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Mosquitoes are one of the least appealing and most annoying insects on Earth. They can ruin anyone’s life. In addition, mosquitoes are rather dangerous.
An experiment in the Canadian tundra showed that people with bare arms, legs and torso get about 9,000 young mosquitoes’ bites per minute. At this rate a person can lose half their blood in two hours.

10 Mosquito Behavior Facts: What Attracts Mosquitoes?

1. Mosquitoes love moisture, heat, shade and thick forest.
2. Only pregnant females prey on humans.
3. How do mosquitoes find you? They can smell human body 50 meters away. CO2 which we exhale is the most appetizing and solid pointer. They are also attracted by our clothes and perfume: they’re drawn to people dressed in dark or bright clothes, who use sweet or flowery fragrances.
4. Mosquitoes barely bite vegetarians and raw foodists, more often they go for those who are in love and exude estrogen and testosterone, for kids and pregnant women. People with a high concentration of steroids or cholesterol are also at risk. Mosquitoes are also attracted by the uric acid found in sweat; therefore working out near mosquitoes is not a good idea.
5. You’re also at risk if there’s any water near your place. Mosquitoes lay eggs on the water surface, be it a small river, a pond or a lake. Such a “re-spawn” takes place regularly, as according to the Food and Environment Hygiene Department eggs develop within 2 or 3 days. It takes another week for larvae and pupa to grow then.
6. The blood-thirsty females are especially active in the evenings and in summer. Some types’ activity peak is at night: from 11pm to 2 am. There are morning mosquitoes too, though.
7. Mosquitoes can breed right at your house if there’s any stagnant water.
8. Mosquitoes fly to their victim against the direction of the wind, and they fly back downwind.
9. Mosquitoes’ mouthparts are ideal for hunting. Their saliva contains an anesthetic (so that we don’t feel the bite) and a substance which prevents blood clots. That’s why you’ll bleed for a few minutes after the actual bite, and you feel the pain and the sting even later
10. Mosquitoes detect a number of natural smells, such as essential clove, lemon, eucalyptus and basil oils, cedar oil and peppermint.

Diseases Caused By Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes spread rare and nasty diseases as this insect’s body can easily become a container for bacteria, viruses and parasites. Many of the diseases spread by mosquitoes can be picked up by humans, such as:

• Malaria (spread by certain types of insects only);
• Yellow fever and lethal hemorrhagic fevers such as the West Nile virus;
• Japanese encephalitis and cerebral edema which can seriously hurt your CNS and intelligence;
• Lyme disease which affects the skin, CNS, musculoskeletal system, and the heart;
• Hepatitis C which kills your liver and the entire body and is one of the most dangerous diseases of the 21st century;
• Philariasis which causes lymph vessels clogging leads to limb swelling and sudden body temperature upsurge.

Even if a particular mosquito doesn’t carry and deadly diseases, its bite still isn’t any good for you, as there will be blisters, reddened skin, itch, and pain… And what about those who are allergic to mosquito bites? They know for sure that a single bite can cause eczema or even suffocation.
Fortunately, a dozen of methods of getting rid of mosquitoes have been invented. Each of these methods, though, usually suits a specific situation, so in order to choose the most effective way of getting rid of mosquitoes you should know the peculiarities of their behavior and hunting habits.

Common mosquito bite symptoms you must treat immediately

Itchy mosquito bites are noticed few seconds or minutes , and itchiness may be accompanied by redness or soreness , hives and swelling. One of the facts about mosquito bites is that the symptoms normally occur every several bites and not after a single bite. Other common mosquito bite symptoms include:

• Swelling around the bite region,
• Swollen lymph nodes,
• Hard bumps or small blisters, and
• Dark spots that appear like bruises.

One of the commonest mosquito bite allergy reactions is the development of a puffy white bump on the skin.

Mosquito bites on babies are easily noticed because of the softness of their skins, these bites are characterized by red spots , and blisters that may become sore.

Most babies who suffer from mosquito bite allergy will cry continuously or may become very irritated. Most babies will suffer from low grade fever few hours after mosquito bites while most adults may suffer from the same symptoms within 24 and 48 hours after mosquito bites. One of the facts about mosquito bites is that, your immune system will naturally react to the presence of parasites introduced into your body, therefore mosquito bites don’t kill immediately.

How to deal with mosquito bite symptoms?

Itchy mosquito bites can be treated immediately with a topical anti-itch lotion, this can also help in reducing itchiness, swelling and redness of the affected area. Other mosquito bite allergy and symptoms such as fever, body aches, rash fatigue, light sensitivity, meningitis, confusion and neurological changes will require anti-parasite medications or oral histamines. A cold pack of ice cubes can be used to reduce the severity of mosquito bites on babies. For hives, you can simply take a cool bath without the use of soap or simply place ice cube patches on affected area for about 12 minutes. You don’t have to take any medication until you start noticing mosquito bite symptoms.

Taking medications unnecessarily may lead to a depletion of your body’s probiotics and your immune system becomes weakened.

The use of mosquito repellent and proper cleaning of surrounding areas around your home are the best possible ways of preventing mosquito bites on babies and adults. One of the facts about mosquito bites is that not every victim suffer from symptoms or allergies immediately.

Need to hire an exterminator? Find the best licensed professionals in your area.

This guide looks into TOP-6 best mosquito zappers, explaining the technologies behind these devices and giving recommendations on their use. Read about studies conducted by scientists in the field of bug zapper effectiveness and learn what product properties should be considered when making a purchase. The guide also elaborates on the available types of these devices so that you could more easily decide which one would meet your needs.

Over the centuries, countless methods have been employed to try to reduce this pox upon humanity, such as various herbal solutions (citronella, in the west, tobacco). Nets have been employed to make it harder for them to bite people in their sleep, and in tropical climates, this is still a common practice.

Insecticides and repellents of the topical variety have been widely used for a long time, and are still used today, but they’re actually kind of awful, bad for your skin, and all around almost as unpleasant as the bites caused by mosquitos.

Today, there are a number of more aggressive technologies, which can help abate mosquitos, including the bug zapper. These are old technology at this point – almost as old as the discovery of electricity’s lethal nature itself.

How Do Bug Zappers Work?

Bug zappers use an exposed electrical field which can introduce an instantly lethal electric shock and burn to insects that get too close. This electric field can hurt a person too, though lethal shocks to humans (even small young ones) are somewhat rare.

The trick isn’t killing them, but in attracting them. This is done in a combination of one or two ways, depending on how you handle it. There is a bulb present in a bug zapper (this is what produces the glow of a bug zapper, not the electric field). This bulb creates heat, infrared and UV, which mosquitoes are drawn to.

