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10 Best Bug Sprays 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor and Perimeter Refill2, Controls Ants, Roaches, Spiders and More, 1 gal

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,262
Active Ingredients
Duration of Protection
Type of Application

Most important from
71200 reviews

Active Ingredients
The formula works effectively against a wide range of common household pests, including ants, roaches, and spiders.
Duration of Protection
Delivers reliable, long-lasting protection that keeps homes bug-free for extended periods.
Type of Application
Simple to apply around interior and exterior perimeters, making pest control straightforward and manageable.
Safety and Suitability
Safe for use around the home, allowing confident application without concern for pets or family.
Range of Insects Covered
The formula works effectively against a wide range of common household pests, including ants, roaches, and spiders.

The Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer is designed to tackle a wide range of common household pests, including ants, roaches, spiders, fleas, and more. It uses a liquid formula that you apply around your home's indoor areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as outdoor perimeters such as patios and foundations. One of its strong points is its long-lasting protection, offering up to 12 months of bug control on non-porous surfaces, which means fewer treatments are needed throughout the year.

The product is sold as a large 1-gallon refill, meant to be used with the Ortho Comfort Wand sprayer, making it convenient and cost-effective for regular use. It works both as a preventive measure and for active infestations, giving flexibility in how you manage pests. Though it covers many insect types, it is mainly suited to typical household pests rather than specialized or outdoor-only insects. Its weight and size mean it’s best for homeowners comfortable handling larger containers, rather than someone needing a quick handheld spray.

This spray suits people seeking a reliable, long-term solution for common insects inside and around their homes, especially if they already have the sprayer system. If safety or chemical details are a concern, checking the label further or consulting usage instructions would be wise.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,262
Active Ingredients
Duration of Protection
Type of Application

Most important from
71200 reviews

Active Ingredients
The formula works effectively against a wide range of common household pests, including ants, roaches, and spiders.
Duration of Protection
Delivers reliable, long-lasting protection that keeps homes bug-free for extended periods.
Type of Application
Simple to apply around interior and exterior perimeters, making pest control straightforward and manageable.
Safety and Suitability
Safe for use around the home, allowing confident application without concern for pets or family.
Range of Insects Covered
The formula works effectively against a wide range of common household pests, including ants, roaches, and spiders.
#2

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray – Natural Indoor & Outdoor Bug Control for Spiders, Ants, Roaches, and More – Plant-Based, Extra-Strong Formula - 16 oz

Rating
10.0
Type of Application
Safety and Suitability
Range of Insects Covered

Most important from
58619 reviews

Type of Application
Spray nozzle reliability can be an issue, sometimes requiring transfer to another container for convenient application.
Safety and Suitability
Safe to use around pets and children, offering peace of mind when applying indoors or outdoors.
Range of Insects Covered
Effectively deters mice and keeps spiders away, making it ideal for use in places like RVs where pests tend to appear after long periods of inactivity.

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray stands out as a natural and pet-friendly option for indoor and outdoor bug control. Its active ingredient is extra-concentrated peppermint oil, which is known to repel common pests like spiders, ants, and roaches without using harsh chemicals. This makes it a great choice for families with pets or children, offering peace of mind when applying it in living spaces.

The spray comes in a convenient 16-ounce aerosol bottle, ready to use right away, and can be targeted on problem areas like baseboards, entryways, and patios. One of its pleasant features is the fresh minty scent that leaves your home smelling clean without overwhelming synthetic fragrances. While it works on a good range of insects, it might not cover every type of bug you encounter.

Because it’s plant-based and free from common allergens, it’s suitable for scent-sensitive users, but as with any spray, following application instructions is important for safety. For those seeking a natural alternative to chemical bug sprays that’s safe for pets and kids and smells nice, this product is a solid pick, especially for treating specific indoor and outdoor spots quickly.

Rating
10.0
Type of Application
Safety and Suitability
Range of Insects Covered

Most important from
58619 reviews

Type of Application
Spray nozzle reliability can be an issue, sometimes requiring transfer to another container for convenient application.
Safety and Suitability
Safe to use around pets and children, offering peace of mind when applying indoors or outdoors.
Range of Insects Covered
Effectively deters mice and keeps spiders away, making it ideal for use in places like RVs where pests tend to appear after long periods of inactivity.
#3

Hot Shot Fogger With Odor Neutralizer 6 Count-2 Ounce Cans (2 Pack), Controls Heavy Insect Infestations

Rating
9.4
Duration of Protection
Type of Application
Safety and Suitability

Most important from
39886 reviews

Duration of Protection
It provides lasting protection, continuing to eliminate pests for weeks after initial use.
Type of Application
The fogger is remarkably easy to use—simply set it off and let it work, making pest control hassle-free.
Safety and Suitability
Following the instructions carefully and ventilating the room afterward is essential for safety and effectiveness.
Range of Insects Covered
It effectively reduces cockroaches and crawling insects in closed indoor spaces, proving its reliability.

