Bug Control Gear That Actually Works
In an industry rife with bogus products, these are the repellents and traps that experts agree can effectively keep bugs away.
Essentials
These items are your first line of defense against the types of things you want to go away.
Bug repellent for skin
If you use only one item on this list, make it bug repellent—this should be your first line of defense, and a regular necessity anytime you head into the swarm.
This EPA-approved picaridin formula is safe and effective, and it comes in a bottle that’s better than competitors at spraying evenly and accurately.
The Best Bug Repellents
This EPA-approved picaridin formula is safe and effective, and it comes in a bottle that’s better than competitors at spraying evenly and accurately.
Natrapel’s pump-bottle spray is as effective as other 20 percent picaridin formulas, but it can puddle on your skin and has a lingering floral odor.
The Best Bug Repellents
Natrapel’s pump-bottle spray is as effective as other 20 percent picaridin formulas, but it can puddle on your skin and has a lingering floral odor.
DEET formulas work and are widely available—but they aren’t more effective than picaridin (they tend to smell bad and feel oily, too). Cutter Backwoods Dry, with its even aerosol spray and locking cap, is the best DEET repellent we’ve found.
The Best Bug Repellents
DEET formulas work and are widely available—but they aren’t more effective than picaridin (they tend to smell bad and feel oily, too). Cutter Backwoods Dry, with its even aerosol spray and locking cap, is the best DEET repellent we’ve found.
Bug repellent for clothing and gear
A bug repellent with the ingredient permethrin is an effective way to pretreat clothing, shoes, backpacks, tents, and other gear for several weeks’ worth of insect deterrence.
For clothing and gear (but not skin), Sawyer’s permethrin repellent is as effective as similar formulas at repelling ticks and mosquitoes, and its trigger spray is easier to control.
The Best Bug Repellents
For clothing and gear (but not skin), Sawyer’s permethrin repellent is as effective as similar formulas at repelling ticks and mosquitoes, and its trigger spray is easier to control.
Spatial mosquito repellent
Spatial mosquito repellents can create a bug-free bubble just big enough for a small patio or balcony. They work best on windless days and are far more convenient than spray repellents.
With a rechargeable battery, long-lasting repellent supply, and simple interface, the E90 is easier to use than other spatial mosquito repellents.
The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard
With a rechargeable battery, long-lasting repellent supply, and simple interface, the E90 is easier to use than other spatial mosquito repellents.
The MR450 is more rugged and portable than our pick and better for situations like camping or sporting events, but its butane cartridge isn’t as convenient as a lithium-ion battery.
The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard
The MR450 is more rugged and portable than our pick and better for situations like camping or sporting events, but its butane cartridge isn’t as convenient as a lithium-ion battery.
Room fan
During our research on bug repellents, experts said a stiff breeze can ward off mosquitoes—so aim a fan low to circulate air under a table, targeting ankle-biters. (A fan will blow away a spatial repellent’s chemical, so choose one or the other.)
The compact Vornado 630 produces a powerful breeze, and its design is easy to clean out if it gets dusty or dirty from a trip to the patio.
The Best Fan
The compact Vornado 630 produces a powerful breeze, and its design is easy to clean out if it gets dusty or dirty from a trip to the patio.
It’s not as powerful as a Vornado, but the lower price could be appealing for a fan that might get left out overnight after a festive BBQ.
The Best Fan
It’s not as powerful as a Vornado, but the lower price could be appealing for a fan that might get left out overnight after a festive BBQ.
Flyswatter
Unless you’re an entomologist, you’re probably not thrilled to have flies in your house.
This simple flyswatter has a quick-whipping wire handle, a longer reach than competitors, and a rock-bottom price. It’s not as durable as the overbuilt options, but it performs just as well or better.
The Best Bug-Killing Gear
This simple flyswatter has a quick-whipping wire handle, a longer reach than competitors, and a rock-bottom price. It’s not as durable as the overbuilt options, but it performs just as well or better.
With a thick wire handle and a leather head, this swatter doesn’t have the quick-whip fly-smooshing action of the Pic, but you probably won’t ever have to replace it.
The Best Bug-Killing Gear
With a thick wire handle and a leather head, this swatter doesn’t have the quick-whip fly-smooshing action of the Pic, but you probably won’t ever have to replace it.
Nice-to-haves
Beyond the basic arsenal of repellents, these things provide an additional layer of protection for a comprehensive approach to pest control.
Electric-shock swatter
Like a battery-operated plastic tennis racket laced with live current, this item is a bit of a novelty, but it can kill plenty of flies, fruit flies, or mosquitoes if you’re agile and willing.
The electrified, bug-shocking Executioner is best for flying insects or particularly juicy ones. It’s more effective and less messy than a flyswatter (which is still a necessity even if you have this).
The Best Bug-Killing Gear
The electrified, bug-shocking Executioner is best for flying insects or particularly juicy ones. It’s more effective and less messy than a flyswatter (which is still a necessity even if you have this).
A catch-and-release option
Sometimes you just want the bug out of the house—and you don’t want to smear its guts on the floor in the process.
This bug-sucking, battery-free pneumatic vacuum is perfect for catching and releasing slower bugs or hard-to-reach critters like spiders.
The Best Bug-Killing Gear
This bug-sucking, battery-free pneumatic vacuum is perfect for catching and releasing slower bugs or hard-to-reach critters like spiders.
Hiking socks
Socks that cover your ankles and shins offer a line of defense against ticks and anything else hiding in tall grass. Treat the socks with permethrin to boost your protection level.
The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.
The Best Hiking Socks
The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.
The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.
The Best Hiking Socks
The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.
Things to skip
Avoid frustration in the garden by following our suggestions.
Citronella candles
Experts say these work about as well as any other candle.
Repellent-infused bracelets
You may, sometimes, repel bugs in the immediate vicinity of the bracelet itself.
Sonic repellers
An app that turns your phone into a debilitating sonic weapon only mosquitoes can hear—that doesn’t really seem like it could work, does it?
