The Best Bug Repellents For Summer 2026

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Warm weather means more time spent soaking up every minute outdoors, but it also means mosquitoes, ticks, and other pesky bugs are out in full force. An effective bug repellent can help you actually enjoy your time outside and keep irritating bites to a minimum.

These days, using a bug repellent doesn’t mean you’ve got to douse yourself in a heavy, stinky spray that you’ll be tasting for the rest of the week. There are plenty of updated options, including lotions, DEET-free formulas, wearable patches and ambient mosquito coils for outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking for maximum protection on the trail or a family-friendly alternative, these are some of the internet’s favourite ways to keep the bugs away this summer.