27 Genius Products That'll Keep Bugs at Bay All Summer

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!

$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.

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.

$10; buy now at Amazonae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

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.

 

$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.

$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.

$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!

$23; buy now at QVC

When the temperature starts to dip toward the end of the summer, you can stay warm and bug-free with this stylish Insect Shield infinity scarf.

$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.

From $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."

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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!

$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?

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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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