Anyone whose backyard barbecue has ever turned into an al fresco feast for flies or any beach goer who’s spent more time battling mosquitos than riding the waves knows just how quickly bugs can ruin an otherwise enjoyable day. The good news? Though you can douse yourself with bug spray, there are easier ways to keep those pests at bay. Whether you can’t stand the smell of your usual DEET spray or just want a more comprehensive solution to your bug problem, we’ve rounded up the best products for keeping your summer bug-free.
Best Life’s editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we’re hoping you’ll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn’t mean you’ll pay more for them (we’d never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece’s initial publication date, but it’s the internet and we can’t guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | This bug-repelling jacket
$80; buy now at REI
Need something to cover up with on those buggy summer nights? This lightweight jacket is treated with insect repellent permethrin, and its bug-fighting properties are guaranteed through 70 wash cycles.
2 | These insect-repelling socks
From $10; buy now at Amazon
Tired of having your ankles bitten by bugs when you're outdoors in the summer? These socks—also good through 70 wash cycles—promise to protect against mosquitos, ticks, ants, flies, and any other pests that might mistake you for a snack.
3 | These mesh food covers
Amazon$10; buy now at Amazon
Don't let bugs ruin your outdoor celebrations this summer. With these colorful food covers, you and your guests will be the only ones feasting at your next fête.
4 | These insect repellent leggings
Insect Shield
$28; buy now at Insect Shield
It can be hard to muster the resolve to go for a run—especially in the summertime, when you have bugs to contend with as well as the heat. Luckily, these Insect Shield leggings are treated with permethrin, meaning you can concentrate on your form instead of the pests that would otherwise be nipping at you.
5 | These essential oil-infused bracelets
Amazon$10; buy now at Amazon
Want to keep bugs from biting your kids? These bracelets, infused with citronella and lemongrass oil, will keep some of the more persistent pests at bay.
6 | This permethrin-infused shirt
L.L. Bean$40; buy now at L.L. Bean
Who says that bug-repelling clothing can't also be cute? This simple gray shirt is a stylish basic that not only comes with a bug-fighting permethrin coating, but also offers SPF 50+ protection against the scorching sun. Win-win!
7 | This insect-repelling scarf
$23; buy now at QVC
When the temperature starts to dip toward the end of the summer, you can stay warmand bug-free with this stylish Insect Shield infinity scarf.
8 | This electric bug zapper
$44; buy now at Amazon
Move over, citronella candles—there's a new sheriff in town. This electric bug zapper provides one-acre coverage, ensuring that your yard will be bug-free all summer long.
9 | This bug repellent perfume
Victoria's SecretFrom $58; buy now at Victoria’s Secret
Surprised to see perfume in a list of bug-fighting products? Well, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Insect Science found that Victoria's Secret Bombshell perfume "repelled mosquitoes quite effectively 120 min post application."
10 | This bug-repellent hoodie
Zappos$40; buy now at Zappos
This cute, lightweight hoodie with built-in Insect Shield protection does more than just keep bugs at bay. It's also got moisture-wicking technology, making it the perfect accessory for your summer jogs and sweat sessions.
11 | This fly-fighting hat
DICK'S Sporting Goods$25; buy now at DICK'S Sporting Goods
Don't go fishing this summer without one of these fly-fighting hats in tow. Not only does its permethrin-treated No Fly Zone technology fend off ticks, mosquitos, flies, ants, and more, but it's also SPF 50+ rated, so it'll help you fight back against sunburns, too.
12 | This Insect Shield blanket
Amazon$35; buy now at Amazon
Don't let your next picnic become a feast for ants and other pests. With this Insect Shield permethrin-treated blanket, you can dine outdoors without fear of any unwanted guests crashing the party.
13 | This mosquito-repelling wand
REI$25; buy now at REI
Don't have room for a big bug zapper? This handheld wand may be petite, but with more than 800 five-star reviews, rest assured it works just as well as its bigger counterparts.
14 | This electric mosquito repeller
Amazon$25; buy now at Amazon
DEET-free, scent-free, and cordless, this cute blue mosquito repeller is the perfect accessory for camping trips and picnics alike.
15 | This lemon eucalyptus candle
Etsy$9; buy now at Etsy
Even if you don't love the scent of citronella, you can still use a candle to enjoy a bug-free outdoor space this summer. Lemon eucalyptus has been deemed as effective as DEET by a study published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, so make sure to fire up this candle before your next outdoor event.
16 | These bug-fighting joggers
Toad & Co.$95$76; buy now at Toad & Co.
Think comfort, style, and bug protection can't all in exist in a single pair of pants? Think again. These black pants may look like your average joggers, but they come equip with Insect Shield technology, meaning you'll be bite-free whenever you put them on.
17 | This disposable fly trap
Walmart$51 for 5; buy now at Walmart
If flies are plaguing your home and hanging strips of sticky paper aren't exactly your style, then this fly-catching bag can provide an easy solution to your problem. Simply add water and hang it, and those pests will be a thing of the past.
18 | This mosquito-repelling balm
Grove Collaborative$7; buy now at Grove Collaborative
DEET-free, plant-based, and delicious-smelling, this mosquito repellent balm is the perfect addition to your beach bag this summer.
19 | These DEET-free mosquito wipes
Aunt Fannie's$10; buy now at Aunt Fannie’s
Don't feel like spritzing yourself with bug spray over and over to keep from getting bitten? With these biodegradable, essential oil-infused wipes, all you have to do is swipe a wipe over your body once for easy bug protection.
20 | This curtained gazebo
Hayneedle$358$247; buy now at Hayneedle
Loading up on bug spray and zappers isn't the only way to keep yourself protected from pests this summer. This easy-to-set-up screened gazebo provides easy protection from both the summer sun and all those backyard bugs.
21 | These mosquito repellent stickers
Amazon$9; buy now at Amazon
Eager to add some bug protection your kids will actually want to wear? These cute patches promise to keep bugs at bay for up to 72 hours—and they're super cute to boot!
22 | This Insect Shield T-shirt
Insect Shield$20; buy now at Insect Shield
Plain T-shirts go with practically everything—so why not add this bug-fighting one, treated with Insect Shield technology, to your wardrobe this summer?
23 | These mosquito-repelling incense sticks
Grove Collaborative$12; buy now at Grove Collaborative
Candles aren't the only way to keep bugs from invading your yard this summer. These plant-based insect repellent incense sticks combine citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, and cedarwood oil to sweetly scent your outdoor space and send those bugs packing.
24 | This fly repellent fan
Amazon$16; buy now at Amazon
A surprisingly effective bug deterrent? A fan! This one packs holographic dots on the blades, which refract light and scare those irritating pests away.
25 | This mosquito-repelling bandana
REI$12; buy now at REI
Whether you're tying it around your pup's neck or using it as a headband to keep your hair out of your face, this Insect Shield-treated bandana is the perfect summer accessory.
26 | This lemon-scented cologne
Shen$38; buy now at Shen
You don't need to bear the lingering scent of eau de bug spray to keep those pests from biting you this summer. Instead, spritz yourself with Unstung Hero, a natural mosquito-fighting cologne with a sweet lemon tea fragrance.
27 | This mosquito-killing lamp
Amazon$30; buy now at Amazon
While it's hardly safe to keep a bug-fighting candle burning in your tent, using this USB-powered, bug-fighting lamp overnight will keep your campsite bug-free until morning.
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