Nothing says you’re battling Aussie summer than dealing with pesky mosquitoes. They’re annoying and they leave you with irritable skin.
But those bites aren’t just itchy — they can actually spread pathogens that make you unwell, according to Principal Hospital Scientist and Research Education Academic Director Dr Cameron Webb.
“Ross River virus infects more than 5,000 people across the country every year,” Dr Webb told Better Homes and Gardens. While this virus doesn’t cause extremely fatal outcomes, it has the potential to cause “severely debilitating illness”.
Dr Webb, who has conducted extensive research on mosquito management for NSW Health Pathology and The University of Sydney, also warned about other, more serious pathogens.
“Much rarer, but still important, are viruses such as Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis, which may cause potentially fatal disease,” he adds.
The most alarming part? There are no specific treatments for these diseases. That means the only way to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illness is to prevent bites altogether.
Enter: mosquito repellents.
While it’s as easy as heading to your local supermarket and picking up the first repellent you see or Googling how to make a homemade formula, we must stress that not all mosquito-deterring products are created equal. A good repellent should tick three essential boxes: it needs to be effective at keeping pesky insects away, safe for use on the skin and approved for use in Australia.
“All products sold in Australia are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), which assesses their effectiveness and safety,” Dr Webb explains. “This is why it’s important to avoid ‘homemade’ formulations or imported products that may not have undergone the same safety checks.”
To help you choose the right repellent for you and your loved ones, below we’ve rounded up the best options available in Australia that meet all these criteria.
2025’s top mosquito repellents
- Aerogard Heavy Duty 40% DEET insect repellent aerosol spray (here’s why)
- Thermacell MR300 portable mosquito repeller (here’s why)
- Aerogard For Kids roll on (here’s why)
Read on to find out which mosquito repellents came out on top. Plus, Dr Webb answers the most important questions about repellents and mosquito prevention — knowledge we should all keep in mind year-round.
The best mosquito repellents to buy in 2025
01
Aerogard Heavy Duty 40% DEET insect repellent aerosol spray
$12.25 (usually $17.50), Amazon
Best: Overall repellent
If you’re looking for a highly effective repellent that’s trusted by thousands of Aussies, you can’t look past this one from Aeroguard. Its high 40 per cent DEET concentration ensures up to 12 hours of effectiveness, making it great for every situation, from long outdoor dinners to overnight camping activities. In addition to fighting off mosquitoes, this aerosol repellent can also repel flies, ticks, leeches and other biting insects. That’s a big sigh of relief.
Applicator: Aerosol spray
Hours of protection: Up to 12 hours
Size: 150g
Active ingredient: DEET
Key features:
- Brand’s highest-strength insect repellent
- 12 hours protection against mosquitoes
- Heavy-duty aerosol spray with 40 per cent DEET
- Protects against mosquitoes, sandflies, leeches and other biting insects
02
Thermacell MR300 portable mosquito repeller
$53.99 (usually $59.99), Anaconda
Best for: Camping and hiking
Whether you’re camping in the wild, fishing by the lake or simply unwinding in your backyard, the Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller has your back. Designed to create a 21m2, this lightweight and portable device keeps mosquitoes and insects at bay — so you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors without the constant swatting.
The handy device is easy to use, mess-free (void of scents or DEET) and eliminates the need for sticky sprays or lotions, giving you hassle-free and safe protection wherever you go.
Applicator: Portable device
Hours of protection: Up to 120 hours
Active ingredient: D-cis/trans allethrin (trade name Pynamin Forte)
Key features:
- Lightweight, portable and no open flame
- Virtually odour-free
- No lotions, sprays or oils
- Lightweight, compact and easy-to-carry size
- No batteries required
- Single-handed operation
- Contains one repeller and 12 hours of refills (three repellent mats and one fuel cartridge)
Also available at:
- $46.55 from Amazon
03
Aerogard For Kids roll on
$10.99 (usually $12), Chemist Warehouse
Best for: Children
Keep your little ones (12 months and older) safe from mozzie bites with this roll-on repellent from trusted Australian brand Aeroguard. The low-irritant formula applies smoothly and fades away without leaving any blind spots, making it easy to apply — and fun for kids to use. Plus, the roll-on applicator allows for precise application, reducing the risk of any product getting in your child’s eyes, mouth or sensitive areas. Formulated with aloe vera, it’s designed with sensitive skin in mind and provides up to six hours of protection from mosquitoes, flies, sandflies and other pesky insects.