Additional attractant compounds can be used to make the draw more severe. They are sometimes powered by batteries, but more commonly, they’re powered by 115V or 225V electrical lines.

How Scientists Assess Bug Zapper Effectiveness?

When testing a new model of a bug zapper, or a revision of one of the components, it’s done in a rather simple way. To test the attraction light, said the light is placed in a container of female mosquitos, and a standard light in another (this is the control group). The draw of the mosquitos to the special light should be significantly higher than the standard incandescent or fluorescent bulb, though that bulb will attract some mosquitos as well.

To test the effectiveness of newly-engineered kill fields, they simply set up a containment area approximating the intended range, with a standard attraction light. They measure the rate of population reduction per time unit.

These tests are usually done with a few variations, for use of additional attractants, other sources of attraction in test areas, and so on. Further testing is done to ensure the design is as safe as possible, including trying to deliberately cause them to malfunction, which provides a solid gauge of how severe conditions must be, in order for problems to arise.

Experts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln highlight the main disadvantages of using zappers. First and foremost, these devices do not discriminate between insects and kill a lot of beneficial ones. Secondly, mosquitoes make up no more than 1% of the captured insects as UV-light is not the most powerful attractant for them. However, scientists from the University of Kentucky specify that zappers are not effective in reducing large mosquito populations outdoors. Indeed, when installed indoors, these devices provide much better protection.

What Should I Look for in a Mosquito Zapper?

There are a handful of factors to consider when looking for a bug zapper. These are largely shaped by your needs, your climate, your property, and other similar concerns. Below are a few of the things to bear in mind.

• Climate – What kind of climate do you live in? Is it rainy consistently? Rain can cause problems, if it’s very windy with the rain, to cause verticality in it. It can cause breakers to throw, and for the filaments to burn out more rapidly.
• Property Size – Do you have a large property? Do you want to keep the whole of it free of mosquitos? Then you’ll want to be sure you have zappers with a good range or ones that can easily work together.
• Population – This one’s not as big of a factor, but it does still matter a bit. Do you plan on having large events like barbeques or cookouts? If so, you’ll want wide-range, powerful zappers.
• Power – Do you have a high power bill as it is? There are alternatives to wall voltage, such as solar zappers, though to be honest, this technology isn’t really that well implemented. Contrary to popular belief, solar power isn’t good for much, unless you live in a place with constant sunlight, and have huge photovoltaic capture arrays to get lots of energy from those thin photons.
• Ease of Use – You’ll want to choose something easy to get apart to replace bulbs, and easy to clean. Some zappers are quite complex, and this really shouldn’t be such an overwrought technology.
• Range – Similar to property size, you’ll want to consider the attraction and effectiveness range possible for a given zapper. This does vary from one design to the next.

The wider ranges do consume more power, and they can be more dangerous. So, you have to achieve a balance of range (with power and danger) versus willingness to implement multiple zappers for optimal effectiveness. This is a tricky balance, and it’s not always easy, but with a little trial and error, math, and understanding the hanging strategy we’re coming to next, and it’s not so bad.

Where Is the Best Place to Put a Zapper?

A lot of zappers will claim that they shouldn’t be used within twenty-five or more feet of a populated area, but honestly, this isn’t as important as it may seem. This is for the sake of disclaiming liability, and because the popping and buzzing sounds could potentially be disruptive of social gatherings and peace.

The truth is, the best place to hang these is near where mosquitos will congregate, and that’s going to be somewhat close to where people are. Mosquitos are drawn to a number of things. One is moisture, though this is mostly for egg-laying, they don’t like to wander too far from a source of standing (stagnant) water.

Another thing they are attracted to is CO2 (carbon dioxide), which is exhaled by air-breathing creatures such as us. Finally, they’re drawn also to heat, infrared, UV and mixes of pheromones primarily produced by mammals, which are their prey of choice.

Strategically placing these near heat sources, near groups of people, and near standing water will be the most effective strategy. Be careful, though, because if one falls into water, bad things can happen.

Types of Bug Zappers

There aren’t that many variations on the bug zapper concept, because there are only so many ways these devices can be built. But there tend to be four basic form factors for them, which we’ll take a brief moment to outline below.

• Hanging – Hanging zappers tend to have a lantern or lamp form factor, which itself can vary pretty significantly. These are the most common, oldest forms of these zappers, and are what you’re most likely to encounter.
• Tower or Stand Alone – These sit somewhere, not unlike air conditioners or other heavy appliances, and have boxy, standard designs. These aren’t that uncommon.
• Plug or Screw-In – These plug into a wall like a night light, or screw into a light socket. This is fairly novel, and caution is advised with these.
• Handheld – This is a very new idea – paddle or fly swatter form factors one can hold and swat clouds of insects with. This is a dangerous idea, and one I don’t think is really that wise …

Personal Experience With Mosquito Zappers

I already shared my story regarding the dangers of zappers falling into puddles. Today, I want to share something a little more positive. As a kid of about 8, living in a part of LA called Silver Lake, there were a lot of people who fished as a hobby. I was never into it myself and wasn’t that outdoorsy of a kid (nor am I now), but I did know that the lawns across my neighborhood had really rich, loamy, black soil. These are prime conditions for juicy night crawlers and earthworms.

I had been raised that, if you wanted things (birthdays and Christmases aside), you had to work for them. Well, to heck with mowing lawns, I still refuse to do that. But I saw an opportunity to make some money my way. I worked out a deal with three large blocks in my suburban neighborhood, that I would pay each homeowner 10% of what I made on worms from their particular lawn. It was a meticulous thing, totally what worms came from where, but I managed it.

This was a friendly neighborhood, with nice people, and I guess my young entrepreneurial spirit spoke to them. Mosquitos, in the hot California summer, were awful. They weren’t as bad as Florida, but they were bad. I had maintained, I’d rather cope with the bites than have mosquito repellant on me, I hate … stuff on me like that. I don’t even do lotion.

Well, imagine my surprise when, my second year doing it (I did this every year until I graduated high school), the whole neighborhood was alight from bug zappers. They had all put these out, to defend the nightcrawler kid from mosquitos. Later in life, I learned that the neighborhood watch captain had coordinated a drive where everyone chipped in, to buy a wholesale quantity of them, and install them.

They definitely reduced the mosquitos severely. I had one or two bites a night, rather than thirty or forty. So, I can vouch for these being effective. I thought this might be a nice little story to share.

