Mosquitoes can make even the most anticipated outdoor activities intolerable due to their itchy bites and propensity to spread illnesses like dengue. The good news is that as long as you choose the appropriate outdoor mosquito repellent for your area, it’s simple to keep pests out of your outdoor oasis.
To find the best outdoor mosquito repellent for yard, we spent hours researching the various options on the market. We took into account elements like type, ingredients, longevity, and overall value as we whittled down the list. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Best Mosquito Repellent For Yard: Our Top Pick
- 1. Best Overall: Sawyer Products Picaridin Continuous Spray Insect Repellent
- 2. Best Outdoor Coil: PIC Mosquito Repelling Coils
- 3. Best Incense: Neem Aura Naturals Outdoor Citronella Sticks
- 4. Best Candle: Cutter Citro Guard Candle
- 5. Best Natural Repellent: Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
- 6. Best for Patios: Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller
- 7. Best Outdoor Spray: Wondercide EcoTreat Ready-to-Use Outdoor Pest Control Spray
- 8. Best Splurge: Remington Solar SolaMist Mosquito and Insect Misting System
- 9. Best Value: Cutter Backyard Bug Control
- 10. Best Natural Mosquito Repellent For Yard: Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones
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The Best Mosquito Repellent For Yard
1. Best Overall: Sawyer Products Picaridin Continuous Spray Insect Repellent
What We Like
- Easy to apply
- Available as a lotion or spray
- No strong fragrance
What We Don’t Like
- Spray doesn’t last as long as the lotion
Picaridin, a member of the black pepper family, has been used as a topical insect repellent for flying pests like mosquitoes as well as ticks, biting flies, and chiggers since the 1980s. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that picaridin shows the little adverse environmental effect and, if used as directed, is safe around children and pets.2
Because it is simple to use, is available as a lotion or spray, and doesn’t have a strong fragrance, we came to the conclusion that Sawyer’s product, which contains 20% picaridin, is the best overall mosquito repellent. Although the manufacturer claims on the product’s container that it provides 12-hour protection, we found that using it before going to a nighttime outdoor beer garden gave us effective relief in a setting with noticeable mosquitoes for more than 6 hours.
Sawyer also offers smaller sizes, making it a great choice for campers, people who don’t have luggage, or customers who want to try before buying a bigger quantity.
2. Best Outdoor Coil: PIC Mosquito Repelling Coils
What We Like
- Protects up to 7 hours
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Smoke may irritate eyes
- Many needed for large spaces
Candles, incense, and mosquito coils are all quick fixes for small spaces. Pic offers its coils in a variety of forms, from simple coils to metal and terra-cotta burners. Each coil can last up to 7 hours and performs best on calm days. The coils release smoke that is combined with a chemical made of pyrethroids, just like incense sticks do.
Despite the fact that pyrethroids are made from plants, it is best to avoid breathing in the smoke; 10 feet or so between coils offer the best coverage. The coils can also be hung, putting them further out of sight. If the smell bothers you, this might be useful.
3. Best Incense: Neem Aura Naturals Outdoor Citronella Sticks
What We Like
- No synthetic chemicals
- Protects up to 3 hours
What We Don’t Like
- Not recommended on windy days
- Smoke can irritate eyes
An important benefit of using incense for repellent purposes outdoors. A wide range of insects can be discouraged by essential oils, but adding smoke can have dramatic effects. Rainstorms, windy weather, and smokey environments make it difficult for flying insects to take flight.
Three of these citronella-scented incense sticks should be inserted into mosquito-repellent potted plants that you have added to your deck or patio to get up to three hours of relief from the annoyance. Since they are more discreet than most citronella candles, they have a milder scent. However, avoid placing them next to seated guests because the smoke might irritate them.
4. Best Candle: Cutter Citro Guard Candle
What We Like
- Long burning time
- Multiple wicks keep candle lit longer
- Difficult for wind to tip over
What We Don’t Like
- Limited range
- Overpowering citronella scent
With this candle, which combines traditional wax with citronella oil, outdoor party hosts can keep guests comfortable well into the night. The CitroGuard candle is therefore perfect for use at tables. In response to customer complaints, Cutter updated its design with tall sides and a heavier base, making it less likely to topple over or blow away when the wind picks up. According to the manufacturer, the candle has three wicks and can burn for 30 hours.
For a big deck or garden space, you’ll need several because the closer you are, the more protected you are. Think of it as a way to combine illumination and comfort.
