Best Insect & Pest Repellents in 2022

Last update: November 19, 2022

Do pest repellers really work?

There is a lot of debate over whether or not pest repellers actually work. Some people swear by them, while others say they've never seen any evidence that they work. So, what's the truth? Pest repellers work by emitting ultrasonic sound waves that are supposed to be unbearable for pests like rats, mice, and cockroaches. The idea is that the pests will hear the sound and be so annoyed that they'll leave the area. However, there is no scientific evidence that ultrasonic sound waves actually repel pests. In fact, some studies

How do I bug proof my house?

There are a few things you can do to bug proof your house: 1. Keep your house clean - vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces to remove crumbs and other food particles that bugs are attracted to. 2. Store food properly - in airtight containers or in the fridge/freezer so that bugs can't get to it. 3. Seal up any cracks or gaps in your walls, floors, and ceilings - this will help to keep bugs from getting inside. 4. Use screens on your windows and doors - this will help to keep

How do you keep bugs away permanently?

There is no one silver bullet for getting rid of bugs permanently, but there are a few things you can do to significantly reduce their numbers. One is to keep your house clean and free of food scraps and other potential attractants. Another is to regularly vacuum and dust, which will remove many bugs and their eggs. You can also use bug-repellent sprays and baits around your home’s perimeter to keep them from getting inside. Finally, seal up any cracks or openings where bugs could enter your home. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a bug-free

How long do pest repellers take to work?

Pest repellers can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to work. It depends on the severity of the infestation and the type of repellent being used. Generally, ultrasonic and electromagnetic pest repellers are the most effective and take the shortest amount of time to work. Chemical repellents can take a bit longer to work, but are usually the most effective option for severe infestations.


Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Fuel-Only Refills, 2-Pack; Cartridges Last 12 Hours Each; Use with Thermacell Fuel-Powered Mosquito Repellent Repellers, Lanterns and Torches; Repellent Mats Not Included Review:


Welcome to the world of skeeter-free life if you are unfamiliar with thermacells for skeeter be gone'ness! These are incredible things! work miracles! Because of the brightness, I suggest the miniature lantern-style ones. It serves as a pleasant reminder to turn them off, not because it illuminates the road or anything. They will burn through the cartridges if you keep them on. Even though these aren't outrageously expensive, replacing them repeatedly may get expensive, especially if you're not out there taking advantage of all the hard work they're doing. adore the items!



Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Refills, 12-Hour Pack; Contains 3 Repellent Mats, 1 Fuel Cartridge; Compatible with Any Fuel-Powered Thermacell Product; No Spray, Scent or Mess; 15 Ft Zone of Protection Review:


Unfortunately, our package did not arrive as it should have. We were missing one package of the cartridges that go on the top of the lamp. The box had no wrapping, so someone could have easily just pulled some out or they could have been lost somewhere along the line because the box was damaged. However, it's still infuriating that when you buy like we do almost everything online, you end up with problems due to poor packaging so I bought the lamp to go along with these. We love them.



Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes 30% DEET, 15-Count Review:


