When the warm weather hits, so do the mosquitoes—and they can quickly turn your outdoor fun into a frustrating experience. Whether you're hiking, gardening, camping, or simply relaxing in your backyard, a good mosquito repellent can make all the difference.
From natural essential oil blends to strong, long-lasting chemical formulas, here are the 10 best mosquito repellents of 2025 to keep those buzzing pests away.
Top 10 Best Mosquito Repellents for Effective Protection (2025 Guide)
1. Wondercide - Mosquito, Tick, and Insect Repellent (Lemongrass, 2-Pack 4oz)
Type: DEET-free, essential oil-based spray
Scent: Fresh lemongrass
Pros:
Safe for babies, pets, and pregnant women
Fresh, non-chemical scent
Repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and fleas
No sticky residue
Cons:
Needs frequent reapplication
Less effective in high-infestation zones
Verdict:
Best for families and daily use in low to moderate mosquito environments. Eco-friendly and gentle.
2. Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Spray (for Gear & Clothing)
Type: Permethrin (not for skin)
Application: Spray on clothing, tents, gear
Pros:
Kills mosquitoes and ticks on contact
One treatment lasts up to 6 weeks or 6 washes
Used by military and serious hikers
Cons:
Not for direct skin contact
Must apply ahead of time and let dry fully
Verdict:
Ideal for campers, hunters, and travelers to areas with tick or mosquito-borne disease risk.
3. Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (32 fl oz)
Type: Lawn treatment
Application: Hose-end sprayer
Pros:
Covers up to 5,000 square feet
Kills on contact and prevents for weeks
Targets multiple pests: mosquitoes, fleas, ants
Cons:
Not pet-safe until dry
Can wash off after rain
Verdict:
Perfect for turning your backyard into a mosquito-free zone—great before barbecues or outdoor gatherings.
4. Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent (DEET 100%) – 2-Pack
Type: Spray
DEET Content: 100%
Pros:
Maximum protection for 10+ hours
Water-resistant and sweat-proof
Compact travel size
Cons:
Strong smell and oily feel
Overkill for casual backyard use
Verdict:
Go-to for international travel, tropical areas, and deep woods. Not for everyday use but excellent when needed.
5. Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito & Tick Repellent (2-Pack 4 oz)
Type: DEET-free, plant-based
Active: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Pros:
Clean, citrusy scent
Non-greasy formula
Works on both skin and gear
Cons:
Shorter protection window (~4–6 hours)
Some users report skin irritation (do a patch test)
Verdict:
A solid natural alternative to DEET with a pleasant aroma and strong consumer ratings.
6. Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (2-Pack 4 oz)
Type: Plant-based, DEET-free
CDC-Recommended Alternative
Pros:
Repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours
No artificial chemicals or dyes
Light and refreshing scent
Cons:
May sting if applied on open skin or cuts
Some users dislike citrus scent
Verdict:
Great for eco-conscious users seeking a CDC-backed natural option. Best for parks, patios, and day trips.
7. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol (2 x 4 oz)
Type: Aerosol spray
Formula: Dry, non-greasy
Pros:
Trusted name, consistent results
Strong protection from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers
Dries quickly with no sticky feel
Cons:
DEET-based (not ideal for sensitive skin)
Slightly harsh chemical scent
Verdict:
Reliable everyday repellent for outdoor work or recreation in heavily wooded or buggy areas.
8. Repel 100 Insect Repellent Spray (4 oz)
Type: Pump spray
DEET Content: 98%
Pros:
Long-lasting: up to 10 hours
Small, travel-ready bottle
Great value for high-strength protection
Cons:
DEET smell lingers
Can feel greasy on skin
Verdict:
For serious bug conditions—perfect for safaris, jungle treks, and humid climates.
9. Sawyer SP564 Insect Repellent Lotion with 20% Picaridin (4 oz)
Type: Lotion
DEET-Free: Yes
Pros:
14 hours of mosquito protection
Non-greasy, fragrance-free
Safe for children and sensitive skin
Cons:
Must apply by hand
Not waterproof
Verdict:
A top DEET-free performer, great for everyday use, especially for those who dislike sprays or harsh chemicals.
10. OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol with 20% Picaridin (5 oz)
Type: Aerosol
Sensation: Light, smooth feel
Pros:
Silky, dry finish on skin
Long-lasting protection without odor
20% picaridin = strong yet gentle
Cons:
Can run out quickly with heavy use
Slight alcohol scent on first spray
Verdict:
Best for users who want a premium skin-friendly spray without sacrificing protection.
Comparison Summary
| Product Name | Type | DEET-Free | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wondercide | Spray | | 2–4 hrs | Family use, pets |
| Sawyer Permethrin | Gear spray | | 6 weeks | Camping, hiking |
| Cutter Backyard Control | Yard spray | | Weeks | Lawns & outdoor spaces |
| Ben's 100 DEET | Spray | | 10+ hrs | Travel, deep woods |
| Murphy's Naturals | Spray | | 4–6 hrs | Skin + light outdoor use |
| Repel Lemon Eucalyptus | Spray | | ~6 hrs | Eco-conscious users |
| OFF! Deep Woods | Aerosol | | 6–8 hrs | Outdoor sports, hiking |
| Repel 100 | Spray | | 10 hrs | Tropical travel |
| Sawyer Picaridin Lotion | Lotion | | 14 hrs | Daily wear, sensitive skin |
| OFF! Clean Feel | Aerosol | | 8 hrs | Lightweight, casual use |
Final Advice
For natural daily use: Wondercide, Murphy’s, or Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
For maximum outdoor protection: Ben’s 100, Repel 100, Sawyer Permethrin
For skin-sensitive users: Sawyer Picaridin Lotion or OFF! Clean Feel
For backyard parties: Cutter Backyard Spray
