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If you’re familiar with the buzz, sting, and inevitable itch of pesky mosquitoes, you know just how bothersome these pests can be. From ruining time in the yard to irritating skin, mosquitoes are so annoying it can be easy to forget that they are actually really dangerous, too. Sure, you can withstand a bit of a nuisance, so it’s easy to just grin and bear it, swatting the skeeters as they come along, but that leaves you at risk not only for annoying bites and endless itches but issues like Dengue fever, Zika, and malaria. That’s why everyone benefits from mosquito repellents. Coming in a whole host of forms, you can find anything from a spray to a zapper (each with its own benefits). Let’s take a look and see which mosquito repellent is right for you.
BullFrog Mosquito Spray
Sunday Mosquito Deleto Yard Spray
Zap It Rechargeable Racket
Gloue Bug Zapper System
Hausware Citronella Candles
Thermacell Mosquito Repeller
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
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Why Should You Trust Us
Bringing to the table five years of product review expertise, I draw from my years as a journalist and academic background in sciences to analyze items consumers need. Keeping my focus on tactical gear, survival supplies, and automotive products, I have generated a reputation for honesty and accuracy. My work is featured on The Drive, Car Bibles, and Narcity Media. Some of my most recent articles for Task and Purpose include reviews of 1000 lumen flashlights, bug-out backpacks, and headlamps.
Types of mosquito repellent
Mosquito repellents are as diverse as the pests are annoying. This is good news since it means you can find a repellent that suits your needs. Some are meant for indoor use, using ultrasonic frequencies to repel pests. Others use light and sound to draw in the mosquito, then apply an electrical current to zap them. There is the classic bug spray approach (both with and without DEET) and chemical sprays for your yard. Just like with any other product, the key is to find something that balances power and safety. Most repellents are really easy to use; and, thanks to modern developments, are fairly safe. First, determine whether you want the repellent on your skin. If so, you can benefit from a spray. If not, then look for compact options that are designed to protect a large area from mosquitoes.
Key features of mosquito repellent
- Mechanism: The first feature you should look at is how the mosquito repellent actually works. Consider whether it is meant to deter mosquitoes from getting close or is designed to draw them closer. Deterrents often rely on either sonic technology or chemicals. Mosquito solutions that draw bugs in will employ an electric current to kill the bug. Each solution has its place, so pairing the mechanism with the setting is really important.
- Duration: Next, figure out how long the mosquito repellent is meant to last. Sprays are usually vulnerable to water and will naturally wear out within hours. Technology that uses chemical cartridges or burning essential oils will naturally wear down. Even lightbulb models will wear out after time. Figure out how long you can expect it to work and choose something that lasts for as long as you’ll need it.
- Size: Especially if you’re going to be taking the mosquito repellent camping or on a road trip, you’ll want to opt for something that is reasonably compact. Size does not necessarily impact the strength of the repellent. It is more of a matter of ensuring that the repellent is portable and travels well.
Benefits of mosquito repellent
The main reason for mosquito repellent’s popularity is comfort. Instead of constantly swatting at bugs that land on your skin, a repellent stops the issue before it starts. Coming in a diverse array of designs and active mechanisms, it’s easier than ever to keep bugs at bay. Bear in mind that the benefits range further than simple comfort. Mosquitoes pose a real risk to health and safety. A plain bug bite results in a histemic reaction, meaning it puts a strain on the body. Since mosquitoes are known vectors for everything from Zika to Dengue fever, mosquito repellents are a necessary tool to help you stay safe and well outdoors.
Mosquito repellent pricing
The good news is that mosquito repellents are really affordable, regardless of the type you’re choosing. Ranging between $10 and $50, depending on the technology, there is a repellent for every budget. The key is to identify real cost. Sure, a spray bottle that costs $15 will work well and be affordable, but it might run out. Conversely, a pricier model that uses ultrasonic tech as a deterrent may not run out, but you should be sure that you’ll use it enough to justify the expense. That said, since most mosquito repellents are really user-friendly and powerful, there is no wrong answer. Find something that you’re comfortable with using and you are sure to get the benefits you seek.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Mosquitos are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious health issues, meaning the repellent you choose needs to be reliable. Tracking down the best mosquito repellents starts with research into the different approaches to keeping these pests at bay. From there, we scoured the internet for high-quality mosquito repellents, aiming to represent all the different categories. We generated a shortlist of selections based on their efficacy, using the repute of the company and user feedback to substantiate the data. By ensuring that there are products for every budget, we finalized our list of top mosquito repellents. The result is a series of repellents that mosquitos hate and people love.
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