Applicator: Roll on
Hours of protection: Up to six hours
Size: 50ml
Active ingredient: Picaridin
Key features:
- ColourFade Technology goes on blue, colour fades away
- Suitable for children 12 months and over
- Berry Fragrance
- Low irritant on the skin
- Non-greasy formula
- Contains moisturising aloe vera
Available at:
- $10.95 from Healthy Life
- $6.30 (usually $9) from Woolworths
04
Off! Tropical strength insect repellent pump spray
$7.60 (usually $11.50), Woolworths
Best: Picaridin repellent
This dermatologically-tested repellent offers up to eight hours of protection against mosquitoes, flies, sand flies, ticks and other biting insects. Formulated with Picaridin, the non-greasy spray is perfect for everyday outdoor use for the whole family while being gentle on the skin.
Applicator: Spray
Hours of protection: Up to eight hours
Size: 175ml
Active ingredient: Picardin
Key features:
- Non-greasy
- Lightly fragranced
- Dermatologically tested
- Tropical strength
Also available at:
- $7.83 (usually $9.50) from Amazon
- $9.49 from Chemist Warehouse
05
Good Riddance sensitive insect repellent
$19.89 (usually $24.99), Amazon
Best for: Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you don’t have to skip mosquito repellents altogether.
Good Riddance’s repellent is Australia’s only clinically proven insect repellent safe for babies (three months and older), pregnancy and sensitive skin. The lightweight, nourishing cream is free from DEET, picaridin and citronella, using a natural blend of lavender, geranium and sweet vanilla to provide up to four hours of protection against mozzies, midges and sandflies. What’s more, Good Riddance donates one per cent of all sales to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and the packaging is fully biodegradable. Just remember, because it uses natural ingredients, you’ll need to reapply it more frequently to maintain optimal effectiveness.
Applicator: Cream
Hours of protection: Up to four hours
Size: 100ml
Active ingredient: Essential oils of Lavender and Cymbopogon spp.
Key features:
- 100 per cent natural ingredients
- Free from DEET, OLE, synthetic fragrances and alcohol
- Safe for sensitive skin, babies and pregnancy
- Family-run Australian brand
- 100 per cent money back guarantee
- Fast delivery
- Biodegradable
What is the most effective type of mosquito repellent?
In short, the concentration of the active ingredient in a mosquito repellent determines its effectiveness.
“It doesn’t matter whether it is a spray, lotion, cream or roll-on, it is the active ingredient contained in the formulation that is important,” Dr Webb explains, “those ingredients that provide the best protection are diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus”.
Another important factor: “It’s important to remember that the strength of the formulation usually determines how long it lasts, not how many mosquitoes are stopped from biting,” Dr Webb adds. “If you’re only outdoors for a short period of time, the lower-dose formulations are fine. Just remember that it needs to be applied as an even coat on all exposed areas of skin to ensure the best bite protection.”
When it comes to natural formulas, they do work — but only for much shorter periods.
“If these so-called ‘natural’ products are used, they should be reapplied more frequently than the other products containing DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus,” Dr Webb advises. “It’s worth noting that while there is a perception that plant-based repellents are ‘safer’ to us, these products often have a stronger smell that many people may find unpleasant to use.”
Are mosquito repellents safe to use?
You may have heard that mosquito zappers have a bad rap for potentially spreading bacteria and pathogens. But what about repellents?
Generally speaking, mosquito repellents are safe when used as directed and undergo extensive testing.
“If used as directed, there are very few adverse health outcomes,” Dr Webb confirms. “All products sold in Australia are approved for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) who assess products for their effectiveness and safety”.
Additionally, “most products sold in Australia are safe for children 12 months and older,” and “there are no restrictions on their use during pregnancy”.
Because of this, Dr Webb strongly advises against using “homemade” formulations or imported products, as they may not have undergone the same rigorous safety checks.
Which smells deter mosquitoes the most?
Mosquitoes are drawn to “the smell of people, whether it is the carbon dioxide we breathe out or the smell of our skin that draws them in to bite”.
“Any smells produced by insecticides or repellents that stop or disrupt the ability of mosquitoes to find and bite a person may help,” Dr Webb explains. “Strong-smelling products, things like citronella in candles and mosquito coils, may make it harder for mosquitoes to smell us but won’t keep them all away.”
Another factor that attracts mosquitoes is odorous environments, so keeping your home clean is essential for deterring them.
“Reducing water around the backyard is important,” Dr Webb advises. “Regularly tip out water in containers around the home (such as the water bowls for pets and potted plant saucers).”
Lastly, don’t forget to screen.
“Insect screens on windows, doors and balconies will keep mosquitoes out.”
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