There are three categories of mosquito repellents: chemical solutions, natural-based compounds, and electronic products. Chemical repellents like DEET are effective but can be harmful, while natural solutions like citronella oil and garlic tablets are less harmful but may not be as effective. Electronic options like bug zappers can remove some mosquitoes, but prevention methods like enclosed patios and window screens are the most effective.
There are many different ways to repel mosquitoes, but broadly the techniques fall into three broad categories: chemical solutions, herbal and other natural-based compounds, and electronic products designed to zap or kill insects that get too close. The range of actual products in each category can be quite large, ranging from lotions and sprays to candles and oil diffusers; from small machines to huge electrode lamps intended to keep entire patios or dining areas mosquito-free. Much depends on the market and demand. People can also try a number of tricks to prevent mosquitoes in the first place, such as covering sleeping areas with netting or using screens on windows.
Chemical repellents
Perhaps the most widely used substance for repelling mosquitoes is a compound commonly known as DEET, which has the chemical name N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide. It has been used worldwide for decades in commercial insect repellents applied to the skin and is usually effective for hours at a time. However, it can be harmful if left on the skin for too long. Many experts recommend that the amount of DEET in your repellent should be between 10 and 30 percent, as higher concentrations can cause adverse reactions. In general, children under the age of 12 should only wear a 10% solution, and children under the age of 2 should use this type of repellent sparingly, if at all.
Home misting systems typically also use a range of chemical insecticides to kill and deter insects from indoor spaces, and these don’t require applying to the skin. Misters are usually small appliances that look a lot like humidifiers. They periodically emit small bursts of chemicals into the air, usually on a timer on a schedule set by the owners. One of the biggest benefits of this type of system is that it doesn’t require much effort beyond initial setup and regular top-ups, but it also has some downsides. It can kill beneficial insects and parasites, for example; the effect of the insecticide on pets and wildlife is also largely unknown.
Citronella oil
Citronella oils and extracts are some of the most effective “natural” solutions for repelling mosquitoes. These oils come from various species of the lemongrass plant and are usually available in various concentrations. Mosquitoes typically dislike the smell and will stay away from places where it is present. The oil is very common in outdoor candles and incense, and sometimes people even wear it directly on the skin as a natural, chemical-free repellent.
Other natural solutions and home remedies
Cedar, lavender, garlic, cinnamon, and peppermint are some of the other plants that are also believed to have repellent properties. Using these elements in candles and skin solutions keeps insects away in many cases. Some people claim that a garlic tablet taken once a day makes the person taking it unattractive to mosquitoes, but there is only anecdotal evidence that it works.
Some folk remedies work not so much by driving mosquitoes away from humans as by attracting them to a nearby area. Some suggest that keeping an open container of water some distance from a gathering will attract mosquitoes to the water and thus away from people, and mixing that water with a variety of products from sugar to dish soap is often advertised as effective. This approach isn’t usually foolproof, though. Also, because standing water is a major source of mosquito breeding, containers shouldn’t be left out for long periods.
Electronic options
People who are serious about eliminating mosquitoes may want to consider electronic “zappers.” There are two main types of bug zappers: a wand or tennis racket type, or stationary models that look a bit like lanterns. Both typically work by attracting insects with hot ultraviolet light, then electrocuting them as soon as they come into contact. These types of devices can remove some of the insect population from the immediate area, but usually cannot provide complete protection against all mosquitoes.
Ideas for prevention
There are also several ways to prevent mosquitoes from appearing in the first place. Perhaps the only truly effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to keep them out completely. Enclosed patios allow for the outdoor experience without having to mess with the more pesky aspects of life, and window and door screens allow for fresh air without letting in bugs. If mosquitoes are a problem while you sleep, draping mosquito fabric or loose netting around your bed will help provide a more restful night’s sleep. Some people have built bat houses to encourage bats to move in and eat any mosquitoes within their range as well; places with healthy bat populations typically have few mosquitoes.
Avoiding scented lotions, perfumes, and colognes can also sometimes help. Mosquitoes are often attracted to sweet smells. Putting them directly on the skin is often a problem. Staying indoors at dusk and early in the morning, when insects are at their most prolific, is also usually a good idea.
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