Mosquito Repellent reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 307 Reddit reviews across 41 subreddits and 60 posts to rank the best Mosquito Repellent brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/camping, r/travel, r/homeowners, r/Costco, r/MosquitoHating. Top-rated brands include Thermacell (4.5/5), DEET (4.1/5), Picaridin (4.7/5).
Stats
Reviews307
Subreddits41
Posts60
Brands88
Products24
307 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Thermacell
4.5
(48)
"Once I set up the thermacell and let it heat up for 15 minutes I could hammock on the porch with it under me without getting bitten in peak season."
"Buy a thermacell. They're amazing!"
"Thermocell, and staying covered with loose clothing. I carry the thermocell with me and keep it within a 2 feet of me at all times."
"Thermacell."
"Thermacell. It’s been a game changer"
"We got a Thermacell and that thing does wonders when sitting down."
"Handles Florida dive bombers even."
"One of the few products that are worth the cash."
"Thermacell"
"I get 0-3 bites on a trip where I'd normally get 30+."
#2
DEET
4.1
(35)
"DEET. They land on you, their feet sense it, they fuck off."
"30% is maximum effective."
"Deet, if you can't get Deet then buy some Deet. Anything else doesn't really work in my experience here in Borneo"
"DEET for the skin."
"The higher the percentage, the better."
"Objectively, deet is the best mosquito repellant."
"The ONLY thing that’s EVER worked was Deet."
"The only one that works reliably is 40% or higher DEET."
"Repellent with deet is the most effective.. but noted that its not safe for children."
"Or get that DEET stuff if you wanna feel fancy and safe"
#3
Picaridin
4.7
(16)
"Picaridin is a spray for skin."
"Another Picaridin vote here."
"I use Picaridin. It has no smell and isn’t gross on our skin. It works incredibly well."
"Picaridin is a touch better than DEET vs mosquitos and looks to be safer for humans."
"Deet does work. Picaridin is equally as effective, is less toxic, is not greasy, and is not a plasticizer."
"Picaridin (also called icaridin) is my favorite."
"Worked great even in Alaska."
"That brand also has lotion for your skin."
"Then picardin on you for extra protection."
"Best repellent out there. Safe for plastic. Non greasy."
#4
Avon Skin So Soft
4.7
(12)
"Avon Skin so Soft spray moisturiser is an amazing bug repellent."
"Skin so soft lotion has worked best for me honestly."
"Skeeters hate it."
"It repells a lot of bugs, easy to apply."
"It helps."
"Apparently Avon skin so soft moisturizer is really good insect repellant"
"-avon Skin So soft (avon also makes a bug spray, whether it has deet, im not sure)"
"Skin so Soft (original) was my life saver."
"US. Skin-so-soft from Avon"
"Avon Skin So Soft in the bottle with turquoise labels used to be very effective."
#5
Permethrin
4.2
(13)
"Permethrin is for treating clothes and gear (no smell except for a small one when it's first applied, then it dries down odorless and non-greasy) and can last for 6+ weeks."
"Dip your outer hiking clothes in permethrin."
"Recommend getting permethrin and spraying all your clothes."
"Permethrin for clothes. Picaridin for skin."
"Permethrin is an insecticide and lasts a long time. Great for clothing and shells."
"I soak all my “outdoor” work clothes in permethrin. It lasts through several washes, and keeps away ticks and mosquitoes."
"Permitherin is the best thing I've found by far."
"Go for Permethrin."
"Treat your clothes with permethrin."
"I spray permethrin on a dog shirt and a bandana."
#6
Sawyer
4.8
(11)
"Sawer Picaradin lotion-non greasy, not much smell, lasts for 10 hours and truly keeps the skeeters off."
"Picaridin lotion (Sawyers brand) has been my trusty mosquito repellent that I use when traveling to Ecuador. It doesn’t have a smell and a single application lasts for hours."
"Sawyer on your clothes - particularly around cuffs, collars, etc. then 30% deet (nearly any product with 30%) - the combo works GREAT!"
"Seconded for Picardin. Saved my life in a horrible mosquito situation a couple years ago."
"Picardin by Sawyer products."
"Second on the Sawyer picaridan In the blue."
"The one that I found that’s worked best for us is Sawyer Products Picaridin insect repellent."
"Yep, that Sawyer picaridin stuff is great. It works way better than DEET for me and it doesn't melt plastic."
"Sawyer’s Picaridin lotion is absolutely amazing."
"I like Sawyer products when I need bug spray."
#7
Off Deep Woods
4.3
(9)
"I go into the forest a lot and honestly find that it's the best by far."
"I second all of the people who said Deep Woods OFF brand repellent."
"None of the hippie solutions work."
"Off Deep Woods works well for me."
"The “Deep Woods OFF” stuff is 30% DEET and works well."
