What is the best mosquito repellent?

Author: Millie Christiansen  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Recommended Products
  • DEET. DEET is a reliable and highly effective insect repellent. ...
  • IR-3535. IR-3535 is used as an insect repellent against mosquitoes, deer ticks, and biting flies. ...
  • Picaridin. ...
  • For Clothing: Permethrin. ...
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. ...
  • DO. ...
  • DON'T.

Does anything actually work to repel mosquitoes?

Yes: DEET. A repellent with DEET tells mosquitos to buzz off loud and clear. You'll need one with at least 20% DEET to protect your skin for several hours at a time, although more than 50% doesn't work any better (kids should use 10%-30%).

What's the best thing to keep mosquitoes away from you?

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is a natural insecticide that the CDC has approved. Lemongrass, lemon balm, and peppermint can be sprayed on your skin to keep mosquitoes at bay. Other essential oils that can be used to repel mosquitoes include citronella, rosemary, and lavender.

What do mosquitoes hate most?

Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more. You can add some of these plants to your landscaping to fend them off.

How do I stop getting bitten by mosquitoes?

Other tips for preventing mosquito bites
  1. Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  2. Consider treating clothing and gear such as boots or tents with 0.5% permethrin to repel bugs. ...
  3. Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

🦟 Best Mosquito Spray 2023! From the USA to Mexico to Thailand | How to never be bit again.

How do I make myself less attractive to mosquitoes?

Basically, to avoid being a mosquito-target you should stay as scent-free as possible, wear light clothes, avoid bogs and use an effective repellent (such as those containing DEET or icaridin).

What to do if a mosquito keeps biting you at night?

Strict night-time routines: Apply your repellents just before bed on all exposed areas and don't add any perfumes or night creams or after sun lotions on top of it. This will mask chemicals like DEET. Put lotions and potions on first. Let them absorb, then add repellents last thing.

What can I put on my skin to keep mosquitoes from biting me?

Use insect repellent
  1. DEET.
  2. Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States)
  3. IR3535.
  4. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)—A plant-derived ingredient.
  5. Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  6. 2-undecanone—A plant-derived ingredient.

What are mosquitoes worst enemy?

Birds, frogs, tadpoles, fish, toads, salamanders, spiders, red-eared slider turtles and many types of insects all play vital roles in keeping the mosquito population at bay. Some creatures, like the small brown bat, can catch up to 600 mosquitoes in just one hour.

What body lotion do mosquitoes hate?

3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion

Another top-selling mosquito repellent lotion is Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion from 3M. This lotion contains about 34% DEET to repel not only mosquitoes, but biting flies, chiggers, deer flies, ticks, gnats, and fleas.

Do dryer sheets keep mosquitoes away?

Studies have shown that the scent of dryer sheets is not strong enough to deter mosquitoes for a long period of time, and they may even attract other insects.

Does vitamin B12 prevent mosquito bites?

There is simply no evidence taking vitamin B will offer any significant protection from mosquito bites. In reality, if there was even moderate scientific evidence that taking a vitamin supplement could prevent mosquito bites, our supermarket shelves would be full of “mosquito repellent pills”.

Does anything keep mosquitoes away?

Wear Repellents

No matter what the hype, candles, sonic devices, and bracelets don't keep mosquitoes away. What is effective are EPA-approved mosquito repellents that contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus, says Markowski.

Which blood type do mosquitoes hate?

Blood Types Mosquitoes Love Most

Type B: Type B placed second in popularity. Type A: Type A Blood Type apparently tastes the worst to mosquitoes. The study found that those with Blood Type A are 50% less likely to receive a mosquito bite than those with Type O.

What perfume do mosquitoes hate?

Mosquitoes are drawn to human scent, but certain natural odors can keep them away. For those enjoying time outdoors, using repellents like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender offers a chemical-free way to repel these pests. These essential oils are effective and provide a pleasant scent.

What drinks repel mosquitoes?

Lemongrass contains an oil called citronella, a common mosquito repellent. Swap your summer glass of lemonade for a chilled glass of lemongrass tea or carefully use lemongrass oil on your skin for a quick mosquito repellent.

What heals mosquito bites quickly?

Avoid scratching itchy bites. It may help to apply calamine lotion or a nonprescription antihistamine cream or corticosteroid cream. Or try dabbing the bite with a paste made of baking soda and water. Reapply the cream or the paste three times a day until the itch is gone.

What can I take orally to prevent mosquito bites?

taking Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B12 supplements. eating garlic or yeast extracts, or applying them to your skin. using bath oils and skin softeners.

Does Vicks Vaporub keep mosquitoes from biting you?

Apply a small amount of the product to your skin or clothes to deter the pests. The potent smell keeps the mosquitoes away, however, if you do find yourself being bitten, a small amount of Vicks placed upon the bite can also help to reduce the itching.

What is the most effective homemade mosquito repellent?

For a "foolproof recipe" that banishes mosquitoes, combine 1/3 cup witch hazel and 1/3 cup water with 40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. "Mosquitoes detest the strong aroma of eucalyptus, so this easy homemade mosquito repellent is sure to be a winner," says Harlow-Ellis.

Do mosquito bracelets work?

They're often marketed as providing “natural” protection from mosquitoes. But unfortunately, they aren't a reliable way to prevent mosquito bites.

What mosquito repellent actually works?

Only insect repellants with Environmental Protection Agency–registered active ingredients such as diethyl toluamide (DEET)[AS1] , p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or icaridin (also known as picaridin) have been scientifically proved to effectively keep mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes are masters of speed and subtlety.

What will stop mosquitoes biting me?

Pack the following items
  • EPA-registered insect repellent.
  • Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
  • Clothing and gear (such as boots, socks, tents) treated with 0.5% permethrin.
  • Mosquito net if you will be sleeping outside or when screened rooms are not available.

What is the best plug-in mosquito repellent?

  • Zero In Knockdown Plug-In Mosquito Killer Plug-In. Zero In. ...
  • Jungle Formula Plug-In Mosquito repellent. Jungle Formula. ...
  • Boots Repel Mosquito Killer 3-Pin Plug-In. Boots. ...
  • 2 Packs Upgraded Ultrasonic Pest Repeller. Amazon. ...
  • Insect-O-Cutor Nomad. ...
  • Lakeland Mosquito and Midge Repeller. ...
  • SUPERSUN Citronella Candles Outdoors Large x3.

Previous article
What caulk keeps rugs from slipping?
Next article
What is the average tip for a maid?