TOP-6 Best Mosquito Zappers

The review below will cover 6 various mosquito zappers within the price range from $5 to $50. So you can choose between the simplest option like a bug zapper bulb and a more complicated one with a large electric grid designed to kill these insects. The products also differ in the types of bulbs which can be either fluorescent or LED ones and in the material, they are made of. Design matters as well because you will place the item in a visible location. And this is where you have a broad selection, starting from lanterns to towers and swatters.

Standard Lantern Mosquito Zapper, 1/2 Acre Coverage | Flowtron BK-15D

This Flowtron is your standard hanging bug zapper, with a ½ acre coverage range, using fluorescent UV/IR attractor light, and a powerful kill field. These are very similar to the zappers that the neighborhood put up for my bait business when I was a little kid. The design makes this pretty safe even in rain, though be wary of wind storms that can get the rain super horizontal, as that could short them out.

Features

• Form Factor: Hanging lantern.
• Bulb Type: Fluorescent.
• Range: ½ acre.
• Material: Metal.
• Wattage: 15.

Performance

This is your standard zapper. It works just fine, and most standard quarter or half acre yards will be covered by one of these. I do recommend one in the front and one in the back, though, due to how ranges are disrupted by structures. This isn’t the most potent zapper in the world, but it’s affordable and it does indeed work.

This is ideal for picnics or just general outdoor activity, and the one I have in my backyard here, which is Florida, aka the center of mosquito civilization, and it holds up pretty darn well.

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable. Decent range. Power smart. Holds up to weather decently.	Swings in the wind. Frame is a bit fragile and cheap feeling. The bulb is harder to find than it should be, for replacements.

Conclusion

For just a general backyard, I am ok with recommending this zapper, though there are better ones for the hardcore outdoorsy people, which we’ll come to.

Best Indoor Mosquito Zapper | LiBa

This LiBa is one of the few indoor safe models out there. If you have an enclosed porch or mosquitos are getting into your house, then this is the solution for you. Beware of pets or splashing water, and watch your children around it, but it’s legitimately safe to use this in your home, which most zappers are not.

Features

• Form Factor: Tower.
• Bulb Type: Fluorescent.
• Range: N/A.
• Material: Metal.
• Wattage: 60.

Performance

It’s interesting to see this kind of design made safe for indoor use because honestly, exposed electrical fields are rarely something you want in your house. This is an effective zapper, and aside from watching pets or children, it is safe to keep this inside.

It’s a bit of a power hog, though, and it’s been known to produce a bit of an ozone scent as it fries insects. This one is also good for killing flies, which while they don’t bite, are still an obnoxious thing we could all live our lives happily without.

It’s surprisingly affordable, too.

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable. Kills flies, gnats and other pests. Safe for indoor use. Easy to place.	Power hog. Could be a danger to pets or kids. Has a hum to it. Produces a burning smell.

Conclusion

I am mostly comfortable recommending this to people who have a flying insect problem in their house because fly paper and other passive things just don’t work that well. Be careful, though.

LED 60W Mosquito Zapper Bulb | ZappLight

This is a unique concept, relatively modern in its implementation. This screws into a typical lamp socket, making it safe for indoor and outdoor use, while safely away from pets or children. It also has an LED light up top, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice your light to use it.

Features

• Form Factor: Bulb.
• Bulb Type: LED.
• Range: N/A.
• Material: Metal.
• Wattage: 60.

Performance

This is a neat idea, though its small size makes me wonder how effective it is in larger areas. However, being affordable, and having light sources as well, I could see doing a lot of outdoor lighting with these, and having a widely-dispersed range of anti-insect measures in place as a result.

This is also, as I said, safe for indoor use, though not in heavily moist environments such as kitchens or bathrooms. Condensation could cause problems with this. I worry about the insect contact straining breakers with this as well.

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable. Kills flies, gnats and other pests. Safe for indoor use. Easy to place.	Doesn’t like moisture. May trip breakers. Isn’t very power smart.

Conclusion

I’m ok with recommending this to people who want a simple solution, and maybe a better coverage strategy. Hybridizing your lighting with anti-insect technology isn’t a bad idea, but I do think this technology has room to evolve before it’s widely adopted, perhaps.

Rechargeable Mosquito Zapper Racket | ZAP IT!

This is an interesting idea, too. This is a handheld racket that you hold a button to provide a charge, which makes for a more proactive hunt and kill with mosquitos and other pests. It’s basically a taser merged with a large fly swatter.

It’s very affordable, and rechargeable via USB, which is very progressive engineering, all things said and done.

Features

• Form Factor: Racquet.
• Bulb Type: N/A.
• Range: N/A.
• Material: Metal.
• Wattage: 60.

Performance

I like the idea of this, in principle. Being able to hunt and kill flies, mosquitos and other airborne pests, without having to smash them against a surface, which is destructive and gross. However, you’re carrying a racket-shaped taser, more or less, and I just see any number of problems coming from this should you accidentally smack someone with it, hit something grounded with it, or get it wet.

This is something to be very careful with. But it’s still an interesting idea.

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable. Kills flies, gnats and other pests. Safe for indoor use. Proactive.	This is asking for an accident to happen.

Conclusion

If you’re careful and responsible, then this is something I can recommend, but I do see this as just begging for a nasty shock. Definitely, don’t let kids use this, and don’t use this if alcohol is flowing.

Best 2-in-1 Mosquito Zapper for Camping | ENKEEO

Campers and hikers will enjoy this USB-rechargeable lantern-style zapper, which also has a standard light, not unlike the bulb zapper we looked at a moment ago. This is a solid idea, but I do see caution is needed for this.

Features

• Form Factor: Lantern.
• Bulb Type: LED.
• Range: N/A.
• Material: Plastic.
• Wattage: 60.

Performance

This is a good idea, but man, be careful with this, as it could start a fire if it fell into some slightly damp leaves, or something conductive and dry. It’s also not the most waterproof thing in the world, so if you’re camping somewhere that has a lot of condensation or rain, bear that in mind before grabbing hold of it, unless you want a mighty shock.

That said, this is a solid zapper, and if used responsibly, it can make your camping, fishing or hiking experience a lot less miserable.

Pros:	Cons:
Portable. USB rechargeable. Effective. Has a light too.	Could start a fire or cause a mighty zap if wet.

Conclusion

I highly recommend this to campers and hikers. The one time I went camping, mosquitos definitely made me enjoy the camping trip less, though I admit I am not a nature person. Had this technology existed at the time, it would’ve made it less miserable, for certain.

Solar-Powered Mosquito Bug Zapper | Lixada

This is a solar zapper, which stakes into the ground, not unlike garden lamps, which it doubles as.

Features

• Form Factor: Lantern.
• Bulb Type: LED.
• Range: N/A.
• Material: Plastic.
• Wattage: 60.