I did extensive research on the top insect repellents for a two-week trip across Costa Rica this August because I have a severe allergy to bugs (I get massive welts that itch—and are often hot to the touch—for days). Additionally, I was concerned about no-see-ums and sand insects. I wanted to be properly protected because we had plans to travel through several rainforests and spend some time in the hot, humid Caribbean! Initially, I believed I required a product with 100% DEET, but after doing a lot of research, I discovered that this level of concentration was not required (which could also cause adverse reactions). I ultimately purchased three separate products: the Repel Sportsmen MAX pump spray, the Repel wipes, and the Ultrathon lotion, all of which are in the 30–40% DEET range.I'm writing this review to say that while they ALL performed admirably, Ultrathon was the WORST. It is extremely sticky, as some reviews have noted (does not absorb into skin). Consequently, everything adheres TO you! Bugs, sand, dirt—you name it. AND after becoming stuck, it is nearly impossible to remove debris like sand and dirt without using a powerful scrubber (brushing only smears everything). Bug repellent makes you feel dirty enough when you are in a hot, humid region; Ultrathon, however, made me feel the dirtiest. The Repel pump spray and wipes were very effective, never became sticky, and did not have a bad scent (except a little when you first apply them—outdoors, of course). I would thus suggest them in their place.Actually, I'd advise purchasing BOTH Repel goods. The wipes are convenient for carrying about and utilizing right away. I could still fit the pack into a back pocket even though they are not separately wrapped. Additionally, it resealed properly, so I wasn't concerned about any potency loss. Over the course of our two weeks in Costa Rica, the two of us used up one pack of the wipes (I had brought two). Of course, we had also used Sawyer permethrin spray to pre-treat the majority of our clothing, and we had applied about 3/4 of the Repel Sportmen MAX spray (again, between the two of use over two weeks). For small places like your neck, the wipes are extremely useful. In order to keep sand flies at bay while watching turtles lay their eggs on the beach at midnight, I also tucked them in the bottom of my hiking pants (which were cinched). Even when staying in some of the more "rustic" hotels at night, I utilized them to wipe down for a little extra protection.But I wouldn't want to have just the wipes. An easier, more hands-free application was possible with the Sportsmen MAX spray (with Ultrathon and the Repel wipes, you have to wash your hands THOROUGHLY for several minutes after using them—especially with Ultrathon). For clothing that I either hadn't pre-treated with the Sawyer permethrin spray or that was water-proof so that the permethrin wouldn't soak in, the Repel spray was also useful. I believe that covering bigger sections of skin was also simpler.Wait till your pores close after taking a shower or bath before using either of these products, as I probably should have known—duh. My skin was on fire since I made the mistake of using the Repel wipes just after taking a shower. I also had a sizable red rash. Everything quickly started to clean up as I stepped back into the shower. After waiting for 30 minutes, I reapply the repellent, and I was OK.Even when surrounded by mosquitoes for hours on end (such as five hours in the Manzanilla forest, half of which was spent off the trails with a guide), I hardly ever got bitten during the course of two weeks! I actually received the majority of my bites *inside*, in bathrooms, while I wasn't wearing any protection. I only encountered three or four outside (two of them on my butt through untreated hiking pants; at that point, I began lightly misting Repel on my clothing, too!).



Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin Review:


For mosquitoes, my body is like a three-star Michelin cuisine. I'll be the first one bitten among a large group of people. Repeatedly. before another person is bitten.Sawyer's Picaridin is now the greatest deet-free insect repellent in the humid area I recently moved to.Here are some illustrations of how it functions.A) Without insect repellant, I get bitten on the first day of a trip to New Orleans. I wore it for the next three days in a row. No bites back then.B) I go to a party in Texas and only apply lotion to my legs since I believe there won't be any mosquitoes there because the weather is so dry. Where I had not applied any, my shoulders and arms get bitten. Because I didn't have insect spray when I was traveling before moving to a humid place, 90% of the time I would get bitten on my legs. The effectiveness of Picaridin in protecting my legs may be seen in the fact that those dreaded mosquitoes managed to bite my arms and shoulders.C) I visit previously known mosquito-bite hotspots while covered in Sawyer's lotion and I avoid getting bitten.Since I've been using it for about two months, I can confidently assert that the locations where I have applied Sawyer's repellent are also the regions that have stopped being bitten.I've tried the other deet-free options, but they just didn't perform as well. As follows:The first product is Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition SPF 30 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005599QTW/ref=oh aui search detailpage?ie=UTF8



OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent IV Unscented, 6 Fl Oz (2 Count) Review:


Only this Repellant has ever been effective for me. The lotion works for approximately 6 hours before you might need to reapply. The perfume, however, is mild and doesn't linger very long. It applies effortlessly and doesn't leave any residue; it's also not greasy, sticky, or uncomfortable in any other manner. When I spritz it on, there is no fragrance or residue after 5 minutes! I am ecstatic beyond words.



REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Ounce Review:


