Best insect repellents of 2024

A bug bite can leave more than just an itchy bump.

Mosquitoes can spread diseases like the West Nile virus, and ticks can transmit many diseases, including Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Consumer Reports explains that the best offense is a good defense, which includes using insect repellent that keeps pests away.

Every year, Consumer Reports tests lotions, sprays, and wipes, including plant-based repellents, on real people using real mosquitoes to find the best insect repellents.

A repellent fails if a mosquito bites twice in one 5-minute session. Or if there’s one bite in each of two consecutive 5-minute sessions.

CR currently tests repellents against only mosquitoes, but in past years, it has found that repellents that work well against mosquitoes also tend to work well against ticks.

The results: the most effective repellents against mosquitoes and ticks contain 25 to 30 percent deet as their active ingredient.

At the top of CR’s ratings, Ben's Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes, Ben's Tick & Insect Repellent Wilderness Formula Pump, and 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent8.

All excel in protection.

If you’re concerned about using deet, consider this…CR’s ratings include over 50 repellents and more than 20 recommended ones, so it should be easy to find a way to beat the bugs that’s right for you."

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