Performance

This is a sound idea for wider coverage, making all your lights double as anti-insect measures. However, the lethal dose of voltage needed to fry insects doesn’t really equate to what solar can provide, and these won’t stay lit all night.

Pros:	Cons:
Easy to place. Affordable. Good coverage.	Solar is not a viable way to do this, and it never will be. It will short if wet.

Conclusion

If you live in an area with a lot of suns, this might work well. Otherwise, you can’t rely solely on these, but you can get some extra prevention out of your lights.

Comparison Chart of 6 Mosquito Zapper Effectiveness

Product	Features
Flowtron BK-15D	Form Factor: Hanging lantern. Bulb Type: Fluorescent. Range: ½ acre. Material: Metal. Wattage: 15.
LiBa	Form Factor: Tower. Bulb Type: Fluorescent. Range: N/A. Material: Metal. Wattage: 60.
ZappLight	Form Factor: Bulb. Bulb Type: LED. Range: N/A. Material: Metal. Wattage: 60.
ZAP IT!	Form Factor: Racket. Bulb Type: N/A. Range: N/A. Material: Metal. Wattage: 60.
ENKEEO	Form Factor: Lantern. Bulb Type: LED. Range: N/A. Material: Plastic. Wattage: 60.
Lixada	Form Factor: Lantern. Bulb Type: LED. Range: N/A. Material: Plastic. Wattage: 60.

A Non-Electric Alternative

CO2 + UV Light Trap Killing Mosquitoes by Dehydration | Dynatrap

This DynaTrap is an alternative approach, safe for use anywhere, and unable to harm anyone or anything. It uses an LED UV/IR bulb to attract mosquitoes, which become trapped and eventually die.

Features

• Form Factor: Lantern.
• Bulb Type: LED.
• Range: N/A.
• Material: Metal.
• Wattage: 60.

Performance

If you aren’t comfortable with an exposed electrocution device around, this is a decent alternative. However, it’s less effective, due to mosquitos having to fall into the trap.

Pros:	Cons:
Can’t hurt you. Works anywhere. Power-smart.	Less effective. Very expensive.

Conclusion

If you’re apprehensive of a nasty zapping tool and don’t mind sacrificing effectiveness, then this is a safe alternative.

FAQ

Which mosquito zapper works best?
The Flowtron, overall.

How to clean a mosquito zapper?
Unplug it, hose it out, let it dry completely, before turning it back on.

Where to hang it?
Near where mosquitoes are drawn.

Is a mosquito zapper effective?
There is no perfect solution, but yes.

Can a bug zapper be left in the rain?
If it’s vertical rain, yes.

Why Mosquitoes are a Serious Threat?

Mosquitos have the most obnoxious buzzing sound as they come in for the “kill”, and they bite, leaving itching welts that take days (or longer with some people) to heal up.

What’s worse, they spread all manner of diseases, because when they bite, some of the blood they’ve taken from previous victims mixes with your own. This is how things like West Nile, Zika, and malaria can spread. Some scientists warn that venereal (STD) diseases could possibly be spread this way too, though no irrefutably documented cases of this are on the books just yet. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, or can’t happen, though.

The most insulting part of this is, only female mosquitoes bite, using the protein from blood to make eggs. Males feed on pollen and nectar. So, not only do they bite you, steal your blood, and cause agonizing itches. They do so to make more of them, a new generation of the vile creatures, which can go on to irritate more people further.

Conclusion

Mosquitos are horrible, as are other flying insects. Until we can eliminate them, and have an ecosystem that can function without these pests, you need some way to control them. For now, bug zappers are the best way, and I am confident one of these will suit your needs, safely and affordably.

Need to hire an exterminator? Find the best licensed professionals in your area.

In this guide, you will learn about 10 best mosquito traps, their types, peculiarities, advantages and disadvantages. Are these devices effective? Which models are designed for indoor use and which ones should be located outdoors? A comparative chart will help you decide between the available options. Learn about properties you should consider when making a purchase.

I hate bugs, don’t you? This goes especially for ones that bite unprovoked, such as the most hated insect in the world, the mosquito. These things are absolute hell here in Florida, which is a humid, tropical climate with a lot of swampland.

What is the Best Mosquito Trap: Mega-Catch vs Mosquito Magnet

1. Mosquito Trap with Dual-Trap Method | Mega-Catch Pro 900 Premier  Review

This one’s outstanding technology is really how it works with UV, using pulsation and heat variation to really emulate the fluctuation of the human body, and producing a range of frequencies which attract a wide variety of species.

• Attraction: Heat, UV.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum.
• Form Factor: Tower.
• Range: ¾+ acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: No.
• Waterproof: No.

This is an interesting approach to attraction, with modulated LED for UV. I would be skeptical of LEDs attracting mosquitos as well as other lighting methods, which may be part of why it also has a secondary attractant system optionally available to further its effectiveness.

But, according to research, this concept should indeed work, and work well.

Pros:	Cons:
Powerful. Instantly-effective. Safe around people and pets.	Prototype technology. Has to be emptied. Needs secondary attractants to be as effective as its statistics claim. Very expensive for what it is. Loud.

Conclusion

This is intriguing, and I see some ideas coming from this in future implementations. However, I’m a little reticent to recommend this to anyone unless they want to try new technologies.

2. Higher-powered Implementation | Mega-Catch Pro 900 Ultra Review

This one is a higher-powered version of the previous one, complete with a stand and a more powerful trapping mechanism. It has about the same range, and it uses the same basic technologies, but it focuses more on balancing established concepts, making it a bit less of a prototype concept.

• Attraction: Heat, UV.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum.
• Form Factor: Tower.
• Range: ¾+ acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: No.
• Waterproof: No.

Again, this is an intriguing idea, and this one relies more heavily on traditional methods, but still tries out the idea of modulated heat signatures and UV pulses, to full a wide range of mosquito species into being trapped.

Pros:	Cons:
Powerful. Instantly-effective. Safe around people and pets.	Prototype technology. Has to be emptied. Needs secondary attractants to be as effective as its statistics claim. Tremendously expensive. Loud.

Conclusion

Once more, I’d like to see this concept proven with some more reliable killing means in place, but am reticent to recommend this to anyone that doesn’t have other traps in place, because the reliability of this approach hasn’t been properly vetted yet. It’s expensive!

3. High-End Vacuum Mosquito Trap | Magnet MM3200B

This trap uses just about every method of attraction out there, to lure mosquitoes into its grip, with a vacuum and net to capture them. Using carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture, this is a massive device meant for large gatherings or safety in public.