11/10/2014 Update:Brief overview or to the point This repels mosquitoes just as well as DEET when used properly. endorsed for use in places where malaria is a problem by government organizations. Extremely pungent. Purchase it and utilize it with assurance.For seven years, I have only used this product to ward off mosquitoes. I grew so confident in it that I volunteered to do animal surveys in bogs and marshes in New England for six consecutive years. There isn't a better test, in my opinion, than spending four hours at a time simply daring mosquitoes to bite. They never receive their free lunch because it always works. I also used it in India, Kenya, and Alaska without ever getting bitten.The International Travel Clinic at Dartmouth-Hitchcock only advises this one non-DEET item to travelers who are going to places where malaria is a problem, and oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of just two non-DEET substances that the CDC has approved.There are numerous reviews here that claim the product wasn't effective for the reviewers. I worry whether some individuals could not be using it properly. This product must be applied as sunscreen because it is an oil and not an aerosol. The pump serves only as a convenience. To protect an area, spray some on and then massage it all over. The mosquitoes will focus on the exposed region and bite there if you don't cover everything. This must be applied to the skin UNDER your clothing! Thin summer shirts and shorts do not act as a barrier against mosquitoes because they can bite through jeans.Additionally, make sure you use adequate oil. It won't protect you if you use it excessively. I can't stress enough how PUNGENT this product is; I wonder if the strong smell causes some people to not apply as much as they need. It can take a few tries with various amounts before you find the one that works best for you. However, you are not required to apply anything like a half-bottle. One summer when I spent four days a week working in the swamp for eight hours each day and only used one bottle was the quickest I've ever gone through a supply. I'm fairly confident that most folks won't require nearly as much.Regular reapplication of the oil is required. Many people can mistakenly believe they are still protected when they are not since the efficacy will go off well BEFORE the smell does. Every four to six hours, reapply. As an oil, this substance is relatively water resistant, but if you are swimming, you will need to reapply more frequently.The fact that it merely prevents mosquito bites may be another factor contributing to people's perceptions that this is ineffective. They won't stop looking for you because of it. This is so that just their short-range radar is interfered with. When searching for a prospective supper rather than the most secure location to bite a prey it has already found, a mosquito uses various senses to track potential prey. They get close to it and then become quite perplexed, which is what happens with this thing. It seems as though they can see you until they are within a foot of you, at which point you vanish. No matter how many mosquitoes are buzzing about you, none of them will be able to bite you. They finally lose trying and hunt for a blood source that is less perplexing.If your main goal is to ward off black flies, ticks, or chiggers, lemon eucalyptus will NOT be effective for you. It is only somewhat effective at deterring deer flies in my experience.Finally, the smell of this product is AMAZING. This typically isn't an issue in outdoor settings. However, you should absolutely avoid using it before entering a vehicle or other compact, enclosed area. Some people would dislike the smell even outside, while others will prefer it to the alternatives to DEET spray. It has a faint citronella scent that is similar to cough drops. The stench does not diminish significantly with time like it does with most repellents. Until you take a shower, you'll continue to smell like this. Clothes that you wore over it would continue to smell like it until they were washed. However, I believe the fragrance is a little price to pay to avoid being bitten.Original 2007 review:I have a Deet allergy. I've been the person who secretly feeds millions of mosquitoes and other biting insects during camping, hiking, and fishing trips for years—until now. I've tried everything on the market, but I've never been satisfied because all the deet-free products either made my allergies worse or didn't work at all. My doctor suggested I try the deet-free Repel this year, and I am a fan. The differences are like day and night. We brought it on a vacation to the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, to shoot butterflies and dragonflies, and we returned without getting bit. Although it didn't work on chiggers, I don't believe it should have. My husband started using it entirely as well, and he has to use it more frequently than he did with the Off or Cutter products he previously used, so I'm not sure it lasts as long as the deet-containing products. But if you have room in your pack to carry the equipment, the decline in effectiveness from six to four hours is hardly a problem. Additionally, it has a strong eucalyptus scent that some people dislike, and you will continue to smell like it for HOURS after it loses its potency or until you take a shower.



Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pen-Size Pump Spray, 0.475-Ounce Review:


Since Costa Rica is a tropical country with lots of bugs and insects, I bought this for my three-and-a-half-week trip there, which included a lot of hiking through forests. I didn't receive even one bug bite while using this repellent during that time! Even though I was hiking in shorts and low socks, I grinned as I saw other tourists leave the store with hundreds of bites. For example, one day after a walk I returned to the hotel to shower before dinner as usual, but on this particular day I chose not to reapply because I detest and am so sick of the foul scent and I reasoned, "I'll just be out for 2-3 hours. Boy, was that a costly error! Let's just say that evening, as I was ordering, I counted at least 15 incredibly irritating mosquito bites on my body. Evidence that this material is excellent at what it is meant to do. Lesson Acquired!Now, why are there 4 instead of 5 starts? the sensation and fragrance. It smells nasty and is thick and oily. Step outside of your hotel room or residence and spray the product in a corridor or other open space before using. You'll be glad to be outside because you might become briefly lightheaded if you're not. Additionally, when spraying, be sure to direct your spray in a place where you and other people won't be walking because the oily floor will cause someone to fall and be wounded. Last but not least, try to maintain some space between you and the spray container so that the pump can distribute the liquid evenly. It was very disheartening that the majority of my garments had oily stains. Who wears a patchy, greasy shirt while getting dressed up for a night out?



OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent I Smooth & Dry, 2 ct, 4 oz Review:


Since I have a mosquito allergy, I jokingly remark that OFF bug spray is the preferred summer fragrance. I am genuinely miserable if I get bitten multiple times. I therefore appreciate the great aroma and feel that this spray has. I just detest how greasy some other sprays feel.However, I do wish the cans in the double pack were larger.



Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard PLUS IR3535 Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion - SPF 30 Gentle Breeze, 4 oz Review:


I purchased these for my vacation to Thailand, and the enormous bugs there practically saved my life. One sheet was adequate for covering my entire body, and it smelled amazing too! In contrast to other bug repellent products, this one had a lovely scent. Anyone should do this, in my opinion. I did experience two mosquito bites on my back, but only because I was unable to reach my back to apply the repellent on my own. I also like the addition of SPF. However, use caution when doing so since the TSA may require you to discard it if it contains more than 100 ml. I experienced it on my flight back to Japan from Bangkok. But I wasn't stopped for it because I was traveling entirely through Asia. extreme weird However, the product is fantastic and did wonders! When traveling or throughout the summer, this is unquestionably a must-have item.



Proof Bed Bug & Dust Mite Killer (Spray, Small) Review:


I wanted to wait several months before writing my review, so here it is at last. Since they travel, if your neighbors or friends end up with some, they might easily end up back at your house. I've seen the evaluations, so here are my opinions. For those who found this unsuccessful, you can't just spray once and it goes away. Spraying all surfaces—including beds, mattresses, walls, corners, and bed legs—is practically necessary to succeed in this endeavor. It took us a while, and we really had to buy this bottle twice. It all began with a family member who had an infestation and spent thousands of dollars clearing out her home. However, since she frequently visits, the pests now move to our home. We used the bottle once, and while it did reduce them by about 40%, we continued to see them, so we had to spray not everywhere at once but rather occasionally every few weeks. After that, we decided to buy another bottle, and by that point, it seemed like about 3 months later, it had reduced them by about 70%. We then sprayed all the areas once more. Note that we have 5 beds in our home as well as 2 chairs and a couch, and they love those spots! Once we've sprayed the last time, it seems to take some time before the eggs are captured, however they are captured. Because the bottles are little, anyone who purchases this should make sure to buy several. We all sleep much better now that we haven't had any bugs for around 8 to 9 months, but we still have that bottle and will spray the beds every time we change our linens just in case. Okay, the scent is bad, it lingers for about 8 hours, and it does smell like you recently had leather treated. We only sprayed it when we knew we wouldn't be at home and would be out doing something all day. A few years ago, I had terrible sleep habits, but today we all sleep soundly thanks to this medication!


How long does it take for plug in pest repellers to work?

Plug in pest repellers are a great way to get rid of pests without having to use any chemicals. They work by emitting a high frequency noise that pests cannot stand, which drives them away. Most plug in pest repellers will start working within a few days, but it may take up to a week or two for them to be fully effective.

How long does it take for ultrasonic pest repellers to work?

Ultrasonic pest repellers are devices that emit high-frequency sound waves that are designed to repel pests. But how long does it take for them to work? It depends on the pest and the severity of the infestation. For example, if you have a small mouse problem, ultrasonic pest repellers may work within a few days. But if you have a serious rat infestation, it may take weeks or even months to see results. Ultrasonic pest repellers are not a magic bullet, but they can be a helpful tool in your pest control arsenal

Is vinegar a good bug repellent?

Vinegar is an effective bug repellent because bugs are attracted to the sweetness of the sugar in the vinegar. The vinegar smell is also strong enough to repel many bugs.

What are the different types of insect repellent?

Insect repellents come in many different forms, including sprays, lotions, and wipes. The most common active ingredient in insect repellents is DEET, which is effective against a wide range of insects, including mosquitos, ticks, and chiggers. Other common active ingredients include picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.

What can I spray around my house to keep bugs out?

If you're looking to keep bugs out of your home, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that all of your doors and windows have screens. This will help to keep flying insects from getting inside. You can also spray a perimeter around your home with an insecticide. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and reapply as needed.

What is another word for insect repellent?

There are many different words that can be used to describe insect repellent, including: bug spray, mosquito repellent, tick repellent, and fly spray.