The 8 Best Bug Sprays of 2021

Ward off insects and stay bite-free

Not only are bug bites uncomfortable and annoying—some can also make you sick. For example, mosquitoes can carry diseases like malaria, the Zika virus, and West Nile fever; while tick bites can cause Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. And that’s where bug sprays come in.

According to Adam Mamelak, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Austin, Texas, most bug sprays are actually bug repellents. “As opposed to killing insects like insecticides, repellents mask the carbon dioxide naturally produced by the body, forming a smell that insects don’t like,” he tells Verywell Health.

He adds, “Different repellents will claim to defend you from a certain set of insects, but not necessarily all insects and bites,” Dr. Mamelak explains. “You
might also consider the consistency of the product, its length of effectiveness, and its smell. Make sure the spray you purchase serves your needs.”

Here are the best bug sprays on the market today.

LAST UPDATED

October 28, 2024

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Riverchase Dermatology

Media Mentions from Riverchase Dermatology

Our skilled providers offer a complete range of dermatology and cosmetic services using the most advanced medical techniques. Riverchase is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient care and education.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

Sawyer’s donation of water filters represents a significant shift away from the cumbersome logistics of bottled water, offering a faster and more efficient solution.

John Dicuollo
Public Relations Director at Backbone Media

Media Mentions

Summer tick season used to be a problem only in the southern part of Ontario, but tick populations are moving north as the climate grows warmer.

TVO Today
Media Mentions from TVO Today

Media Mentions

Mosquitos are nasty creatures. They bite, they transmit terrible diseases to people and pets, and from what I read, they have absolutely no redeeming value in the ecosystem.

ArcaMax
Media Mentions from ArcaMax