• Attraction: Attractants, heat, moisture, CO2.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum.
• Form Factor: It’s on wheels.
• Range: 1 acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: No.
• Waterproof: No.

This one is suited best for large gatherings in parks, out in nature, or large properties. If you’re having a 4th of July picnic, for example, one of these bad boys would definitely do the trick, though this thing is expensive, and requires a lot of tending to.

Pros:	Cons :
Powerful. Battery-powered. Instantly-effective. Safe around people and pets.	Very expensive. Needs CO2. Needs a net. Needs water. Very heavy. Very loud.

Conclusion

For large gatherings, this is probably one of the most effective ones out there. But, it’s a lot of work and very expensive, so it’s a bit of a commitment, to use this one. Still, you can’t argue with the results.

What’s the problem?

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so anywhere you have still, standing water in the warm months of the year, count on mosquitoes coming from them. While these insects vary from person to person in how badly they will bite, their prime attraction is to heat and CO2, which we produce from existing and breathing.

Not all mosquitoеs bite – it’s actually only the females that do this, for protein to produce eggs. Male mosquitoеs live only on nectar and pollen. It’s kind of insult to injury that they steal our blood and make us itch, to produce more of themselves to further annoy us.

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying and unpleasant, however. They also spread a lot of diseases, such as Zika, West Nile, malaria and various other unpleasant viruses and bacteria. When they bite, a little bit of the blood they’ve already consumed mixes with the victim’s blood, meaning theoretically, they could spread venereal diseases too, though no documented records of this happening are on the books thus far. Doctors warn of the possibility of this, however.

So, mosquitos are a real problem. They’re annoying, they dangerous, and nobody would weep for their extinction. This has been attempted in the past, through genetic engineering, which I’ll talk about briefly in a bit. For now, though, all we can do is repel them with citronella (which works to a degree), spray/rub-on bug repellants (which are almost as unpleasant as the bug bites), and of course, traps.

Treating the yard with insecticides or applying such solutions as DEET to the skin are still the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes away. However, if do no not have lots of mosquitoes around or if you need to cover a large area, trapping would be the best bet. Insects are stupid – they’re biological robots, quite literally. If you can trigger their attraction impulses, you can lure them to their doom quite effectively.

Today, we’re going to help fight the war against nature’s greatest entomological affront to humanity, by looking at mosquito traps. We’ll see how they work, the different types and technologies used, and some of the best ones on the market presently.

How A Mosquito Trap Works: Explaining The Technologies Behind

There are actually several ways which this technology can work, though the core concept is the same across them all. Something attracts mosquitoеs to the trap, and they’re killed in some fashion.

The most common one people think of is the “bug zapper”, which produces instantly-lethal electric fields that incinerate bugs that fly into them. Sometimes, an attractant chemical is used with them since mosquitoes aren’t drawn to light like other insects. Some use carbon dioxide, water, propane, heat, or ultraviolet light to kill the insects with extreme prejudice.

Core Features of Mosquito Traps

While different mosquito traps work differently, there are a core set of components they mostly have in common.

• Lighting Arrays – There exist traps that don’t use light, but they’re not very common. Mosquitoes aren’t as drawn to light as some other insects (moths for example), but there is still something of an attraction due to the infrared heat lights put out, which mosquitoes are drawn to.
• Attractants – Mosquitos don’t just look for heat or light, they seek pheromones and CO2 which their prey (us) emits. Attractants are exceptionally potent synthetic substances that fool them, and once they’re close enough to the light, that draw to a heat source kicks in, luring them into the trap.
• Catch System – This is where they really tend to vary, from one trap to the next. “Zappers” fry them with high-powered electric elements. Other types of traps kill the pests by dehydration or drowning.

Are they Effective?

Mosquito traps will not catch every mosquito in the area, as they may spot you before the trap’s many lures, so one or two mosquito bites will still probably happen. This is why additional measures such as citronella tiki torches or other repellants with Deet, Lemon Eucalyptus & Picaridin should be used along with them.

Still, they are very effective, overall, and will go a long way in keeping the mosquito population down in an area. However, these traps can be dangerous, if they use flames or an exposed electrical field, meaning you’ll want to be very careful, and make sure children and pets can’t get near them. More in that in a bit.

Types Of Traps And Their Catch Systems

As we’ve alluded to, there are a host of different technology implementations to achieve the same basic effect of trapping and killing mosquitos. They can vary in how they kill the mosquitos, how they attract them, and a few other things.
Let’s take a look at a few of the different technologies put into place.

CO2 Traps

CO2 traps produce carbon dioxide which attracts mosquitoеs. It can also be used to kill them, as they breathe oxygen, though this would be a slow killing method. These often have a net, water trap, or electrical field to actually kill them.

H2O Traps

Mosquitos are drawn to water, where they lay their eggs. Still water draws them, and it can also be used to drown.

Propane Traps

Propane traps usually draw mosquitoes in by releasing carbon dioxide and moisture. Baits like Octenol can also be added to attract more of them. As a rule, the captured insects die of dehydration within a short period of time.

UV Traps

UV traps attract insects by UV light and kill them by electrocuting. This is a very safe trap, because the UV can’t really harm a human or a pet without long, deliberate exposure.

Traps Vs. Foggers

Another popular method is the use of a fogger to kill/repel mosquitos in an area. This, however, is more dangerous, because you’ll be breathing the fog yourself. While some of these repellant fogs are listed as safe, it’s still not good for you, it will get in your food, drinks, and clothes, and it’s not great for children or pets.

Fog is also subject to the whims of wind and weather, where traps, aside from wind carrying attractants at random, are stationary things that don’t care much about the weather, as long as you don’t let water get in the electrical works or douse the flame.

Where Can I Use Mosquito Traps?

So, where can these be used? Is it safe to use these indoors, outdoors, or what? The truth is, it depends.

Indoors

Depending on the model you choose, you can either place it indoors or should use it outside the house only. This is primarily the issue of safety and in this regard, the best fit is UV-light and water mosquito traps. Take a look at Dynatrap trap that covers as large as 1 acre but can be safely placed inside the house. The device comes with 2 UV-light bulbs and has a 7-foot cord. It does not require propane or chemical attractants that can pose a risk when used indoors.

Outdoors

Most traps are safe to use outside, or in screened in porches, etc. This is the condition in which you’re meant to use them primarily, as indoor mosquito problems should mostly be solved by proper window screens and other methods to keep them out.

Where Should You Put Mosquito Traps?