"Deep Woods Off is the only thing that works for me."
"In the US, the best stuff you can find is the deep woods OFF stuff."
"Off deep woods has a good reputation."
"Now I use OFF Deep Woods, and that seems fine, too."
#8
Sawyer Picaridin
4.4
(8)
"Sawyer with picaridin."
"It works well for 12 hours."
"Picaridin lotion on my skin and permethin on my clothes makes me feel like some sort of untouchable goddess."
"I found Sawyers Picardin and it lasts for at least 12 hrs and it’s great."
"Picaridin. As effective as DEET with no smell or oiliness."
"Picaridin and/or DEET. Works great in BC and north in mosquito hell."
"Deet or picaridin."
"I like sprays with Picaridin and Permethrin for clothes or gear."
#9
Odomos
4.4
(7)
"Tried everything, nothing as good as Odomos"
"Odomos is really effective comes in both cream and spray form."
"Odomos is so good!!"
"NoNatz or Odomos. Need to order both online."
"Odomos (indoors or outdoors)."
"Odomos lotion seems to work well"
"Using Odomos, mosquito patches and Odomos roll on on their clothes."
#10
Bug Soother
4.0
(6)
"Bug soother works really well, like others have mentioned."
"Bug soother has been amazing for me so far this year."
"Bug Soother is the only good bug spray."
"Campfire smoke. Bug Soother."
"Bug Soother is the best against gnats. Not so great against mosquitoes."
"I've been told the bug soother spray is decent. Maybe worth a try."
#11
Dynatrap
4.0
(6)
"Dynatrap is amazing."
"Dynatrap !!!!"
"Dynatrap is good. People who say they don’t work usually failed to read the instructions on how often to replace the bulbs."
"Dynatrap."
"The Dynatrap works well!"
"I have not had any luck with Dynatrap killing mosquitoes. It kills lots of moths, though."
#12
Ben's
4.8
(5)
"I use bens it’s my go to."
"Ben’s spray."
"Bens."
"1) Ben’s 30% deet."
"I’ll use Ben’s when visiting the Amazon jungle."
#13
Repel
4.6
(5)
"Repel! They have wipes and sprays with various amount of deet. I go with strongest I can get. They have some you spray on your clothes too. I only use this product! Works 100%!"
"I'm happy to have used REPEL."
"Anything with picaridin is what I recommend."
"Repel 100 Insect Repellent Spray last 8-10 hours."
"Repel… it comes in various strengths, up to 100% DEET."
#14
Off
4.0
(5)
"Picaridin is harder to find but OFF."
"I found this certain mosquito repellent. It's fantastic; goes on smoothly, doesn’t have that gross stickiness that mainstream repellents do."
"OFF! Has some plant based repellants."
"When I lived in Thailand I used “OFF”. It’s widely available and very effective"
"Off! or Cutter. They are super drawn to me too."
#15
Cutter
3.8
(5)
"Cutter Backwoods"
"I have had good luck treating the yard every other month with Cutter."
"Cutter works for me. Usually grab a couple of cans for a dollar at the beginning of the season."
"I use the “cutter” brand."
"I like Cutter backwoods w deer"
#16
Citronella
3.6
(5)
"Citronella works. Light some candles in a safe area OUTSIDE."
"We have a citroen geranium which does a pretty decent job."
"We used the citronella burners & spray when I was pregnant."
"I use citronella, lavender, and lemongrass products."
"Citronella"
#17
BiteRepel
4.5
(4)
"It is the most effective product on the market."
"To enable everyone to enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of biting insects."
"The solution is with BiteRepel. An all-natural product that repels all species of wild and genetically modified mosquito."
"BiteRepel works on Wild & Genetically Modified Mosquitoes."
#18
Off!
4.3
(4)
"Honestly, dealing with mosquitoes in the yard was such a hassle until I found the OFF! Deep Woods spray. It’s super effective and lasts a long time."
"Oh my mistake it's called 'Off' by Johnsons and Johnsons."
"Off Cream"
"Off deep woods, use it often. Wear hats and clothes covered in it. I even spray my camp chair."
#19
Mosquito Nets
5.0
(3)
"Mosquito nets around your bed can help."
"Mosquito nets are the best."
"Mosquito nets are the best."
#20
Mosquito Net
5.0
(3)
"I love my mozzie net. No stinky spray and 100% knowing they will not get to me."
"I use a mosquito net, large one's are under R200 on takealot."
"Only mosquito net worked for me."
#21
Sawyer Permethrin
4.3
(3)
"100% Deet plus clothing treated with Permethrin."
"Outerwear treated with permethrin (Sawyer clothing treatment comes to mind)."
"I get the yellow spray bottle of Sawyer stuff at Walmart and it works exceptionally well."
#22
Peaceful Sleep
4.3
(3)
"Die hard Peaceful Sleep fan over here."
