how to prevent mosquito bites
we explore various methods and evaluated their efficacy to find the most effective solution for you
6 minute read
follow out tips to prevent mosquito madness.
canva
let’s face it — no matter how nature-loving you are, there’s one thing we all dislike about being outdoors and that’s the mosquito bites that can come with it.
mosquitoes can turn a peaceful hike or back-deck lounge into an itchy nightmare. their incessant buzzing and painful bites can be enough to drive anyone indoors. fortunately, there are several strategies to prevent these insects from taking a bite out of your summer fun, ranging from simple wardrobe adjustments to utilizing cutting-edge technology such as vibration and sound devices, patches and sprays, in addition to unique around-the-house tips.
we explored various methods and evaluated their scientific efficacy and real-world reviews to help you find the most effective solution for you, and as it turns out, the most effective solution for repelling mosquitoes depends on your lifestyle and environment. read on to find the right solution for you this summer.
mosquito suit.
canva
what you wear
the most obvious way to keep mosquitoes away is by wearing clothing that covers up exposed skin, especially during the hottest parts of the day when they’re most active. light-coloured loose-fitting clothes made from materials like cotton or linen allow your skin to breathe and don’t attract mosquitoes. and if you want to get really scientific, make sure you avoid white, black and red — unless you want to attract mosquitoes. and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the option for buying a mesh mosquito suit like this one from amazon.
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avoidance and prevention
first and foremost, ensure you eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds around your home by draining any standing water in outdoor containers and clearing away debris such as leaves or grass clippings. next, set up a fan that blows a constant breeze and watch mosquitos disappear from sight, or try one of these fly-repellant fans.
remember this golden rule: peak mosquito hours are the early morning and late evening. by minimizing your outdoor activities during those times, you’ll encounter fewer buzz-kills. and don’t forget to fortify your defences. ensure your window screens are intact, so you can enjoy a mosquito-free haven without any unwelcome visitors crashing the party.
buzz off bug spray.
heelr
natural sprays and oils
if you’re as serious about mosquito control as you are about your health and the environment, there are a number of natural solutions, the most common being essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus and lemon. while these natural options may require more frequent reapplication when compared to synthetic repellents, they can appeal to those seeking more environmentally friendly, non-toxic alternatives.
our pick in this category comes to us from canadian brand heelr, making it all the more feel-good. their buzz off bug spray combines 14 essential oils, all recognized by the national library of medicine for their mosquito-and-bug repelling properties. with its refreshing cologne-like scent, this non-toxic and cruelty-free formula not only offers respite from bites but also adds a refreshing aroma. we also like that it comes in four sizes: a convenient 30ml keychain, 50ml or 100ml glass bottle or in an eco-and-price-friendly 200ml refill format.
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deet and picaridin
mosquito repellent sprays containing deet or other active ingredients like picaridin or ir3535 are widely available and offer the most reliable protection against mosquito bites when it comes to spray-on products. while it is generally considered safe for use when used as directed, there are harmful risks and side effects associated with deet exposure. for those who want a solution between deet-based sprays and essential oils, picaridin-based alternatives might satisfy your needs due to their lower odour and potential milder side effects.
if you’re going to go with deet, we’d shy away from aerosol to keep the toxic load to a minimum and opt for a smaller format like ben’s 30% deet mosquito, tick and insect repellant. looking for a deet-free picaridin-based spray? check out great outdoors go insect repellent icaridin pump spray which contains 20 per cent picaridin.
vibrations and sound devices
some vibration devices are marketed as mosquito repellents based on the premise that these disturbances interfere with the insects’ ability to locate and feed on human hosts. the underlying idea is that mosquitoes rely on specific cues, such as carbon dioxide and body heat, to identify potential targets. by emitting vibrations or high-frequency sounds, these devices aim to disrupt these cues, deterring mosquitoes from approaching.
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one of the challenges in evaluating these devices is the wide variety of species and mosquito populations, each with its unique sensitivities and behaviours. furthermore, environmental factors, such as background noise or other competing signals, can influence the effectiveness of these devices.
thermacell patio shield mosquito repellent e-series rechargeable repeller.
amazon
heat activated technology
one notable device in this category is the thermacell patio shield mosquito repeller which utilizes heat-activated repellent mats to create a 15-foot mosquito protection zone. users have reported positive experiences, praising its ability to keep mosquitoes at bay during outdoor activities. another more compact option is the thermacell patio shield mosquito repellent e-series rechargeable repeller. this small but mighty device is heat-activated and powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers up to 5.5 hours of mosquito protection per charge.
mosquito patches
mosquito patches infused with oils are practical, convenient short-term solutions that are said to repel them. as mosquitoes rely on their sense of smell to locate potential hosts, and the strong odour emitted by the patch can confuse or deter them from landing or biting. the goal is to mask or disrupt the attractant cues that mosquitoes use to identify and approach their targets, thereby reducing the likelihood of mosquito bites.
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the convenience of mosquito patches lies in their simplicity and ease of use. users can simply stick the patch onto their clothing or other surfaces, allowing the repellent properties to take effect. this eliminates the need for direct skin application or reapplication of sprays or lotions.
one popular product, especially for kids, is the natural patch by buzzpatch. made with all-natural, safe ingredients, these fun patches are easy to apply and environmentally friendly. while results may vary, many users appreciate their ease of use and pleasant scent.
mosquito traps
mosquito traps work by attracting and capturing mosquitoes, thus reducing their population in the surrounding area. these traps typically use various mechanisms, such as uv light, co2, or specific attractants, to lure mosquitoes. while traps can be effective in controlling mosquito populations, they are more suitable for outdoor use in larger spaces.
if you’re seeking a trusted trap, the dynatrap dt1100 insect trap is a popular choice, employing uv light and a whisper-quiet fan to lure and capture mosquitoes. users have reported significant reductions in mosquito activity with this trap, especially around patios and gardens.
mosquito coil.
canva
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mosquito coils
mosquito coils, invented in late 1800s japan, are a popular and affordable insect repellent. consisting of dried pyrethrum powder, citronella and binding agents, these coils produce smoke when burned, discouraging mosquitoes from lingering. however, they are repellents rather than mosquito killers and offer a thin layer of protection at best. to maximize effectiveness, combining mosquito coils with a comprehensive mosquito protection system is recommended. factors like wind direction and varying repellent concentrations from different manufacturers can affect their performance. while useful when used correctly, relying solely on mosquito coils may leave you at the mercy of weather conditions and environmental variables.
conclusion
so, our fellow warriors against mosquito bites, gather your repellents, don your battle gear and get ready to take on these buzzing pests with gusto. with these tips in mind, you’ll be able to revel in the great outdoors without those pesky mosquito bites putting a damper on your adventures.
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