Consumer Reports Identifies Top Bug Repellents for Summer 2026
Consumer Reports has released its list of the top bug repellents for summer 2026, evaluating over 50 products for their effectiveness against mosquitoes and ticks. The testing involved applying repellents to human subjects and exposing them to mosquitoes in controlled environments. Products were assessed for their duration of effectiveness, which ranged from under 2 hours to over 7 hours. DEET-based repellents, such as Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent and Off Sportsman Deep Woods, were found to be the most effective. However, DEET-free options like Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent also performed well, offering a safer alternative for those concerned about chemical exposure. The report highlights the importance of using quality repellents to prevent diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika fever. 