"Burning a coil and spraying yourself with Peaceful Sleep."
"Don't ever buy tabard it's horrid stuff for your skin."
#23
Muskol
4.3
(3)
"My go to is a combination of Muskol with at least 30% deet, & a thermacell."
"Muskol."
"Muskol"
#24
Jungle Formula
4.0
(3)
"Jungle formula is good but I hate using it."
"I use jungle formula (it’s in boots), it’s done me well for bugs."
"Jungle Formula (the guys who do the Deet-based stuff) have child-friendly formulas."
#25
Babyganics
3.7
(3)
"Babyganics brand makes a good repellant. It’s all natural oils I believe - works well for us!"
"Babygenics works pretty well and smells nice."
"So I guess it works, just that if the mosquitoes REALLY want you they’re going to get you."
#26
Citronella Oil
3.7
(3)
"Citronella Oil & burn some incense you can stick them into the ground."
"Citronella works really well there may be an oil you can buy its natural to which is even better."
"You can make homemade bug spray from citronella essential oil and witch hazel."
#27
Avon
3.3
(3)
"Skin so Soft from Avon. Great mosquito repellent."
"Best I’ve found is Avon Skin So Soft."
"Avon skin so soft."
#28
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent
5.0
(2)
"Thermacell Mosquito Repellent is absolutely worth it!"
"I've used Thermacell and Dynatrap. The Thermacell works the best."
#29
Tea Tree Oil
5.0
(2)
"I swear by it now"
"Tea tree oil."
#30
Bifen IT
5.0
(2)
"Works wonders!"
"I'd buy Bifen IT (or generic) on amazon, a sprayer, and spray outside under all your plants around dusk."
#31
NoNatz
4.5
(2)
"No mosquitoz and no natz... that shit WORKS."
"NoNatz or Odomos. Need to order both online."
#32
Spartan mosquito traps
4.5
(2)
"Spartan mosquito traps. They basically eliminated mosquitoes in my yard, my mom's, my dad's, my friends, and my aunts yards."
"Look up spartan mosquito traps they work but take a while to start working and you have to place them correctly."
#33
Tabard
4.5
(2)
"By far the best is Tabard."
"I would say Tabard or Peaceful sleep which you can buy at any of our grocery stores."
#34
Bushmans
4.5
(2)
"Bushmans"
"Bushmans in Australia is pretty potent."
#35
Jungle Juice
4.5
(2)
"I use jungle juice when traveling which is super strong deet."
"I use jungle juice when traveling which is super strong deet."
#36
Mosquito Repellent Bracelet
4.0
(2)
"Mosquito repellent bracelet, natural plant essential oil, suitable for adults and children"
"We use mosquito bracelets and they seem to work well."
#37
Ultrathon
4.0
(2)
"Ultrathon."
"I used to use something called Ultrathon, and that worked well."
#38
3M Ultrathon
4.0
(2)
"3M Ultrathon, it’s 25% DEET."
"3M Ultrathon. It’s formulated to last longer."
#39
Incense Sticks
4.0
(2)
"There are these incense sticks which are mosquito repellents. Work like magic."
"Try incense sticks, but you have to have them all day long"
#40
Bug Soother Max
4.0
(2)
"Bug soother max worked well for me on gnats and mosquitoes."
"The regular formula is NOT effective towards mosquitoes. The newer Bug Soother Max works well though."
#41
Off! Deep Woods
3.5
(2)
"Off deep woods works pretty good."
"I made the mistake of using Deep Woods Off. It works, but burned my skin."
#42
DEET Mosquito Repellent
3.5
(2)
"Deet highest percentage you can, above 15 percent as a minimum, ideally.20-25"
"We used something with a lot of DEET in it. We had to watch out for contact with clothing or wristwatch bands."
#43
Croc Bloc
5.0
(1)
"Croc Bloc is the only mosquito repellent that has actually worked for me."
#44
Murphy's Naturals
5.0
(1)
"We all ended up preferring Murphy’s Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus repellent spray."
#45
Spartan Mosquito Solutions
5.0
(1)
"Super cheap and simple to install and will protect your whole property."
#46
Home Depot
5.0
(1)
"If it rarely rains in the summer, you can buy a cheap yard sprayer at home depot and then get a malathion based pesticide."
#47
Neem
5.0
(1)
"Make Neem oil candle will get rid from mosquito and it won't harm health."
#48
Talstar P
5.0
(1)
"If you're not opposed to using insecticides, the best option is not pictured."
#49
Sawyer DEET Lotion
5.0
(1)
"100% deet is the gold standard, but there is a controlled release deet lotion sold by sawyer."
#50
Non-greasy Insect Repellent Lotion
5.0
(1)
"I just got back from Alaska and tested this product out. It worked extremely well and mosquitoes LOVE me."