Placement of traps does matter, and not just for the effectiveness of the trap, but for the sake of safety as well. Mosquito traps should be placed near the primary place where people will gather, if used outdoors, such as near the porch or picnic area, because this is where mosquitos are going to be most drawn, to begin with, improving their effectiveness.

If you’re using multiple traps, placing one near where people will gather, and one or two out along the perimeter will go a long way in controlling mosquito presence as well. Place these strategically, with your repellants (citronella etc.) not right next to the traps, where they’ll negate the effectiveness of one another.

When we have picnics here in Florida, we make a perimeter of tiki torches with citronella, and we hang the bug trap near the eating area, and one near the cooking area. The bugs that get past the citronella barrier and about a third of the total population in the area will are usually handled by the one or two traps, with maybe one or two errant bites happening in a night. Again, there’s no preventing at least one or two mosquitos from hitting their mark – they’re persistent.

However, one important thing to keep in mind is to keep it out of reach of children and pets. Most of these can be dangerous, delivering electric shocks, burns, or chemical exposure should someone get ahold of it the wrong way. It’s not likely to kill someone, but injuries could be severe, especially to pets, which are, sad to say, flammable.

Other Good Mosquito Traps

Below, you will find a review of mosquito traps within the price range from $20 to $600. These traps use different attractants to keep the pests away, including UV-light, chemical attractants, heat, moisture, and CO2. The items differ in the area coverage, with the range reaching as much as 1 acre. Some traps intended for outdoor use are waterproof, which is quite an important product property.

4. Flowtron BK-15D

This is a traditional bug zapper, using UV, attractants, and electricity to lure and kill mosquitoes. If you’ve ever seen a typical hanging-lamp styled bug zapper, you’ve seen this solid Flowtron model.
Features

• Attraction: Attractants, UV.
• Kill Method: Electricity.
• Form Factor: Hanging lantern.
• Range: ½ acre.
• Safe Range: 25 feet or more distance from the inhabited area.
• Can be used indoors: Absolutely not.
• Waterproof: Vaguely – it has a “roof” cover.

Performance

This sets the basic standard for a typical electric bug zapper, and it works fine for that. However, you have to keep it away from people, and because it’s electrical, you can’t use it indoors. This is the kind that zapped the neighbor’s cat, so just keep that in mind.

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable. Continuous operation. No refilling, aside from attractants. Safe, if used properly. Effective, kills the mosquitos.	Could be dangerous. Cannot be hung from roofs or decks. Shouldn’t be used too close to people. Doesn’t like heavy rain. Shock hazard if it falls onto wet ground.

Conclusion

If you want a basic bug zapper, this trap will work perfectly for you. Just be very careful.

5. Safe UV Mosquito Trap, 1-Acre | Dynatrap DT2000XL

Dynatrap DT2000XL shows a safer method for attracting and trapping mosquitoes, with a trap chamber, and two UV bulbs. It doesn’t kill them, it merely traps them, but this thing is safe, and pesticide/odor free.

Features

• Attraction: Attractants, UV.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber.
• Form Factor: Hanging lantern/tabletop.
• Range: 1 acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: Yes.
• Waterproof: Yes, though don’t submerge it.

Performance

This one is a lot safer, not using flames or electrical fields to kill anything, making it safe around pets and children. The problem is, it has to lure mosquitoes into a trap when they get too close. A powerful whisper-quiet vacuum fan sucks insects into the retaining cage where they dehydrate and die.

Pros:	Cons:
Continuous operation. No refilling, aside from attractants. Safe, no fire or shock hazards. Battery-operated. Can be used near people and pets. Could work indoors. Safe to hang anywhere.	Less effective than instant kill traps. Has to be emptied. UV bulbs are annoying to replace. Expensive.

Conclusion

This one has to work harder to trap the mosquitos, but with a wide range, and the safety it can provide, it may be worth the trade-off.

6. Safe Mosquito Trap with Stand, 1/2 Acre | Dynatrap DT1260

Similar to the other Dynatrap, this one provides a nice stand, making it easy to set this up, and making it great for porches, patios, or other open-air places around the house.

Features

• Attraction: Attractants, UV.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber.
• Form Factor: Lampstand.
• Range: 1/2 acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: Yes.
• Waterproof: Yes, though don’t submerge it.

Performance

This has less range than the other Dynatrap, but for around the house, this is a great solution, though since it doesn’t instantly kill the bugs, it’s still less effective/efficient than some other trap styles.

Pros:	Cons:
Continuous operation. No refilling, aside from attractants. Safe, no fire or shock hazards. Battery-operated. Can be used near people and pets. Could work indoors. Attractive stand and assembly system.	Less effective than instant kill traps. Has to be emptied. UV bulbs are annoying to replace. Expensive.

Conclusion

While it’s less effective than an instant-kill trap, it’s still pretty effective, and I would feel better about this around someone’s kids, or around my cats, which will knock anything over if given enough time.

7. Mosquito PowerTrap – Safe Vacuum System | Flowtron MT-125

Flowtron PowerTrap utilizes a vacuum to pull mosquitos into a trap once the UV and attractants have lured them too close. This is a safe, instant alternative to electrical fields or open flames, though it’s a tad on the noisy side.

Features

• Attraction: Attractants, UV.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum.
• Form Factor: Lampstand.
• Range: 1/2 acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: Yes.
• Waterproof: Yes, though don’t submerge it.

Performance

This is a good idea because once mosquitos get too close, they’re neutralized immediately, not unlike a zapper. However, there is no open flame, nor any exposed electrified surfaces that can result in disasters.

The problems are, this one can gum up, it can be a little loud.

Pros:	Cons:
Continuous operation. Safe, no fire or shock hazards. Battery-operated. Can be used near people and pets. Could work indoors. Attractive stand and assembly system.	Very expensive. Can clog.

Conclusion

If you want a safe, instantly-effective solution, this Flowtron is a good way to go. However, it’s loud and has some maintenance involved, and it’s a tad on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for.

8. Blue Rhino SV5100

This Blue Rhino trap is similar to the previous model, using heat, moisture, and CO2 to attract mosquitos, and a vacuum to suck them up. This one’s a little more affordable and lightweight but has less power as a result.

Features

• Attraction: Attractants, heat, moisture, CO2.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum.
• Form Factor: It’s on wheels.
• Range: 1+ acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: No.
• Waterproof: No.

Performance

If you like the previous model, but think it’s a hundred or so bucks too expensive, this is a good alternative solution with similar results. It’s not quite as powerful, and it’s a lot louder, but again, making these things nice for ambiance drives their prices way up. A noisy, unattractive device is better than swarms of blood-sucking mosquitos, anyhow.

