Yahoo LifestyleThe 15 Best Mosquito Repellents to Keep Those Pesky Bugs Away
Warmer months bring killer barbecues, awesome playlists and delicious cocktails, plus a slew of new trends to adopt. On the flip side though, tiny creatures such as gnats, hornets and—worst of all—mosquitos also come out to play. They bite you when you’re lounging outside, they’re at your heels when you go hiking and heaven forbid one gets stuck indoors and buzzes in your ear as you try to go to sleep! Put a kibosh to all that with one (or more) of the 15 best mosquito repellent products below.
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1. Cutter Backyard Bug Control
Best for Spraying on Lawns
Nothing is worse than throwing a barbecue in your yard on a nice summer’s day and then seeing your guests’ smiles turn to frowns as mosquitos start to bite them. Spray this tried-and-true mosquito repellent on your lawn and you won’t have to worry about those little pests for up to 12 weeks. Note: While this spray is safe for pets, it’s highly recommended that pets (and people) stay away until the treated area has been properly ventilated, and the product has set.
2. Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller
Best for Treating Patios, Decks and Pools
Mosquitos love to hide in all your hangout spots, but this thermal shield promises a 15-foot zone of protection once you turn it on. It’s powered by a fuel cartridge—which means there are no cords or chunky batteries involved for easy transportation—and it comes with three unscented repellent mats, so there won’t be any lingering chemical smells.
3. Ortho Home Defense Backyard Mosquito Killer Fogger
Best for Repelling Mosquitos Hiding in Shrubs, Bushes or Other Grassy Areas
Get rid of pesky mosquitos but also keep your greenery in tip-top shape with this fogging solution. It promises to kill mosquitoes that land on treated surfaces for up to eight hours, so you can throw a small event in your backyard knowing you’re totally covered. P.S. This fogger works on a wide range of pests—gnats, flies, horse flies and more—but it’s not pet-friendly, so make sure it doesn’t come in contact with any house animals.
4. Hemiua Electronic Mosquito Zapper
Best for Both Indoors and Outdoors
Rain or sunshine, indoors or outdoors, this dynamic zapper will work anywhere you place it. Fitted with a 15-watt bulb to attract mosquitos, you can mount it on the wall, suspend it from the ceiling or hang it on a tree branch. It also has a protective cage, so any tiny humans or four-legged family members won’t be injured if they accidentally knock it over.
5. Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks
Best for Short-Term Protection
When you just want to relax in your backyard with a glass of wine and a good book, simply light one of these handy incense sticks to keep the mosquitos at bay. With citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, cedar and peppermint oils, these incense sticks smell positively delightful and will only burn for two and a half hours (unlike other repellents where the scent can linger for days). They’re also a great pick for those who want to nix bugs without resorting to chemicals.
6. Mosquito Dunks by Summit
Best for Killing Mosquito Eggs in Rain Barrels, Birdbaths or Standing Water
Nix those blood-thirsty bugs before they hatch by exterminating mosquito eggs with these clever mosquito dunks. Made with BTI—a naturally occurring bacteria that’s toxic to mosquito eggs—simply place one of these dunks in any standing water and let it do its thing (i.e., killing mosquito larvae). And don’t worry, they’re totally harmless for pets, birds and honeybees.
7. Greenerways Organic, Insect Repellent Bug Spray
Best for Camping, Hiking and Fishing Trips
Outdoorsy folks, this one’s for you: Greenerways insect spray is the perfect add-on to have when you embark on a weekend in the woods. Designed to be used on outdoor gear (such as clothing, tents, backpacks, etc.), you won’t have to worry for incessant buzzing as you spend the night in nature. Bonus: It’s USDA certified organic, non-GMO and pet-friendly.
8. California Baby Plant-Based Natural Bug Repellent Spray
Best for Babies
Specifically designed for babies six months and older, this plant-based spray made with lemongrass, cedar and citronella is safe for your tot’s delicate skin (no wonder it boasts over 600 five-star reviews on Amazon). The only downside is that you have to re-apply this spray every 20 to 30 minutes since it’s fast absorbing.
9. All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor
Best for Kids
When summer rolls around, it’s hard to keep your kids indoors. Between the tree climbing, flower pressing and sprinkler play, mosquitos and other bugs will surely put a damper on all those outdoor activities. This DEET-free, GMO free and non-irritating spray comes in a “family size” and is ideal for combatting bug bites to keep the fun going.
10. Vet's Best Mosquito Repellent for Dogs and Cats
Best for Pets
Now that you’ve made sure that your human babies aren’t bitten to bits, you need to consider your furry babies. Rub or spray pets with this repellent that’s made with lemongrass oil and geraniol. Cats and dogs 12 weeks or older will happily stay bite-free.
11. Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
Best Fragrance-Free Protection
For people with extra sensitive noses, this is an excellent choice. Sawyer Products’ repellent is fragrance-free, but it still promises long lasting protection—14 hours to be exact—against mosquitos and it comes in both a spray and a lotion.
12. Medella Naturals Insect and Mosquito Repellent
Best for Sensitive Skin
Not only does this spray contain lemongrass oil, a natural mosquito repellent, but it’s also infused with vitamin E, purified water, glycerin and castor oil (all soothing ingredients for delicate skin). And the hint of vanilla is just the thing to titillate your nostrils.
13. Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm
Best for Travel
Revenge travel is going to be a thing now that the world is opening up again and that means you’re going to need some travel essentials that that go with you everywhere. Toss this two-ounce portable balm from Murphy’s Naturals into your toiletry bag and you don’t have to think about it again.
14. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII Dry
Best for an Excursion into the Deep Woods
It won’t be effective against any scary wildlings you may run into such as coyotes or bears, but this repellent has your back when it comes to staving off mosquitoes and other critters like ticks, biting flies, gnats and chiggers.
15. Badger SPF 34 Anti-Bug Sunscreen Cream
Best Bug Spray with SPF
This spray performs double duty as both an effective bug spray and a protective sunscreen. The ideal choice for an early morning jog on the beach, hiking and other light sports, it’s also water- and sweat-resistant for at least 40 minutes and will repel mosquitos for over four hours.
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