A mosquito isn't just an itchy nuisance; these pesky little bloodsuckers could also be your ticket to a host of infectious diseases. Ticks, those tiny vampires of the insect world, aren't any better either. Trust us, a slap isn't an effective deterrent when your foe is smaller than a penny and carries diseases like Lyme and Babesiosis. But don't douse yourself in despair. You can fend off these uninvited guests with carefully vetted bug repellents that we’ve tried and tested.

EPA-approved insect repellents are your safest bet. They aren't just effective, but also safe for use during pregnancy. Chat with your healthcare expert before you start slathering yourself in bug spray though, even if the scent of lemon eucalyptus is tempting. 

After hours of interviewing experts and bathing in bug sprays, we've created a list of the best. We've assessed these products on their coverage, user-friendliness, aroma, active ingredients, our experience of getting bit or not, and of course, the all-important smell test. The results range from a sweat-resistant spray that leaves no white residue on dark skin tones to a wonderful spritz perfect for family use and a lotion ideal for those long days outdoors. 

Explore our list and arm yourself with the right protection against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers. Be warned, though– not all bug sprays are created equal. Some may have an initial chemical smell that later gives you a headache, while others may not be completely sweatproof or waterproof. Some are travel-size quick stashes for your backpack, and others provide coverage for up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks. 

Each bug spray is evaluated on its ability to repel insects, with an emphasis on the primary scourges. For instance, one repellent is excellent against mosquitoes, but for a defense against ticks in grassy areas, you might want to pick a stronger candidate with DEET. 

Remember that while effective, the high-concentration DEET products are not always necessary unless you plan to visit a dense infestation or going to countries where bugs bear diseases. Using bug repellents on your clothes along with your skin and treating your clothes with Permethrin can also help keep bugs at bay. Not to forget, bugs generally dislike smoke, citronella, and certain scents like clove, garlic, geranium, citrus, and eucalyptus.

So, get ready to take on the bugs head-on, armed with your expert-curated, personally tested, and approved bottle of armor. Choose wisely; after all, in the battle against the bug battalion, you can't afford to lose.