Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying–they spread dangerous diseases. In this episode, senior staff writer Doug Mahoney shares proven prevention tips and breaks down the differences between various effective repellents. 

He also explains why you should avoid certain “natural” repellents, like essential oils and citronella candles, and why bug zappers are bad for the environment. 

Products we recommend:

• Best DEET-based repellent: Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent
• Best picaridin-based repellent: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
• Best insecticide to spray on clothes and shoes: Sawyer Products Permethrin Fabric Treatment
• A service to mail in clothing to be treated with permethrin: Insect Shield
• Best spacial repellent: Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent
• A good repellent coil: Pic Mosquito Repelling Coils
• Festive spatial repellent lights: Tiki BiteFighter LED String Lights
• An old-school way to keep mosquitoes at bay: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator fan
  The best gadget for removing ticks: Tweezerman Point Tweezer
• Places to send a tick for testing: Ticknology, TickCheck, TickReport, and Eco Laboratory
• Doug loves: this Leatherman multitool and this tea steeper

Additional Reading:

• The 4 Best Bug Repellents and Sprays of 2025
• Why Essential Oils Make Terrible Bug Repellents
• The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard
• We Hate Ticks, Too. Here’s How to Protect Yourself, Prevent Bites, and Treat Disease.
• In the War Against Ticks, This Spray Is My Secret Weapon

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Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Help us make The Wirecutter Show even better, by filling out the The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. We promise it's short and sweet. 

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Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Our experts share their time-tested strategies for better grilling. Senior staff writer Lesley Stockton reveals the proper way to clean and oil grates, why it’s probably time to clean your entire grill, and the unexpected tools (like restaurant tongs and a grill basket) that will immediately uplevel your next cookout.

Then Sam Sifton, assistant managing editor at The New York Times and co-founder of NYT Cooking, walks us through heat zones, why you should limit food flipping, and his favorite recipes to try this summer.

Products we recommend:

• A superior grill brush: Grill Rescue Grill Brush
• The best grill tongs: Winco Heavyweight 16″ Stainless Steel Utility Tongs
• The best all-purpose grill spatula: Mercer Culinary Hell’s Handle Fish Turner
• The best basting brush: ​​OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Basting Brush
• The best grill basket: Grillaholics Grill Basket
• Our favorite charcoal grill: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″
• Our favorite gas grill: Weber Spirit E-425
• A griddle for larger Weber Spirit grills: Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert for Spirit Grill
• A griddle for the three-burner Genesis grill: Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert for Genesis Grill
• Sam recommends: Momofuku’s Bo Ssam recipe
• Sam’s go-to portable smoker: A-MAZE-N Stainless Steel Tube Smoker 2.5 in. W

Additional reading:

• How to Clean a Gas or Charcoal Grill
• The 3 Best Gas Grills of 2025
• The Best Charcoal Grill of 2025
• 10 Best Grill Tools and Accessories of 2025
• Smoking a Turkey on a Gas Grill Sounds Hard. Here’s the $40 Hack Sam Sifton Swears by That Makes It Easy (and Delicious).

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Most people misuse sunscreen. In this episode, senior staff health writer Nancy Redd joins us to explain the differences between mineral and chemical types, how you should properly apply any sunscreen, and why many 'reef-safe' sunscreens still harm marine life.

Please take a few minutes to fill out The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. It'll help us make decisions about the future of the show. Thanks! 

Products we recommend:

• Our favorite inexpensive chemical sunscreen: Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50
• A reef-safe physical sunscreen that rubs in easily: Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50
• A pleasing, fragrance-free physical sunscreen: Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50
• A superlative chemical sunscreen: Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+
• A sweet-smelling reef-friendly sunscreen: Thinksport Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50
• Nancy loves: Tobiq Free People 60L

Additional reading:

• The 4 Best Sunscreens of 2025
• The 12 Best Sunscreens for Your Face of 2025
• Lots of People Apply Sunscreen Wrong. Here’s How to Do It Right.
• The 3 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2025
• There’s No Difference Between Baby and Adult Sunscreen 
• Sun-Protective Clothing Is a Reliable UV-Blocker. Here Are Some Options We Love.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

It’s not your imagination. Climate change is making seasonal allergy season longer and more intense. 

New York Times health reporter Nina Agrawal joins us to discuss what to do when the pollen count is high, how to improve your indoor air quality this spring and summer, and the differences between allergy medications. 

Products we recommend:

• A really good air purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty
• Our favorite upright vacuum: SEBO Felix Premium
• Our favorite canister vacuum: SEBO Airbelt K3 Premium

Additional Reading: 

• The Wirecutter Show Episode 2: How to Clean the Air You Breathe
• The 8 Best Air Purifiers of 2025
• The 15 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2025
• Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what actually works for combatting seasonal allergies 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Baby gear editor Kalee Thompson shares her tried-and-true tips for what new parents really need for a newborn (and what to skip), the most helpful gifts for expecting parents, and the gear you can safely buy used.

Please take a few minutes to fill out The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. It'll help us make decisions about the future of the show. Thanks! 

