There are many things that can be unreliable in the summer: tents, if it will rain on your picnic, and allergies. Is one thing always a given? Mosquitoes. It’s like they feel when you have set the table, lit the candles and invited your friends for a perfect evening. At first, these pesky mosquitoes appear uninvited and proceed to feast on everyone’s ankles.
Fortunately, there are some products that work well, and none of them are citronella candles. Knowing which tool to turn to in moments of discomfort when the mosquitoes start biting, as well as knowing where and how to use them, makes all the difference. For a broader overview before you buy, see our guide 9 natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes.
Here are 7 products worth adding to your arsenal this summer.
Summit Chemical
Summit Mosquito Dunks, 20 Dunks
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so if you have one on your property, such as a rain barrel, pond, bird bath, or even a clogged gutter, you need some Mosquito Nets. Each donut-shaped donut contains BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). This is a naturally occurring bacterium that is toxic to mosquito larvae but completely harmless to other things such as fish, birds, pets and humans.
Drop one of these babies into standing water and it will slowly release BPI for up to 30 days. It’s better to use it as a precaution, so don’t wait until you see mosquitoes because then it’s too late. The great thing about them is that they treat up to 100 square feet of surface water (so perfect if you have a small pond) and are the product that famously feeds the “bucket of disaster”, which you can read about here. The doom bin is a DIY trap that lures and kills mosquitoes before they even hatch.
Especially for birdbath use, see our guide how to stop mosquitoes from breeding in your bird bath.
Mosquito Bits are basically a quick version of Dunks. It’s the same BPI technology, but in granular form that works within 24 hours. This is ideal if you have a large infestation of larvae on your hands that needs to be knocked back quickly.
Pour them directly into surface water or soak them in a watering can and apply them to garden beds where water tends to collect. Many gardeners use Bits as an initial shock treatment and then follow with Dunks for ongoing monthly control.
Bonus: they’re also EPA-labeled they kill fungus gnat larvae on potted plantswhich is a very welcome side effect.
Thermacell
Rechargeable mosquito repellent
This is one of those products that always leaves people scratching their heads and wondering why they didn’t think of buying it sooner. The Thermacell works by heating the repellent inside the rechargeable device. From there, it diffuses an odorless, DEET-free repellent, creating a 20-foot zone of protection around wherever you place it. That means no nasty smell of mosquito spray or citronella, no smoke. You can just place it in the center of your table or wherever you sit outside, wait 15 minutes and the mosquitoes will leave that area. Editor Kathleen Walters never throws a garden party without her Thermacell. He is a certified mosquito magnet and swears by it!
The device has a 6.5 hour charge and each cartridge lasts 36 hours. It has been around for over 25 years and is consistently rated as one of the most effective patio mosquito solutions. It works best in calm conditions as the wind reduces the protection zone significantly, so if it’s windy outside it’s probably best to go with another option or at least place it in a sheltered area.
Sawyer
Picaridin Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce, Pump Spray, Twin Pack
If you work in the garden instead of just sitting at the table and relaxing, you will need a personal repellent for your skin. Picaridin is the active ingredient that has largely surpassed DEET as a recommendation by outdoor experts and public health agencies. It’s equally effective, extremely comfortable to wear, and won’t melt your sunglasses or damage the synthetic fabrics in your clothing.
Sawyer’s 20% formula protects against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours, dries quickly and has no noticeable smell once applied. It was even rated by the New York Times Wirecutter and Consumer Reports as a top choice. Apply it all over your exposed skin before going outside, especially the back of the neck and ankles, which mosquitoes love to target.
Sawyer
Permethrin Clothing and Gear Insect Repellent Trigger Spray, 22.5-Oz
While Picaridin is great for use on your skin, you still need something for your clothes, tents, and gear if you’re camping or hiking, and that’s where permethrin comes in. The great thing about it is that it not only repels mosquitoes and other insects, but also kills them on contact.
Spray it on your shirts, trousers, socks and garden gloves and it will stick to the fabric, remaining effective for up to 6 weeks or 6 washes. A University of Rhode Island study found that people who treated their shoes and socks with permethrin were 73.6 times less likely to be bitten by a tick, so it’s a double whammy.
Note: Make sure you apply to dry clothes outside and let it dry completely before wearing, as it should never go directly on the skin.
Thermacell
E-ZoneGuard Patio Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent
While the fuel-powered Thermacell E-ZoneGuard is for the tabletop, this rechargeable version is meant for on-the-go in the garden. It’s USB-charged and has a 9-hour battery life and a 20-foot protection zone. It can accompany you whether you are weeding, entertaining in different spots around the yard or going camping. It’s DEET-free, fragrance-free, and best of all, you can carry it through airport security if you’re flying. The larger protection zone makes it slightly more suitable for open spaces where wind might otherwise reduce effectiveness.
TIC
BiteFighter Mosquito Torch Fuel
If you want a little vibe while controlling mosquitoes, this Tiki BiteFighter torch fuel has cedar oil and lemongrass. These are natural ingredients that repel mosquitoes and will burn inside any standard Tiki torch for up to 12 hours per fill.
It will not necessarily replace Thermacell if you are under severe mosquito pressure. But for a light summer night where you want something that looks good and functions decently, a ring of lighted Tiki lanterns around a seating area is a solid strategy. But remember the golden rule: Direction matters, so place your lenses upwind wherever you sit.
