Your mosquito mileage may vary, as these solutions work differently on different people.
There’s no place like home—especially when the grounds are protected by an automatic misting system to keep the mosquitos and other things that bite and sting at bay. Set it and forget it for a mosquito-free yard. But though your home may be your castle, sooner or later you’ve got to leave it.
In those cases, what’s out there that you can use to keep you and those you love free—or relatively so—from mosquito mayhem? Here are some mosquito repellents that stand out as a capable defense. Your mileage may vary, as these solutions work differently on different people. They’re not ranked, just alphabetized.
Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wilderness Formula
This may be your option if you’re looking for a water-based spray that still has the power of DEET. Unlike other sprays, this won’t overpower you with a chemical smell—but it’s certainly not scent-free. A concentration of 30% DEET makes it effective.
Buzz Away Insect Repellent
It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other repellents listed here, and it’s mostly because of the more expensive mix of natural oils. The mix of citronella, cedarwood, peppermint, and other aromatics will keep some bugs away from you—but some of the humans you’d like to bring closer may be repelled by the strong sent, as well.
Coleman’s Botanicals Insect Repellent
You’d think that one of the top names in camping would know a thing or two about keeping mosquitos off you. This pump’s biggest ingredient is 30% lemon eucalyptus oil. You’ll want to weigh the mosquito repellent factor against the oil factor. It may not be a good idea for some delicate materials.
Cutter Unscented Insect Repellent
If mosquito repellents were like wines and spoke of themes, this one would whisper, restraint. The word “unscented” is right in its name, but you’ll get a whiff of the 10% DEET and “other ingredients” as you apply it from the aerosol can. This may be your best choice if you want to go with a light touch on the DEET.
EcoSmart Insect Repellent Pump Spray
Try this one if you’re looking for a repellent that’s both all-natural and affordable. The pump spray allows you to put on as much—or as little—as you like. This brand uses oil or rosemary and wintergreen in its mixture of natural repellents, so the label boasts of its “fresh natural scent.” It dries quickly after application, but the wintergreen scent lingers. Keep in mind: like all of the natural botanical repellents listed here, they can be somewhat effective, but are generally not as effective as DEET and require frequent and thorough reapplication.
Off Clip-On
The name’s a bit of an oxymoron, but you’ll likely see past this if you can also see past the clunkiness of a disc-shaped device made to clip on to your belt or the waist of your pants. Package instructions claim it’ll last for up to 12 hours, by virtue of its main repellent ingredient of metofluthrin.
Off! Deep Woods
The name’s familiar, and so is the green color. This pump spray repellent is widely popular, mainly because there’s a pleasant floral smell that helps to distract from the 25% DEET concentration. It tends to be a bit sticky until it dries.
Off! Family Care Unscented with Aloe Vera
It’s better for your family because it’s unscented and has only 7% DEET. The spray pump lets you get precise with application. The only drawback is that the great protection lasts only for about 2 hours. You’ll have to reapply it to your entire family to enjoy a full evening outside.
Repel Sportsmen Max
A DEET content of 40% puts this can of mosquito repellent at a high level of potency. You can spray it on both your clothes and your skin—which is something that gives it a leg up on lotions. Among the “other ingredients” is a lot of alcohol, which you’ll smell as you apply it.
Of course, the best mosquito repellant for your home or business is one that you don’t apply. In fact, it’s an automatic misting system that you barely even know is there. For a free onsite consultation, please complete our convenient online form.