5. Best Natural Repellent: Repel Plant-based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
What We Like
- No synthetic chemicals
- Leaves no sticky residue
What We Don’t Like
- Need to apply every 2 hours
Repel makes a plant-based spray that uses oil of lemon eucalyptus to repel mosquitoes for people looking for a natural alternative. Repel provided the protection in the 6-hour window as promised, and unlike many plant-based repellents we tested, it was neither sticky nor oily once applied. It’s perfect for packing in your bag or taking on the road because you can buy a 6-ounce bottle of the spray.
The lemon’s aroma, which is reminiscent of dishwashing detergent, is powerfully offensive. Also, although this is a natural alternative to products containing DEET, it is not advised for use on pets.3
6. Best For Patios: Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller
What We Like
- Outdistances candle, stick, or coil
- Protects up to 4 hours
- Aesthetic design
- Comes in multiple colors
What We Don’t Like
- Filters must be refilled
- May need many
This product is intended for people who want candles or sticks but want something more covert and aesthetically pleasing. With its lantern-like design and fuel cartridge, the Thermacell Patio Shield does not require batteries or outlets. The three included mats are made to provide you with protection for about 4 hours within a 15-foot radius. You can match it to your seasonal decor or party theme because it comes in a variety of colors.
Allethrin, a broad-spectrum pesticide derived from chrysanthemums, is the active component. It was once thought that allethrin and its parent chemicals, known as pyrethroids, were responsible for allergies and asthma. However, the EPA found in 2009 that there were no glaring indications of this.
7. Best Outdoor Spray: Wondercide Ecotreat Ready-to-use Outdoor Pest Control Spray
What We Like
- Ready to use
- Offers several days of protection
- No need to let dry before entering sprayed area
- Environmentally friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Needs regular application
Wondercide not only deters pests but also eliminates them, including ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. It can be used in areas that are frequently visited by kids and pets because it is based on sesame and cedar oils. The product can treat up to 5,000 square feet, which is about the size of a basketball court and can be used in treated areas before they dry.
Wondercide can be applied quickly because it is available in a ready-to-use format. It works best when used more frequently, as is true of the majority of natural pest deterrents. Consequently, ticks and mosquitoes might return if you skip a month.
8. Best Splurge: Remington Solar Solamist Mosquito And Insect Misting System
What We Like
- Entire-yard coverage
- Long-lasting protection
- No synthetic chemicals
- Rebate eligible
What We Don’t Like
- Must be refilled
- Learning curve
- Too small for extra-large yards
A relatively new product on the market, mosquito misting is the ultimate indulgence for people looking to get rid of pests without using an exterminator. The 12-gallon, 20-nozzle system is a great investment for those looking for environmentally friendly large-area control even though it is not the cheapest option.
The wheeled, simple-to-install SolaMist is portable and comes with a solar panel for charging. By way of WiFi, it turns on and off. SolaMist’s name is also appropriate given that it is entirely powered by solar energy and is therefore eligible for a 30% federal tax credit for solar energy. It should be noted that the scent of the herbs can be detected.
9. Best Value: Cutter Backyard Bug Control
What We Like
- Affordable
- Works for up to 12 weeks
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a garden hose
You have come to the right place if you’re looking for a potent insect-repellent spray. This easy-to-use spray attaches to your garden hose for protection that lasts up to 12 weeks. That’s right, this cost-effective solution only needs to be used once to keep your yard free of mosquitoes for the entire summer.
10. Best Natural Mosquito Repellent For Yard: Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones
What We Like
- All-natural formula
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Only provides 25 minutes of protection
If you’re looking for an all-natural solution to your mosquito problem, these incense cones are sure to do the trick. In their formulation, plant-based oils are used to naturally ward off pests rather than harsh chemicals. Simply place a cone in the provided ceramic dish, light it, and allow it to smolder down for momentary mosquito protection.
Factors To Consider When Buying Best Mosquito Repellent For Yard
Type
There is sure to be an outdoor mosquito repellent that suits your specific needs, personal preferences, and available options among the many different types available. “The most common mosquito repellents I see are DEET-based or based in an oil like lemon eucalyptus or citronella,” says They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from candles and coils for your patio to sprays and tubes for treating large areas of your lawn.
Ingredients
It’s crucial to think about your product’s active components because they will prevent mosquitoes from getting too close. We listed the active ingredient below each product on our list, but here are just a few of the most common:
Citronella Oil: One of the most frequently used components in mosquito-repelling candles and coils is citronella oil. However, The American Mosquito Control Association warns that the oil only works when there is no wind.