The Hot Shot Fogger with Odor Neutralizer is designed to quickly kill a wide range of common household bugs including roaches, ants, spiders, and fleas. It uses active ingredients Tetramethrin and Cypermethrin, which are effective chemicals for controlling insects. One of its strengths is that the fogger creates a fine mist that can reach deep into cracks and hidden areas where bugs tend to hide. This makes it suitable for treating enclosed spaces like apartments, basements, garages, and even campers or sheds.

Each can covers up to 2,000 cubic feet and claims to keep killing bugs for up to two months, which is helpful for longer-lasting protection against infestations. The formula is non-staining and doesn’t leave a wet residue, so it won't mess up your surfaces. However, because it’s an aerosol fogger, you need to leave the area sealed and vacate it during treatment, which might be inconvenient for some. Also, while it targets many common insects, it may not cover all types of pests. Safety-wise, as with any bug spray, it’s important to follow instructions carefully, especially around children and pets.

If you want a straightforward, no-mess way to handle a heavy bug problem in indoor or semi-enclosed spaces, this fogger is a strong choice. For use in open outdoor areas or if you require pest-specific treatment, other options may be more appropriate.

Rating
9.4
Duration of Protection
Type of Application
Safety and Suitability

Most important from
39886 reviews

Duration of Protection
It provides lasting protection, continuing to eliminate pests for weeks after initial use.
Type of Application
The fogger is remarkably easy to use—simply set it off and let it work, making pest control hassle-free.
Safety and Suitability
Following the instructions carefully and ventilating the room afterward is essential for safety and effectiveness.
Range of Insects Covered
It effectively reduces cockroaches and crawling insects in closed indoor spaces, proving its reliability.

Buying Guide for the Best Bug Sprays

When choosing a bug spray, it's important to think about where and how you plan to use it, what types of insects you want to protect against, and who will be applying it. The right bug spray for a camping trip isn’t always the same as the best choice for indoor use or for children. Carefully reading labels and understanding what each ingredient does will help make your decision easier. Focus on safety, effectiveness, and how long a spray lasts when assessing your options.
Active IngredientsThe active ingredient is the chemical or natural substance in the spray that actually repels or kills bugs. Most bug sprays use ingredients like DEET, picaridin, permethrin, or natural oils like citronella. This is crucial because different ingredients target different insects—DEET and picaridin are great for mosquitoes and ticks, while permethrin is meant for treating clothing. Natural options might be less harsh for sensitive skin, but may also work for shorter periods of time. To pick, consider who will use the spray (kids, adults, pets), where you’ll use it, and your comfort with chemical vs. natural ingredients.
Duration of ProtectionDuration tells you how long the spray will keep bugs away after you apply it. Some sprays last just a couple of hours, while others can protect you for many hours, even up to all day. This matters if you’ll be outdoors a long time or don’t want to reapply often. Short durations are fine for short outdoor activities, but for hiking or camping, longer protection is better. Always balance how long you need coverage with how safe and comfortable frequent reapplication is for you.
Type of ApplicationThe application method describes how you put the product on—common types are sprays, lotions, wipes, and wearable items like wristbands. Sprays are quick for large areas and clothing, lotions may last longer on the skin and are less likely to be inhaled by accident, while wipes are handy for precise application and portability. Wristbands and clip-ons offer the most convenience but usually provide weaker protection. Your choice should depend on your personal convenience, sensitivity, and how thoroughly you need to cover exposed skin.
Safety and SuitabilityThis relates to the product’s safety for certain age groups or people with sensitive skin. Some bug sprays are formulated specifically for children or people with allergies, avoiding certain harsh chemicals. Checking the label for age recommendations and irritants is important if kids, pregnant persons, or people with respiratory concerns will use it. For safe use, always follow label instructions and do patch tests on small areas of skin if you’re unsure.
Range of Insects CoveredBug sprays differ in the types of bugs they repel—mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, or even more specific insects like bedbugs. Always check which insects the spray is effective against by reading the product description. If your main concern is ticks, choose a product proven for them; if it’s house flies or ants, some sprays are specially formulated for those. Choosing the right spray is guided by which bugs are most problematic in your environment.

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