There are few things as annoying as a mosquito bite, and we’ve tried every old wives’ tale in the book – even upping our intake of vitamin B. As it happens, our attempts were in vain after Carolina Goncalves, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmica, told The Independent that “vitamin B does nothing to repel mosquitoes.”
In fact, no home remedy is going to ward off pesky bugs as well as a mosquito repellent, and the best ones usually contain DEET (Diethyl-m-toluamide). Mosquitoes hate the stuff and, these days, clever formulations mean DEET-based sprays are unlikely to lead to irritation. But if you’re concerned, simply opt for a repellent with a lower percentage of DEET, or try an alternative with an active ingredient such as icaridin (paradin), which is “deemed both safe and effective”, says Goncalves.
To help you find the best buy for your needs, we took a selection of the most popular bug sprays into the great outdoors and got spritzing our skin. Yes, we risked days of itching but, in the name of good journalism, we powered through. Below, see our tried and tested top picks for holidays, camping excursions and more.
How we tested
Our testing took place in hot, humid conditions, and we deliberately sought out soggy areas (such as canals, rivers and areas of still water, which mosquitoes love most). The best sprays were those that completely protected us from bug bites. We also considered the ease of application, scent and the overall bottle design.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Tamara Hinson has travelled everywhere from Aruba to Zambia. She has covered every category of adventure travel gear for IndyBest including camping pillows and suitcases. When it comes to mosquito repellents, she’s explored jungle and Mediterranean climes alike, and knows the right repellant for every mosquito, gnat and midge.
The best mosquito repellents for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Jungle Formula maximum pump spray: £10.70, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Superdrug buzz off insect repellent: £4.50, Superdrug.com
- Best for kids – Puressentiel bite and sting spray repellent + soothing: £7.34, Amazon.co.uk
