7-14-2023 9:27pm

Which types of mosquito repellents are effective?

Samantha Hespos Editor

Indeed: DEET

A repellent containing DEET effectively communicates to mosquitos to stay away. To provide adequate protection for your skin over an extended period, it is recommended to use a product with a minimum of 20% DEET, as higher concentrations do not enhance its effectiveness (children should use products with 10%-30% DEET). DEET is generally safe for almost all individuals, including pregnant and nursing women and babies above 2 months old, when used according to instructions. However, it may reduce the effectiveness of your sunscreen.

Picaridin, available in various forms such as sprays, lotions, or wipes, is an EPA-approved ingredient that effectively acts as a protective barrier against mosquitoes. Derived from plants, this compound can be found in products like Cutter Advanced and Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus. Additionally, it is suitable for use by children and expectant mothers due to its safety.

Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition contains a man-made mosquito-blocking compound known as IR3535. Approved by the EPA, this product effectively repels mosquitoes from the skin for multiple hours. It is also a safe choice for children and pregnant individuals.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, also known as OLE, is approved by the EPA and is an effective mosquito repellent. It can be found in products such as Repel and Off! Botanicals, either in its natural form or as a synthetic version called PMD. However, it is advised to avoid using pure OLE, as it has not undergone safety testing and is not recommended by the EPA.

2-undecanone, also known as BioUD, is derived from tomatoes and is found in BiteBlocker. Certain studies suggest that it has comparable effectiveness to products containing 30% DEET.

Wristbands do not effectively prevent mosquito bites even when saturated with repellent. They merely provide protection for the narrow area of the wrist they cover, leaving the rest of your body vulnerable to mosquito bites.

Citronella, commonly found in products designed to repel mosquitoes, may provide temporary relief from bites but is not an effective long-term solution. Similarly, citronella candles do not offer significant assistance.

Although plant-based oils such as lemongrass, cedar, eucalyptus, peppermint, soybean, lavender, and geranium are commonly used, there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes. In fact, these oils may even cause irritation to your skin.

Garlic and Vitamin B taken together on September 15th do not possess enough scientific evidence to be deemed an effective remedy for repelling mosquitoes. While it would be convenient if ingesting a pill or a clove could serve as a universal solution to mosquito attraction, there is insufficient proof to support this claim according to scientists.

Avoid using bug zappers as they are not effective in attracting bugs and may even attract more mosquitoes to your yard.

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Ultrasonic devices, which emit high-frequency sound waves with the intention of repelling pests, have a potential effectiveness against crickets; however, research indicates that mosquitoes remain unaffected by the generated noise.

It is effective to cover up to prevent mosquito bites. To avoid being bitten, it is advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a hat in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. For optimal protection, tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant legs into your socks.

Certainly: Promoting Water Conservation
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Prevent the emergence of mosquitoes by eliminating stagnant water in your yard, which serves as their preferred breeding site. A small amount of moisture is sufficient for them to inhabit any spot, even a flipped Frisbee holding rainwater. If possible, drain collected water and remove any items such as tires or pots that could accumulate it.

Yes: Yard Treatment

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Foggers and sprays can temporarily banish mosquitoes from outdoor areas -- foggers can last for hours, sprays for days. But the chemicals can be harmful if you, or your pets, come into contact with them while they're still wet or in the air. Keep windows closed during treatment, and stay out of your yard until everything is dry. Bees and butterflies can also be wiped out, so it's best to avoid treating the places they hang out.

Bats have a preference for feeding on larger insects such as moths, although they also enjoy snacking on mosquitoes. While a decrease in mosquito population may occur if they were their sole food source, it is unlikely that bats would significantly impact a typical backyard setting.