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.

In an industry rife with bogus products, these are the repellents and traps that experts agree can effectively keep bugs away.

This bug-sucking, battery-free pneumatic vacuum is perfect for catching and releasing slower bugs or hard-to-reach critters like spiders.

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.

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.

Harry Sawyers is an editor who has covered home improvement, HVAC, cleaning, and emergency prep at Wirecutter for a decade.

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.

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.

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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.

With a rechargeable battery, long-lasting repellent supply, and simple interface, the E90 is easier to use than other spatial mosquito 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.

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.

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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.

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.

With a rechargeable battery, long-lasting repellent supply, and simple interface, the E90 is easier to use than other spatial mosquito repellents.

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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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Beyond the basic arsenal of repellents, these things provide an additional layer of protection for a comprehensive approach to pest control.

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.

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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).

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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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 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 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.

This bug-sucking, battery-free pneumatic vacuum is perfect for catching and releasing slower bugs or hard-to-reach critters like spiders.

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.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).