11 Budget-Friendly Outdoor Bug Repellents (That Really Work)

Summer means you’ll probably be spending more time outside. After all, it’s warm weather, sunshine, and late sundowns.

But the summer evenings are also full of bugs.

So what can you do to enjoy the outdoors without the bugs? Here are some budget-friendly ways to bounce those bugs from your space and stop wasting money on repellents that just don’t work.

Price: $49.99

The Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent keeps mosquitoes at bay by providing nine hours of protection on one charge.

You can charge it using a USB cable, and its LED display will let you know when it needs to be recharged.

Price: $11.79

Don’t worry about leaving the lights on outside and attracting bugs when you have a bug zapper light bulb.

The Feit Electric LED Bug Zapper Light Bulb features an ultraviolet light that attracts mosquitoes and other pests while lighting your outdoor space.

Price: $22.94

Swat the flies and other bugs away with an electric swatter.

The Electric Fly Swatter Racket looks like a typical tennis racket, but it’s actually a secret weapon. Give it a wave over food and drinks while you’re outside to get rid of unwanted pests.

The swatter also has a charging stand, making it easy to grab whenever you need it.

Price: $37.97

There are also more traditional options that can keep your outdoor spaces pest-free.

Check out the Bug Zapper Insect Killer, which includes a Black Flag Mosquito Octenol Lure. The extra lure pulls the bugs away from you and into the zapper, clearing the air and giving you a relaxing outdoor experience.

Price: $19.95

Sometimes it’s a good idea to carry protection with you.

Grab a pack of RiptGear Mosquito Patches to put on clothing, backpacks, strollers, and more so you can always have some protection nearby without messing with sprays and lotions.

Price: $43.99

The Zappify Portable Bug Zapper may be on the high end of your budget, but it can be worth it to keep bugs and other pests away.

The portable bug zapper is a great option if you like to venture out in nature and need something to carry with you.

A USB port allows you to charge the zapper for 13 hours of use, making it an easy option if you don’t want to fumble with batteries.

Price: $15.48

One of the more classic natural ways to keep bugs at bay is with a citronella plant.

You can add the plant to your outdoor landscaping around a patio or other areas where you spend a lot of time during the summer.

It can also be planted in a planter or other vessel that you can add to a table or move around as needed for protection.

Price: $11.99

A Mosquito Repellent Candle simply runs on a flame, so you don’t have to worry about juggling USB cables or finding batteries.

The candles use natural materials that bugs hate to work as a natural deterrent for bugs. A natural candle may include citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and more to keep bugs away.

Price: $9.95

A good lotion can give you plenty of protection when you’re walking outside or taking part in outdoor activities.

Try Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, which comes in a variety of sizes including a four-ounce version for $9.95.

Price: $5.87

Sometimes you want something fancy and unique and other times it’s best to stick with the tried and true.

So grab some Off! Active Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray to stay protected whenever you’re outside and be sure to have some on handfor your next outdoor adventure.

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy hikes outdoors or spend time with friends.

There are some great budget-friendly bug-repellent options to help you save money if you’re on a tight budget or have a specific goal for your spending.

It’s also a good idea to consider other choices that could be affordable, such as a bug screen, which may not be a repellent but can keep them away from you.