Metofluthrin: The Off! insect repellent contains metofluthrin, a synthetic insect repellent. coils on our list. A 2007 study by the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association deemed it “highly effective at repelling mosquitoes.”
Allethrin: The main component of Thermacell devices, allethrin, operates by releasing a gas into the air when heated.
Ease Of Use
Choosing an easy-to-use repellent is crucial given the wide variety of repellents available. The simplest are personal repellents, which you apply by simply spraying or rolling them on exposed skin. They shouldn’t leave any residue or cause your skin to become sticky. Candles, incense sticks, shields, and coils can all be set up quickly and effectively on tables that are placed far from the guests. Barrier sprays might need to be combined with other substances, like water and oils. Additionally, for maximum effectiveness, they need ideal time and weather conditions. It might be challenging to assemble misters, which have coils and nozzles. Additionally, they might need to be set up using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on your mobile device.
Longevity
You want a long-lasting outdoor mosquito repellent whether you plan to spend the entire day or just an hour outside. “Longevity really varies from product to product,” says Lehner. “Others go on for hours, while others last only 20 minutes.”
The best repellent for your lifestyle, whether you’re a frequent entertainer or an avid camper, can be chosen by researching the various types and how long they last.
Our Verdict
Our top choice is Sawyer’s Picaridin Insect Repellent after evaluating personal mosquito repellents for effectiveness, duration of protection, safety around children and pets, and environmental friendliness.
We thought Repel’s Lemon Eucalyptus 4-ounce Pump Spray was the best natural insect repellent available. You can’t go wrong with the Remington SolaMist misting system if you want to spend a lot of money on an all-inclusive solution.
FAQs
How Do Outside Insect Repellents Work?
According to Price, mosquitoes are attracted to us in large numbers by our body odors and the carbon dioxide we exhale. These smells are covered up by outdoor repellents, preventing mosquitoes from entering the area. Using essential oils is a common method of doing that.
Outdoor repellents, like candles, are typically packed with a mosquito repelling oil(s) to deter the mosquitoes in the immediate area,” explains The oil that is released into the air as they burn deters mosquitoes from approaching and biting. Lehner It is important to remember that, by definition, repellents do not actually kill mosquitoes.
Where Should You Place Mosquito Repellent In Your Yard?
This depends on the size of the area you’re working with. If you’re looking to keep away mosquitoes while socializing in a small space with friends or family, Lehner recommends “keeping [the repellent] close to the area you’re utilizing, like on a patio table.” In that case, deterrents like candles or incense ought to work.
If you want to find a solution for other areas of your yard that you’d consider mosquito hotspots (like a source of standing water or low points of land), you should spend money on a mosquito-repelling solution that targets larger areas. If you don’t want the water removed, mosquito dunks are great for standing water. Bug control sprays are a seasonal way to get rid of pests before they get out of control.
How To Prevent Mosquito Outbreaks?
As a general rule, the best way to reduce mosquitos — besides using top-of-the-line sprays and repellents, of course — is by emptying anything that holds water. “Remember the ‘tip and toss’ rule,” says Mosquito Authority’s chief scientist is Craig Stoops. “To remove any standing water that may contain mosquito larvae, tip over anything you can’t throw away. Then throw away anything in your backyard that is no longer needed and could serve as a mosquito breeding ground.”
The EPA offers this additional checklist for eliminating mosquito habitats at their source:
- Remove any standing water from buckets, old tires, and gutters.
- At least once per week, empty and replace the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays.
- Continually treat and circulate the water in the pool.
- Upgrade to yellow-hued lightbulbs for your outdoor lighting to repel mosquitoes much better.
How Else Can Help To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard?
The best way to keep mosquitoes away from your yard besides using outdoor mosquito repellent is to “remove or treat standing water,” says Lehner, because mosquitoes breed there.
According to Price, a good way to find potential mosquito hotspots is to “take a walk around your property and look for anywhere where a bottle cap of water can stand still.” Though this may sound weirdly specific, the reason for doing so is because a “female mosquito can lay 20 plus eggs in that little bottle cap of standing water,” he says.
Drilling drainage holes into the bottom of potted plants, keeping gutters clear and free-flowing, filling in low spots in your lawn, and not overwatering your lawns, plants, and bushes are all easy ways to prevent standing water around your home, advises Price.
