mosquitoes, look for a product containing higher concentrations of DEET or picaridin.
A mosquito repellent will usually have an expiration date indicated on the label. Check the label before purchase and take note of any particular storage instruction, which may significantly affect shelf life if not followed correctly. Storage recommendations may vary from one product to another, however, most need to be kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Some mosquito repellents contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment if they’re used or stored incorrectly. If you’re eco-conscious, consider using products formulated with natural ingredients and plant oils such as citronella or peppermint oil, which can be effective in repelling mosquitoes and are much safer for the environment than chemical alternatives.
Mosquito repellents, including sprays, wipes, lotions, and liquids, are available on the market. Choose which type would be most convenient for you by considering how often you need to reapply (longer-lasting options may be more cost-effective) and how much coverage area you need (lotions are great for smaller areas, whereas sprays may be better for larger areas).
Since mosquito repellents are designed for outdoor use, it’s a good idea to choose a portable product that you can easily toss into your beach tote or camping bag and take along on the go. The best options have protective caps or lids to prevent spills and messes.
A mosquito repellent’s effectiveness depends on the type and concentration of its active ingredient(s). It also depends on environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. DEET products typically last up to 8 hours, whereas plant- and essential oil-based products last up to 2 hours. For maximum protection, be sure to reapply mosquito repellents every few hours when outdoors.
Mosquito repellents work by masking the human scents that attract mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to sense us and recognize us as a food source. While many chemical repellents effectively mask human scents, others create an unpleasant sensation when applied to the skin or clothing that discourages mosquitoes from landing on us.
Yes. Natural repellents such as citronella, peppermint oil, garlic oil, soybean oil, and red cedar oil are all effective at protecting humans and pets from mosquitoes, although they may need to be reapplied more frequently than chemical repellents like DEET or picaridin. Essential oil-based products are less effective but offer a safer, more natural alternative to chemical insecticides.
Be sure to read product labels carefully before using insect repellents, and always wash off any excess product after use. Always apply insect repellents outdoors and away from food or drink areas. You should also avoid direct contact with eyes or mouth and never spray directly onto skin or clothing.
When used as directed, insect repellents are generally safe for adults, children over two months old, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before using any insect repellent if you have allergies or sensitivities to chemicals or plant oils and/or if you’re pregnant or nursing.
This depends on the type of repellent you choose. Lotions need to be rubbed into the skin, whereas sprays need to be sprayed onto the skin and clothes. Always read the product label and follow the manufacturer's instructions closely before use. Generally, it’s ideal to apply light layers while outdoors in a well-ventilated area by spraying onto exposed skin or clothing where possible. You should take special care not to over-saturate clothing with the product as this will cause an overpowering scent. Also, avoid direct contact with eyes and mouth.
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