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Mosquito repellents: Don’t board a plane without packing one of these in 2025
Travelling to tropical or rural destinations sometimes feels as much about dodging mosquito bites as it does about sightseeing. Even a short trip can be spoiled by relentless itching and, in some regions, it’s not just an irritant – mosquitoes and other biting insects can carry serious diseases like Zika, malaria, and dengue. That’s why packing the right protection is just as essential as your passport or sun cream.
Fortunately, today’s travel-friendly repellents come in a range of formulas to suit every preference, from chemical DEET sprays and roll-ons (more on that in a moment) to wipes, patches, bracelets, and electronic shields. Some combine sunscreen with an insect deterrent, helping reduce what you need to squeeze through security, a boon for light packers and carry-on-only fliers everywhere.
Whether you prefer a hands-on application, a wearable barrier, or a plug-in for your room that quietly keeps pests at bay as you sleep, there’s a solution for every traveller. Below, our picks of the best insect and mosquito repellents available to buy now, so you can banish infuriating itching forever.
DEET, or N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is the gold standard chemical insect repellent, used for decades to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and flea bites. Unlike insecticides, it doesn’t kill pests but instead confuses their sense of smell, blocking the olfactory receptors they use to detect human scent from sweat and breath. This makes it highly effective in preventing bites from insects that can transmit diseases such as Zika and Lyme disease. DEET is available in various forms – including sprays, lotions, and wipes – and can be applied directly to skin or clothing. It can also be added to sunscreen.
Why do some insect repellents avoid DEET?
The use of DEET is restricted in the EU, but in the UK a formula of up to 50 per cent is recommended, especially when visiting tropical countries. DEET can be absorbed through the skin, which occasionally causes irritation and headaches, but it’s generally safe for most users. Health authorities maintain that it remains safe and effective when used as directed – particularly in areas where insect-borne diseases are common. Use caution with young children if you’re concerned – protective clothing and mosquito nets are good alternatives.
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Repellent wipes
I’ve had expensive mosquito sprays taken off me at security more than once when travelling hand luggage only, which is deeply tedious when you’ve more than enough left over to cover a few more trips. You’ll not have that issue with wipes. These are good to go in your backpack or carry-on and, unlike sprays, they allow targeted use without leaking or wastage from overspray. This is both better for the environment and prevents breathing in too many nasties, too.
Repellent bands
Mosquito repellent bracelets are soaked in essential oils, like citronella or eucalyptus, and emit a gentle fragrance in a bid to confuse or deter mosquitoes. The idea is to create a protective bubble around the wearer by masking their natural scent. Essential oils are DEET-free, so these bands are gentle enough for both adults and children and shouldn’t irritate skin. An adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit and, with 250 hours (10 days) of bite protection, a single band should see you through the vast majority, if not all, of your trip.
Electric repellent
While I wouldn’t rely solely on a portable mosquito repeller to banish bites, they can be a good supplementary option to sprays on outdoor evenings in campsites or exotic destinations. This little gadget offers hands-free, DEET-free protection against bites by creating an invisible zone (around 20 square metres) to confuse pests and keep them at bay. It’s small and lightweight, so easy to pack into your case or backpack. Just note that you should check refills and whether fuel cartridges are allowed on flights – it might be best to pack them in your checked luggage on some airlines.
Roll-on insect repellent
A roll-on is another handy spray-free option, and Jungle Formula’s Maximum Roll-On is one of the most powerful on the market. It’s also good to go in your carry-on as it’s only a 50ml bottle. This has a high-strength 50 per cent DEET formula, which offers up to around nine hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks and biting insects. Its roll-on format is compact and convenient – use it for quick top-ups on exposed skin when on the move.
Body spray insect repellent
Mosquito spray offers reliable, on-the-spot protection against bites, with fast, even coverage that’s ideal for humid or rural destinations. There is a wealth of natural and DEET options available, in a variety of strengths and sizes, so you should find something to suit your needs. I’ve used both natural and chemical options previously and was impressed with this Jungle Formula spray in Bali – in over a week, I was only bitten once.
Mosquito repellent patches
Mosquito repellent patches make another liquid-free, travel-friendly solution for insect protection. Infused with essential oils like citronella, these DEET-free patches provide up to 72 hours of protection per patch. They’re compact, so easy to pack, and they can be applied to clothing, bags, or tents, reducing the need for sprays. They come in various designs, including animal-themed options that children will enjoy.
Repellent balm
Sensitive skin types looking to avoid DEET formulations might prefer a natural barrier solution like this balm. Fierce Nature Bug Balm is a natural, chemical-free insect repellent crafted from organic tallow, citronella and lemongrass. It’s lightweight and will slip easily into a tote or backpack, so you can bring it along on all your outdoor adventures – and it’s handmade in the UK, so buying helps support a small local business. Apply liberally to exposed skin and reapply as needed for optimal protection.
Mosquito repellent sunscreen
Savvy travellers love a multi-purpose product, and this is one of the most important items to give space to in your carry-on. A sunscreen with insect repellent protects against both sunburn and insect-borne diseases simultaneously, staving off two of the worst parts of holidays – peeling sunburned skin and impossibly itchy bites. This combination is especially useful in tropical or outdoor destinations, reducing the need for multiple applications and items to tote about in one go.
Insect bite healer
And if the worst comes to the worst and you do get bitten? Don’t suffer unnecessarily – a lot of travellers have had relief by using an electronic bite healer (and Savlon has never let us down, either). Heat It’s is one of the most popular, which plugs into your smartphone’s USB-C port and delivers concentrated heat (51°C) to the affected area, effectively reducing itching and swelling. It doesn’t require batteries and weighs next to nothing – make it a permanent fixture in your backpack next time you’re headed somewhere humid.