Products we recommend:

• Great baby bouncer:  BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft
• Good laundry detergent for baby clothes:  Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Car seats we recommend: Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX; Chicco KeyFit 35; Uppababy Aria.
• A good lightweight stroller: Uppababy Minu V2
• A polarizing bassinet: Snoo Smart Sleeper
• Kalee loves: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
• Use this site to check for recalls on products you may be buying used: CPSC.gov

Additional reading:

• Gifts For New Moms
• Is the $1,700 Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet Worth It? What to Know Before You Buy.
• The 4 Best Infant Car Seats of 2025
• The 6 Best Bassinets and Bedside Sleepers of 2025
• The 5 Best Full-Size Strollers of 2025
• The 2 Best Travel Strollers of 2025
• The Best Baby Carriers
• The 5 Best Baby Monitors of 2025
• The 2 Best Diaper Pails of 2025

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter staffers share the classic and unexpected gifts that have delighted the mothers in their lives.

Products we recommend:

• Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
• Recchiuti Confections Black Box

Additional reading:

• 13 Best Boxed Chocolates of 2025 
• The Best Online Flower Delivery Service of 2025 
• 35 Best Mother’s Day Gifts of 2025 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Looking to limit exposure to plastic and nonstick kitchen gear? In our first roundtable episode, two of our staff experts share their best advice. 

Sustainability editor Katie Okamoto digs into the health risks of various materials, while kitchen editor Marilyn Ong shares swaps that are beloved by chefs—and that may last a lifetime.

Products we recommend: 

• PFAS and plastic free, non-stick pans:  OXO Obsidian Carbon Steel Frypan with Silicone Sleeve and Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Glass food storage containers (with plastic lids): Pyrex Freshlock 10-piece Glass Storage Set
• Completely plastic free food storage containers we love: Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set
• A toaster over option we love (to consider replacing an air-fryer): Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven
• A rice cooker alternative with a stainless steel bowl: Instant Pot Rio 6-quart
• Our favorite spatula:  Victorinox Swiss Army Slotted Fish Turner
• Other plastic-free spatulas we love: GIR Mini Flip Silicone Spatula, OXO Good Grips Silicone Small Flexible Turner and GIR Ultimate Spatula
• Baking sheets without non-stick coating: Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet
• Cake pans without non-stick coating: USA Pan 9-inch Round Cake Pan
• Our favorite wood cutting board: Jones Cutting Board 20 x 14 x 1.5 Inch Maple End Grain
• A plastic-free kettle: Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle
• A single use plastic bag swap we like: Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag Multi-Pack
• Katie loves: Amrikan: 125 Recipes from the Indian American Diaspora
• Marilyn loves: HoMedics Shiatsu Elite II Massage Cushion

Additional reading: 

• Forever Chemicals Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Limit Your Exposure.
• Black Plastic Kitchen Tools Might Expose You to Toxic Chemicals. Here’s What to Use Instead.
• 12 Ways to Break Up With Single-Use Plastics
• Microplastics Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Avoid Eating Them.
• The 3 Best Nonstick Pans of 2025
• The 4 Best Food Storage Containers of 2025
• The 11 Best Spatulas of 2025
• The 5 Best Cutting Boards of 2025
• The 6 Best Cake Pans for 2025
• The Wirecutter Show Episode 7: Can We Stop Eating Microplastics?
• The Best Plastic-Free Bowls, Plates, Cups, and Utensils for Babies and Kids
• Silicone Kitchen Gear Isn't As Sustainable As Many People Think. Try These Solutions Instead.

We are conducting a listener survey to learn more about what listeners to the Wirecutter Show are looking for from this podcast. Please share your thoughts with us.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Speakers don’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter senior audio writer Brent Butterworth tells us about some surprising hacks to improve the sound setup you may already have, and affordable speaker upgrades worthy of consideration.

Products we recommend: 

• Best ultra-portable bluetooth speaker: JBL Go 4
• Best budget bluetooth speaker: Tribit StormBox Mini  (sold out)
• Best bluetooth speaker with solid bass: Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2
• Best computer speakers (upgrade pick): JBL Professional 305P MkII
• Best passive bookshelf speakers (they’ll need an amp): Polk Signature Elite ES15
• Best budget bookshelf speakers: Micca MB42X G2
• Best amp: WiiM Amp
• Best stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190
• Brent loves this screwdriver: Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RD

Additional reading: 

• The 5 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers of 2025
• The 5 Best Computer Speakers of 2025
• The 5 Best Bookshelf Speakers for Stereo and Surround Sound of 2024
• The 3 Best Home Bluetooth Speakers of 2025
• The Best Stereo Amplifiers and Receivers Under $300 of 2025
• How to Build the Best Multiroom Wireless Speaker System for You
• What Do You Get When You Spend More for Speakers?
• How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System
• How to Get Great Sound in Your Backyard

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Plant expert Darryl Cheng, of the popular Instagram account @houseplantjournal, teaches us how to keep those pothos and monsteras alive. He also reveals a few tips from his most recent book, The New Plant Collector, for helping various plants thrive. 

Then senior staff writer and plant collector Rose Maura Lorre shares her insider secrets for scoring cheap or totally free houseplants.

Things We Recommend: 

• Rose likes: Who Gives a Crap 100% Recycled Toilet Paper
• How to use your phone as a light meter

More from Darryl Cheng: 

• His first book The New Plant Parent (2019)
• His latest book The New Plant Collector (2024)
• His website: houseplantjournal.com

Additional Reading

• Fill Your Home with Houseplants for Practically No Money
• The 2 Best Places to Buy Plants Online of 2025
• 25 Best Gifts for Plant Lovers of 2025
• The 7 Best Fake Plastic Trees and Artificial Houseplants of 2025

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast