The Best Bug Sprays and Lotions Keep You Bite-Free

It’s a sad fact of nature: There are tons of creepy-crawlies that can spoil your time in the great outdoors. But, by arming yourself with the best bug sprays, you can dodge mosquito bites, prevent vector-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus, and actually enjoy your hike, park hangout, or barbecue.

There are sprays and lotions that can keep insects at bay—but also plenty of pretenders. To separate the products that really work from the ones full of empty promises, we spoke with experts to get a clearer idea of what makes a bug repellent truly effective and learn their top picks to bring on your next outing.

Continue reading to learn more about the best bug repellent, written by Sara Coughlin.