Pros:	Cons:
Powerful. Battery-powered. Instantly-effective. Safe around people and pets.	Very expensive. Needs CO2. Needs a net. Needs water. Very heavy. Very loud.

Conclusion

This one is ideal for large properties or big gatherings like the Magnet was. It’s a little easier to maintain, but not quite as effective.

 

9.  Budget UV & Vacuum Trap | Huntingood

This is a typical UV-attractant trap with a vacuum mechanism to pull them in. The big interesting thing to consider with this one is the USB power source, which makes it rechargeable, and safe to use indoors.
Features

• Attraction: UV.
• Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum.
• Form Factor: Canister.
• Range: ¾+ acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: No.
• Waterproof: No.

Performance

This is a solid idea, though it’s not the most powerful trap in the world due to how it’s powered. But, it’s safe to use, and it’s easily-recharged, making it very easy to keep this thing running just about anywhere.

Pros:	Cons:
Safe. Effective. USB-powered.	A bit loud. A little expensive. Needs additional attractants to be as effective as possible. Not as powerful as some other vacuum solutions.

Conclusion

I like this one, though I’d think you’d need a couple of these in an area, because the UV isn’t that powerful, and the vacuum’s designed to be energy efficient. I’m waiting to see someone sitting outside, with their laptop, having this thing plugged in because you know someone will.

10. Waterproof Mosquito Bug Zapper for Camping | Fenvella

This is a classic bug zapper trap, but it’s completely waterproof, which is fascinating. I don’t entirely understand how that works, but here we are, nonetheless. It’s instantly effective, and charges via USB.
Features

• Attraction: UV.
• Kill Method: Electric.
• Form Factor: Lantern.
• Range: ¾+ acre.
• Safe Range: Any.
• Can be used indoors: Maybe.
• Waterproof: Very waterproof.

Performance

I can’t wrap my mind around how an exposed-electrical field bug zapper like this can be waterproof. But, somehow, this one manages it, and my engineering friends are stumped too. But, this means it’s not dangerous, and I’d like to see this sorcery used in other zappers.

Pros:	Cons:
Safe. Effective. USB-powered. Waterproof.	How this works is a bit dubious. Short battery life.

Conclusion

This is an amazing concept, a truly waterproof exposed-field bug zapper. I don’t know how this works, but the fact that it does opens up a lot of promise for safe instant-kill zappers in the future, even indoor pest control. I still imagine it’s somewhat risky around pets and children though, so don’t think this can do no harm.

Comparative Chart Of Mosquito Trap Effectiveness

Product	Features
Flowtron BK-15D	Attraction: Attractants, UV. Kill Method: Electricity. Form Factor: Hanging lantern. Range: ½ acre. Safe Range: 25 feet or more distance from the inhabited area. Can be used indoors: Absolutely not. Waterproof: Vaguely – it has a “roof” cover.
Dynatrap DT2000XL	Attraction: Attractants, UV. Kill Method: Trap chamber. Form Factor: Hanging lantern/tabletop. Range: 1 acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: Yes. Waterproof: Yes, though don’t submerge it.
Dynatrap DT1260	Attraction: Attractants, UV. Kill Method: Trap chamber. Form Factor: Lampstand. Range: 1/2 acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: Yes. Waterproof: Yes, though don’t submerge it.
Flowtron MT-125	Attraction: Attractants, UV. Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum. Form Factor: Lampstand. Range: 1/2 acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: Yes. Waterproof: Yes, though don’t submerge it.
Magnet MM3200B	Attraction: Attractants, heat, moisture, CO2. Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum. Form Factor: It’s on wheels. Range: 1 acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: No. Waterproof: No.
Blue Rhino SV5100	Attraction: Attractants, heat, moisture, CO2. Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum. Form Factor: It’s on wheels. Range: 1+ acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: No. Waterproof: No.
Mega-Catch Pro 900	Attraction: Heat, UV. Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum. Form Factor: Tower. Range: ¾+ acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: No. Waterproof: No.
Ultra Mega-Catch	Attraction: Heat, UV. Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum. Form Factor: Tower. Range: ¾+ acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: No. Waterproof: No.
Huntingood	Attraction: UV. Kill Method: Trap chamber and vacuum. Form Factor: Canister. Range: ¾+ acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: No. Waterproof: No.
Fenvella	Attraction: UV. Kill Method: Electric. Form Factor: Lantern. Range: ¾+ acre. Safe Range: Any. Can be used indoors: Maybe. Waterproof: Very waterproof.

What to Look for When Buying?

There are a number of factors to consider when shopping for a trap, because there’s a lot of variety with these, and some are more suited for things than others. So, let’s go over some of these now.

• Location – Do you plan to use one indoors, or somewhere with carpet or flammable surfaces? You’ll want one that doesn’t use heat/fire or electricity to kill the bugs.
• Climate – Does it rain a lot, while you use this? Then you’ll want to be sure it’s waterproof or designed to keep water out of the mechanisms if it uses electricity or heat.
• Do you have cats? – If you have cats, you’ll want to make sure it’s not one they can easily pounce, as they love to chase bugs, and the flickering of a zapper may also entice them.
• Noise – Electrical ones make a lot of pop and hissing and buzzing sounds as they kill insects. So, if this kind of noise bothers you, you may want a propane, UV, or water trap, or perhaps one of the vacuum models.
• Ease of use – The easiest ones to use are the electrical ones, which need only power and perhaps an attractant, where water traps, propane traps, CO2 traps, and other such technologies need things refilled, repaired and replaced often. This can make them expensive if you’re in an area where you’re combatting massive swarms of mosquitoes.
• Budget – The more elaborate and gimmicky the trapping/attraction method, the more expensive these things can become. Thus, if you need something affordable, you’ll have to opt for something more traditional and basic, and simply be more careful with it as a result.
• Crowd – Do you just want to keep mosquitos out of your back yard in spring and summer, for you and your family, or do you want to hold barbeques and other events? Because, the more people you have, the more mosquitos you will have to combat, as they do seek out warm-blooded creatures like us.
• Power Consumption – Are you especially concerned about power consumption? Electric bug zappers tend to use more power than a propane or water trap, for example, due to the high-voltage field they produce to terminate the bloodsuckers. That in mind, if you’re worried about your power bill, you may want to look into something that doesn’t use electricity. However, you’ll be facing some other expense in operating them in lieu of that electricity, no matter what.

My Personal Experience With Mosquito Traps

This one is a bit sad, and I want to share this because of how important it is to be careful with some of these devices. When I was a kid in LA, we had a bug zapper (a big, powerful one) in the backyard. While we didn’t have the mosquito problem there that we do here in Florida, after a rain in summer, they came out in droves nonetheless.