#51
Thermacell Backpacker Repeller
5.0
(1)
"Get the Thermacell that uses camping size butane. It will last all season."
#52
REI Insect Repellent Clothing
5.0
(1)
"I wore a tank top I got at REI that has been treated with insect repellant. It worked really well!"
#53
Bullfrog
4.0
(1)
"Bullfrog Mosquito Coast works great for mosquitoes and sand gnats."
#54
Dynatrap XL
4.0
(1)
"Dynatrap XL."
#55
Thermacell LIV
4.0
(1)
"Until I got my hands on the Thermacell LIV."
#56
Ben's 100% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent Spray
4.0
(1)
"Ben's 100% Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Spray."
#57
Thermacell Mosquito Portable Repeller
4.0
(1)
"Thermacell Mosquito Portable Repeller- a bit expensive but worked well."
#58
Soffell
4.0
(1)
"Try this Thai Mosquito Spray the brand is Soffell."
#59
Ben's IME
4.0
(1)
"Ben's IME."
#60
Deetz Nutz
4.0
(1)
"Specifically for testicles I’ve found that “Deetz Nutz” works particularly well."
#61
BLACK+DECKER Mosquito Bug Zapper
4.0
(1)
"I've seen fantastic results with the BLACK+DECKER Mosquito Bug Zapper."
#62
Mozzigear
4.0
(1)
"Some products from an Australian brand Mozzigear . It works for me."
#63
BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper & Fly Trap
4.0
(1)
"I have found that using an environmentally friendly and non-toxic product like the BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper & Fly Trap-Mosquito Repellent works quite effectively."
#64
Backwoods
4.0
(1)
"Backwoods has a 95 percent deet repellent. Small spray bottle at Walmart."
#65
Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller with Holster
4.0
(1)
"Https://www.thermacell.com/products/mr300-portable-mosquito-repeller-with-holster"
#66
Murphy's mosquito spray
4.0
(1)
"I like Murphy’s mosquito spray from Costco / Whole Foods."
#67
Bugg
4.0
(1)
"Bugg. I got it from Blain's Farm and Fleet. Works better than Bug Soother for me."
#68
Absorbine Jr.
4.0
(1)
"Absorbine Jr. is the only answer. Just don’t put it anywhere it can sweat into your eyes."
#69
Thermacell diffusers
4.0
(1)
"Heard good things about thermacell diffusers if you need something for around camp."
#70
Permethrin & Sportsman Deep Woods spray
4.0
(1)
"Permethrin & sportsman deep woods spray"
#71
Jaico mosquito repellent
4.0
(1)
"I use Jaico mosquito repellent, it works well"
#72
Pi Active
4.0
(1)
"Pi Active. Works well. Was recommended by travel medicine for trip to South Africa. I also used it in Caribbean- no mosquito bites."
#73
Burt's Bees
4.0
(1)
"Burt's Bees had a nice one that is all natural. Basically a bunch of essential oils."
#74
Incognito
4.0
(1)
"I use Incognito https://www.lessmosquito.com/"
#75
Equi-Spot
4.0
(1)
"I had a lot of success with Equi-Spot."
#76
Buzz
4.0
(1)
"I used Buzz Overtime and didn't get a single bite."
#77
Essence
4.0
(1)
"Use essence spray that mosquitoes hate and make sure they're safe for children."
#78
All Out
4.0
(1)
"All out on mosquito gone 😂😂"
#79
ก.ย. 15
4.0
(1)
"It's 25% DEET in water (as opposed to 15% standard) -- effective enough for camping in Thailand."
#80
Ben's Mosquito Repellent
4.0
(1)
"Hmmm I might take you up on this actually, it seems like it is getting better, but I still did get a bite today."
#81
AVON Bug Guard Plus
4.0
(1)
"There are multiple types, but I've always gotten them in bundles and they all seem to work the same."
#82
DEET Repellent
4.0
(1)
"Look for repellant with at least 30% DEET."
#83
Amazon
4.0
(1)
"There are various light based solutions available on Amazon."
#84
Bounce
3.0
(1)
"Bounce in the hat works"
#85
Citronella spray
3.0
(1)
"I always have citronella spray everywhere I go. Ive tried those patches but citronella works better imho."
#86
Good Knight
3.0
(1)
"Chemical means like Good Knight etc work."
#87
Bug Bite Thing
3.0
(1)
"Saw a shark tank gadget called "bug bite thing" that claims to take away the itch."
#88
Apple Cider Vinegar
3.0
(1)
"My sister swears up and down.. that a little apple cider vinegar every day will keep them off you and pets."
Discover your audience
GummySearch is an audience research toolkit for 130,000 unique communities on Reddit.
If you are looking for startup problems to solve, want to validate your idea or find your customers online, GummySearch is for you.
Sign up for free, get community insights in minutes.
Tell me more
Get started
