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With warmer temperatures come backyard cookouts, summer parties and — we hate to say it — tons of mosquitos. While humid environments are better breeding grounds for these pesky bugs, they can survive almost anywhere, as long as they have access to water. But just because their presence is inevitable doesn’t mean you have to suffer through itchy mosquito bites and annoying buzzes: Take matters into your own hands by protecting your yard with the best mosquito repellents and bug sprays.
Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent
If you don’t want to fiddle with sprays or candles, this cordless, scent-free device relies on heat-activated repellants to create a 15-foot bug-free zone, perfect for dinners on the deck or other small-scale outdoor entertaining. Our experts like the simplicity of the design, plus Thermacell’s claim that its repellant uses EPA-approved pyrethroid as its active ingredient.
To operate the Thermacell Patio Shield, simply insert a 12-hour fuel cartridge and a four-hour repellant mat into the cylinder, then activate the cartridge to generate heat. As the mat becomes hot, it releases an invisible shield of repellant. A view window makes it easy to check that the device is working, and replacement fills are fairly affordable, costing about $20 for 48 hours of protection, good for plenty of hot summer nights.
Cutter Backyard Bug Control
This is a more aggressive solution that’s formulated not just to repel mosquitoes and other pests, but to kill them dead, using the EPA-registered insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin. Our experts say Cutter is a good fit for large backyards, but it needs to be applied safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep it away from sewers and storm drains, where it could enter rivers, lakes and other waterways. If children or pets are present, it’s important to keep them away until the spray is thoroughly dry.
The major upside to sprays like Backyard Bug Control is their ease of use. Simply attach your hose to the sprayer bottle and you’ll be able to reach every nook and cranny of your yard. A single bottle treats up to 5,000 square feet of landscaping, lawn and other outdoor terrain. Even rainy or humid weather won’t get in its way: It kills mosquitos, ants, fleas, ticks and other insects for up to 12 weeks (a.k.a. all summer long).
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern
Like its brand-mate in this roundup, the Patio Shield, this Thermacell device is meant to keep mosquitoes from flying into your space with the use of a heat-activated repellant. Our product experts like that it also allows you to illuminate your patio or deck thanks to its built-in, battery-powered lantern. Operation is the same as with Patio Shield and replacement fills cost the same $20 for 48 hours of mosquito protection.
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle
Although it isn’t a permanent solution, our experts say lighting a citronella candle is a tried-and-true way to temporarily ward off mosquitos. This pick from Murphy’s Naturals has glowing Amazon reviews due to its 30-hour burn time and refreshing scent of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood.
“While we always remind readers that ‘natural’ is not a regulated term, our review of the candle’s active ingredients list found them to be plant-based botanical oils, which are considered minimum risk biopesticides by EPA,” says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., executive director of the GH Institute’s Health, Beauty & Sustainability Lab. Along with citronella, most of the other oils in this candle have also been shown to have some repellent efficacy against mosquitos.
Summit Mosquito Dunks
Here’s another option for eliminating mosquitoes at their source. Stick one of these small (but mighty) circles in any bird baths, ponds, plant trays or flood-prone areas up to 100 square feet to kill mosquito larvae for 30 days. But don’t worry about fish or other wildlife, says our expert team: BTI, the EPA-registered ingredient in this product, only kills mosquito larvae and is non-toxic to people, pets and other animals.