I’d like to pose an honest question: If mosquitos just stopped existing, would the world be better off? I think so! And if we’re truly being honest, there’s a truly carnal satisfaction one gets from killing off mosquitos. That’s why mosquito-repelling gadgets are an integral part of planning to spend your days and nights outside. From the old-fashioned bug zapper to the simple-but-effective citronella candles, here’s a list of five ways to keep your backyard bug-free and your skin a whole lot less itchy.
Best Overall: Thermacell Patio Shield
Best Candle: Laluztop Citronella Candles
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Most Preventative: Mosquito Dunks
Best Zapper: DynaTrap Insect Trap
Best Non-Killing Option: Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Best Spray: Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
Best for Helping With Bites: Bite Away Insect Sting and Bite Relief
This little lantern is the perfect option to keep on a table while dining al fresco. It’s silent, scent-free, and doesn’t contain any DEET. It’ll provide up to 15 feet of protection without worry and will even give a nice glow for a hint of ambient lighting.Best Feature: This creates a zone for you to hang out in, free of pesky bugs, without you having to lift a finger.
These tabletop citronella candles look great and are made from natural, biodegradable soy wax. The tins are also super versatile, so after you burn down the candle completely, you can easily use them for decoration or storage.Best Feature: Citronella candles are usually pretty hideous, but these will blend in with your decor and keep mosquitoes away.
Sometimes the best way to get rid of mosquitos is to kill them before they happen. These dunks can go in any standing water and will kill larvae before they hatch, keeping your yard bug free. Best Feature: No toxic chemicals in here, this all natural solution is not only safe, it's easy to use, too.
This intense-looking lamp traps and kills quickly and quietly, no zapping or buzzing. It protects up to a half an acre and will be able to disrupt the breeding cycle so you’ll stay mosquito-free all summer.Best Feature: Not only does this simply look like a lantern, it does it's job very discreetly.
This isn’t a mosquito killer, per se, but it does repel them. It creates a high pitched noise (safe for dogs and children) that will keep them from even wanting to come near you and your home. Now that’s pretty cool. Best Feature: If you literally wouldn't hurt a fly, this is for you.
I can’t answer the age old question as to whether DEET is ok to use or not. However, what I can say is that this bug spray without DEET works just as well as ones with it, and you won’t be anxious about your health. This bug spray has a 20% concentration of picaridin, which is as effective as DEET.Best Feature: I really like this one because it’s easy to apply. I find that pump sprays work better than their aerosol counterparts because you’re less likely to overspray. Instead, the pump on this one sprays superior bug spray evenly and accurately, for maximum protection.
Scouted Contributor Steven John writes that this is what he reaches for if he does get a bite. "The Bite Away is about as simple as can be: it uses two AA batteries and has two buttons, one that fires up its little ceramic heater for three seconds, the other that warms it for five seconds. You use the shorter heat for milder bites, the longer session for seriously annoying bites – and yes, saying “longer session” for a five-second application of heat is meant to be a bit flippant."Best Feature: It's easy to use, you can carry it around with you in your pocket, and it helps you stay itch free.
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