These Are the Only Two Ways to Really Repel Mosquitoes.
We hate mosquitoes, so companies make a lot of anti-mosquito products: candles, bracelets, chemical and herbal sprays — even electronic devices. But if you want to keep mosquitoes off your bare skin this summer, you really only need two things: bug spray and a fan.
A lot of the alternatives either don’t work or aren’t worth your time. Citronella candles aren’t much more effective than regular candles, which, as you might guess, don’t do much to repel mosquitoes. Those glow-in-the-dark bug zappers are useless because mosquitoes don’t care about light. Bracelets only repel mosquitoes from your wrists, so unless you’re weaving them into a full-body suit, they’re not much help. You get the idea. I explored these disappointing truths in more detail here .
So what works ? Two things, one chemical and one not, which I’ll cover below. It’s also worth mentioning that you should make sure your yard isn’t a mosquito breeding ground. Pour out or take steps to dry out breeding areas (like buckets and puddles) and consider setting up a “bucket of doom” trap . But when it comes to that evening when you want to hang out on the porch and need to get the mosquito population under control ASAP, here are two things to do:
Buy a bug spray that actually works on mosquitoes
First, bug spray. I know, you’re shocked. DEET actually works, as does picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus . If a bug spray (especially a “natural” one) doesn’t have one of these ingredients, it’s probably useless. The easiest way to find out which products are legal without memorizing a list? Check the back of the label for the EPA registration number.
DEET has been the subject of some fear mongering in previous decades, but it’s not actually a dangerous chemical—EPA reviews continue to conclude that it’s safe when used as directed. (Don’t put it on food or open wounds, for example. But I hope you weren’t going to do that anyway.) My favorite bug spray is Cutter Skinsations , which doesn’t smell as gross or feel as sticky as some of the more traditional bug sprays. It contains 7% DEET, which is plenty for backyard camping and everyday use—but you can buy stronger stuff for things like swamp camping.
Install the fan
Second, a fan. If you’re hanging out on your porch and don’t want to spray anything on yourself — or if you ‘ve used a spray but they’re still flying around and getting on your nerves — just set up a fan . You can buy one for about $20 at the hardware store, which is less than you’d spend on, what, four mostly useless citronella candles? Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so they’ll surround you when the air is stale and sticky. Set up a fan — or take advantage of a natural breeze — and you’ll keep them at bay.
Beyond these effective strategies, there are a couple more I haven’t mentioned because they’re obvious: Wear long sleeves and pants if you can stand it, and stay home unless you have to go outside. I know, it’s not fun. So if you want to enjoy a beer on the porch in shorts and a T-shirt, get yourself some bug spray and turn on a fan.