The best ways to effectively repel mosquitoes, for real!
When it’s that time of year to relax in the great outdoors, it may also mean that it’s time to be swatting pesky mosquitoes and dealing with itchy bites. But there’s a better way to embrace good weather! Here are the best ways to avoid mosquito bites, according to scientific studies, experts, and dozens of hours of testing.
The best ways to effectively repel mosquitoes, for real!
When it’s that time of year to relax in the great outdoors, it may also mean that it’s time to be swatting pesky mosquitoes and dealing with itchy bites. But there’s a better way to embrace good weather! Here are the best ways to avoid mosquito bites, according to scientific studies, experts, and dozens of hours of testing.
Is Thermacell safe to breathe in?
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Thermacell is approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and uses allethrin and metofluthrin to keep mosquitoes away. While the device has been deemed safe for outdoor use, it shouldn’t be used indoors or around uncovered food. It is however, touted as safe to breathe in for your furry friends too.
DEET: The gold standard repellent
According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), insect repellents containing DEET offer the best on-skin protection against mosquito bites. The concentration level doesn’t indicate that a repellent is stronger, but rather that it will last longer. However, concentrations over 50% provide no extra protection and are even banned in the EU for that reason.
Is DEET’s bad reputation justified?![]()
DEET is generally safe to apply on the skin, as long as it’s used correctly. But it can be toxic, so be careful not to breathe it in, swallow it, or get it in your eyes. The CDC also advises against putting it on wounds or broken skin. Researchers haven’t found evidence that it causes cancer. It can, however, damage plastics (like your favorite sunglasses).
Picaridin insect repellent: As good as DEET 
Picaridin (icaridin outside the US) is a synthetic insect repellent ingredient that has been available in the US since 2005. Research has found that 20% concentrations are effective and comparable to DEET when fighting off ticks and mosquitoes, although it hasn’t been as extensively studied due to its relative newness.
The upside of Picaridin ![]()
The NYT’s Wirecutter recommends Picaridin formulations over DEET because they are as effective but don’t smell as bad or feel as oily as DEET. They also don’t damage plastics or sealants. However, it is still classified as slightly toxic if ingested, so use it wisely.
Other bug sprays for your skin
The EPA has approved other repellents for your skin too: IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanone. The CDC says that any of those bug sprays are effective and safe for even pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, Wirecutter still suggests using Picaridin or DEET due to other downsides like smell.
Always apply bug spray AFTER sunscreen![]()
The CDC warns to always apply insect repellent after sunscreen. Why? Because the sunscreen will alter the smell of the bug spray, which is a large part of what makes it effective. Another study also found that applying both products at the same time (within 20 minutes) can increase potential side effects, so you may want to wait.
Embrace the breeze (or make one)
While a fan may not be enough to battle a thick cloud of mosquitoes, they do help. That’s because they redirect scents and carbon dioxide cues… and the breeze makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to fly.
Mosquito coils![]()
Mosquito coils work like incense and can contain insecticides. Some brands do work, but generally are less effective than Thermacell-type repellents. They can also be fire hazards and the smoke can be irritating.
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
The CDC also recommends wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants to dodge bites. Tightly woven fabrics and wearing overlapping layers offer further protection, as mosquitos have no problem biting you through skintight and thin fabrics like leggings. Also, mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors than light ones. If the mosquitos are really bad, you can also use netting to protect your face.
Permethrin: Apply on your clothes![]()
If you want an extra layer of protection from mosquitos and ticks, Permethrin is your best choice to apply to your clothes, according to the CDC. You can apply it on fabrics — from tents to backpacks to shoes and pants. It holds up for around six washes, but everything treated needs a thick coat of spray and time to dry fully.
Dump and drain standing water
Sometimes offense is the best defense. Since mosquitoes multiply quickly and in even tiny bits of water, you should check the area you like to enjoy weekly for standing water. Dump everything you can and consider drilling little holes in the bottoms of containers like garbage cans so they don’t create the perfect breeding grounds.
Bug bulbs![]()
While these don’t repel flying bugs like mosquitos, they don’t attract them either. These lightbulbs are just like normal ones but use filtered yellow glass to save you (and bugs) from unpleasant mix-ups. They’re designed to use on places like patios and backyards and are recommended by experts from the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA).
What NOT to use: Citronella candles
The AMCA says that citronella candles offer no more protection than regular candles that produce smoke. And a study in the Journal of Insect Science found no evidence that they repelled a certain type of pesky mosquito.
Bug bombs and floggers ![]()
These bug bombs and foggers are akin to the nuclear option— used to indiscriminately kill whatever insects are around. This isn’t a repellent, but all-out war, and whatever is caught in the path — desired or not — can be killed. This option is generally NOT recommended for mosquitos.
Bug zappers
When it comes to mosquito control, bug zappers can also be not only ineffective but harmful because they kill all kinds of bugs (friends and foes). A Notre Dame study found that after bug zapping for an entire summer, just 4% to 6% of the insects annihilated were mosquitoes.
Mosquito traps![]()
Joe Conlon from the AMCA wrote that these mosquito traps also fail to live up to the hype. Although they do catch some mosquitos, they aren’t as attractive to mosquitoes as humans are, whether UV based or propane-based, and will generall fail to make a significant dent in your summertime battle.
Sound-based mosquito repellent
Many products, including apps you can download on your phone, promise they emit an ultrasonic frequency that makes mosquitos go elsewhere. It sounds too good to be true, and probably is. Conlon wrote that at least 10 studies in 15 years have unanimously shown these ultrasonic devices have no value whatsoever.
Bracelets and patches![]()
