The Best Mosquito Repellents to Keep Those Pesky Bugs Away

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As soon as the weather warms up, we're rushing outside to get a taste of that summer sun—and every year, we nearly forget that swarms of mosquitoes are waiting to get a taste of us. Nothing ruins a backyard cookout, hike, or camping trip like those pesky pests. Without a proper line of defense and an arsenal of the best mosquito repellents, they might even drive you indoors. And who wants to miss out on solid time in nature?

Fortunately, experts have come up with all sorts of solutions to get rid of mosquitoes once and for all: planting dragonfly-attracting plants or other plants and herbs that repel mosquitoes, creating bug-resistant mesh pants that fit over your favorite pair of summer shorts, and of course all manner of repellents, including candles, sprays for both your body and yard, and more.

When it comes to choosing the best mosquito repellant, it’s best to take a three-pronged approach: Spray your yards and gardens with a lawn spray, replace the spring candles on your patio with some mosquito repellent lanterns and citronella candles, and apply insect repellent on yourself and your clothing. This list includes mosquito repellents that’ll help you cover all the bases and offers smart options for the spray-averse, including wipes, bracelets, and lotions. We've even included a viral mosquito repeller device that you can just set on your patio. Then all that's left is to enjoy a bite-free summer!

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Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller

Grab this nifty device and you'll be saying bye-bye to all those bugs! With a sleek design that offers powerful protection against mosquitoes within a 15-foot zone, it's no wonder the product has more than 27,000 five-star ratings. You don't even need cords or batteries. Heat-activated technology powered by a compact 12-hour fuel cartridge emits a scent-free synthetic allethrin repellent that reaches maximum protection in just 15 minutes. The repellent mats last up to four hours each and change color when it's time to replace them—which is done easily since the device is compatible with all mat and fuel refills. And don't worry, it's safe to use around kids and pets!

OFF! FamilyCare Picaridin Insect Repellent Aerosol VIII

You know what they say: Prevention is the best protection! That's what makes this classic aerosol spray so great. Formulated with 10% picaridin and EvenSpray Technology, if you spray it on before heading out, it'll keep mosquitoes from even buzzing in your direction. The easy-to-apply spray can be used on the whole family and repels those critters without being oily or greasy—it won't damage fabrics or plastics either. Just head to an open area then hold the bottle 6 to 8 inches from skin and spray with a slow sweeping motion. For maximum protection, you can spread the product with your hands. You won't need to reapply for another 6 hours!

Evergreen Research Superband Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

Pop on one of these one-size-fits-all bracelets from Evergreen for over 25o hours of protection. Each one in the pack of 25 is infused with insect-repelling geraniol oil, lemongrass oil, and citronella oil. They're water-resistant so you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities without worry—and when you're done, slip the bracelet back in its individual resealable bag to keep it fresh. Bonus points: The superbands are 100% natural, DEET-free, and safe for adults, kids, and even pets to wear without leaving any oily residue on your skin (or fur).

Ben's 30 Deet Mosquito Tick Insect & Bug Repellent Field Wipes

These water-based wipes are a non-bulky alternative to personal bug sprays. Since you rub them directly to the skin, they’re super precise—not to mention, easier to apply on the kiddos. You'll still get the same long-lasting protection (up to eight hours) from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas, chiggers, and other insects, but without any unpleasant odors or sticky and greasy residues. It's a good bang for your buck as well, since they come as two packs of 12 individually wrapped wipes that you can easily transport wherever you go.

Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion

This lotion wards off mosquitoes and other biting insects for up to 12 hours with 34.34% DEET, the most common insect repellent ingredient. And get this: It's designed with 3M Controlled Release Technology which traps the DEET and slowly releases it over the surface of your skin for continuous and powerful protection that is sure to last. The formula stays effective up to five years and even comes in a bottle that meets TSA requirements. So, whenever and wherever you need a repellent, just smooth it on like sunscreen and you’re good to go!

Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate for Yard and Garden

If you plan to spend a lot of time in your yard these next few months, you'll be so thankful for this spray. It uses cedar oil to repel and kill pests like mosquitoes, fleas, ants, ticks (and more) while also preventing insects in the egg, larvae, and pupae stages from developing further and hatching—and it's not harmful to beneficial insects. The eco-friendly formula is safe around kids and pets so you can spray it on lawns, gardens, playgrounds, patios, dog parks, and other outdoor spaces with no dry time required. Apply it with a hose end sprayer, trigger sprayer or even compression and pressure applicators.

Thermacell Cambridge Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern

Want to avoid the smell of citronella? This lantern is scent-free, silent, and offers hours of defense in a 15-foot area of protection by creating an invisible barrier wherever you click it on. Yep, there's no smoke, flames or cords needed for this one. It's powered by an internal and refillable 12-hour fuel cartridge that heats and activates the DEET-free repellents found in the mats that you'll place at the top of the lantern—for max protection in just 15 minutes. Included is one repeller, one 12-hour fuel cartridge, and three four-hour repellent mats. The lantern light works independently and takes four AA batteries that you'll need to purchase separately.

OFF! Triple Wick Citronella Candle

Sometimes keeping all those little pests away is as simple as lighting a candle—especially this candle. It's made with real citronella oil which works by masking the scents that attract insects. So, just set this 23-ounce triple-wick candle in an outdoor area and watch as it repels mosquitoes and other flying insects by creating a repellent barrier for up to 50 hours. You'll get best results within 3 feet, but can burn several candles to maximize the perimeter protection. Just make sure to place the candles at least 18 inches apart and keep them out of reach of children or pets.

Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent (Pack of 2)

Some bug sprays can have an unpleasant smell, but this best selling pick from Sawyer’s sure doesn’t! Instead, it has a light citrus scent that rapidly fades away while the picaridin-based formula works to keep mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, chiggers, fleas, and biting flies at bay for up to 12 hours. It's safe for use on the whole family and won't even feel icky thanks to its quick-drying, non-greasy protection. It won't damage plastic or synthetic coatings either, so after you spray it on yourself, you can also use it on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing gear and more.

Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent

This pick is formulated specifically for clothing and other fabrics, such as hiking gear, camping tents, and sleeping bags. One application can last up to six washings or 42 days of UV and air exposure. Better yet, the insect repellent both repels and kills mosquitoes, chiggers, mites, ticks, and more. Here's how you'll do it: Spray the Permethrin directly onto your clothing and gear with a slow sweeping motion, keeping the bottle about six to eight inches away. Make sure to treat each side of the garment for about 30 seconds. The product will bond to fabric fibers (without harming them) then turn odorless once it dries.

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