Well, one day, the neighbor’s cat had gotten out and had decided our backyard (how it got over the tall fence is anyone’s guess) was the best place to hide. Well, my dad and I both went outside to try to catch that cat, which, if you’ve ever chased an upset cat, you know isn’t something easily done.

It had rained the day before, and while most of the yard was dry, one low spot still had a small puddle in it. The cat, which was quite a big boy, took off across the center of the yard like a bat out of hell, and he knocked the zapper down, it hit the puddle just as he ran through the water, and he was severely electrocuted instantly.

I am happy to say he did indeed survive this, amazingly enough. This is only the case because he was a truly massive cat – an average-sized cat would probably have not survived this, and a small child may not have either.

Please, please be careful with electric mosquito traps, don’t hang them near where puddles form, if they fall, that can become a lethal death trap. Thankfully, a lot of modern ones have kill devices in them that if they short or feel themselves fall prone, they’ll immediately shut off. Still, just, be careful, for your sake, the sake of your children, and pets across the world.

Another interesting thing worth sharing is that biological attempts to thwart mosquitos have been attempted here in Florida. The University of Florida, in the late 1960s, attempted to genetically engineer a predator for mosquitoes, that was harmless to the ecosystem and people.

Sadly, these insects are happier eating debris, fly larvae, and everything but the mosquitos they were intended to fight. They also have no natural predators themselves. They’re called “love bugs” because they fly around while mating, in the early summer here. They’re a menace, creating clouds that will drive you nuts, and make a mess of your car. They’re harmless, but man, they are annoying. So, before you wish for science to use biological agents to combat any given pest, consider the ramifications that can come of that.

What Do Buyers Say? Tips on Using

• As we said earlier, setting up traps “near” the people, though it’s worth noting that “near” is a relative concept, depending on the trap. Some of them are disruptively loud, while others are potentially dangerous, so “near” would, in fact, be the minimum safe distance a given trap specifies.
• Most traps are not safe indoors, but there do exist some that are, mostly the vacuum and water trap styles, which cannot cause fires or another injury. However, let’s discuss the optimal strategy for setting these up.
• Have one as close as safely possible to where people are consistently stationary, which will kill the ones attracted to people. However, for the sake of safety, place tiki torches or other citronella candles/lamps nearer to people, to discourage the mosquitos from opting for such easy, real prey, versus the trap.
• If you have a big area, with people spread around, then you may need two traps and a lot of these repellant systems. Of course, most will argue that topical bug repellants are also a good measure, but those are very awful, smelly things that nobody really enjoys on their body, so if you strategically place these in the right way, you should be able to get away with not using any on-skin substances.
• Of note, mosquitos are exceptionally attracted to people who have just eaten potassium-rich foods, such as bananas. Don’t serve bananas at picnics.

FAQ

Are mosquito traps safe?
If they are used properly, they are safe, yes. However, electric and open-flame traps can be dangerous if used indoors, or if pets or children can get to them. It is best to assume that all traps are somewhat dangerous if mishandled, and just have a flat policy about pets and children staying away from them, no matter what.

Do I need any extras (fuel, insecticide, etc) when buying a mosquito trap?
This depends on the trap. Most traps are best served by adding attractant, which you hang near the trap. Vacuum traps and electric traps don’t need fuel or pesticides. Some traps, which use CO2, H2O or other additional substances will need replacement canisters of carbon dioxide, and water added to them.

When are mosquitoes active and when is the best time to strike?
Well, “striking” is something of a futile effort. Mosquitoes migrate and wander. They lay their eggs, but then they move on, they don’t nest. So, you can’t wipe them out from an outdoor area, they come from all over the place. However, mosquitos do have a time when they’re most active, which is when traps are needed most. They’re most active during and shortly after dusk, and leading up to/during dawn. However, all throughout night time, they’re considerably more active than daytime. It’s worth noting, though, that they’re never completely inactive during the appropriate season, you may be bitten by one or two even at high noon.

How to clean mosquito traps?
This also depends on the trap, most of them just need to be cleaned off, or compartments emptied/nets replaced. They’re all designed to be pretty easy to clean, and easy to get apart.

Conclusion

Mosquitos are profusely dangerous things, that can cause all manner of health problems and unpleasantness. Scratching the bites can also cause skin ailments, scarring, and even infections. That said, having a solid method to repel and trap them, so they cannot bite you or your kids while outside, is a very important thing to do.

We’ve talked about how dangerous some of these can be if they’re not used properly, but don’t let this discourage you from pursuing these effective measures. Anything is dangerous if not used wisely and safely.

I for one am intrigued by that waterproof Fenvella solution, which seems to promise to make electric bug zapper traps much safer moving forward. I cannot figure out how that even works, but it’s pretty amazing. One of these solutions will work for you, I am positive, and you can once more enjoy the outdoors in peace.

Need to hire an exterminator? Find the best licensed professionals in your area.

This guide deals with electronic and ultrasonic mosquito repellers, advantages and disadvantages of using them. Which devices are the safest and which are the most effective? Have a look at a comparative chart to narrow your choice. Read about scientific studies in the field of ultrasound’s impact on mosquito behavior. Apart from that, you will find a brief overview of alternative methods to keep mosquitoes away.

Traditionally, mosquito control is associated with spraying chemicals. Think about it: if these traditions were that good, the very process of warding off these bloodsuckers would be a pure joy. But it is not the case. Why? The reason is that insecticides, even the ones approved by the EPA, pose a potential risk to the health of people and their pets. Manufacturers say that when applied according to the label, the chemicals like DEET will not be harmful. Sure, but the thing is that the label specifies many constraints: do not let your children apply the insecticides themselves, do not overapply the solution, etc. Even products based on natural ingredients, such as essential oils, have a number of limitations in their use: they are known to harm cats and are capable to cause an allergic reaction in people.

How Do Electronic & Ultrasonic Mosquito Repellers Work?

All the above-mentioned is the reason for trying alternatives, with electronic and ultrasonic mosquito repellers being the best option for today. Why?

While most chemicals cannot be used indoors, the bulk of electronic and ultrasonic repellents, to the contrary, are designed to be installed inside the house. And it is not that you have limited indoors options, although it is also the case. Electronic repellers are considered to be effective in dealing with a smaller number of mosquitoes while our homes typically are not packed with mosquitoes.

In addition, there is such thing as the convenience. Many people have to deal with mosquitoes on a daily basis and one day they just get fed up with spraying, fogging and taking all related precautionary measures. And that is when electronic repeller appears like a magic wand: it will do your fighting and, unlike bug zappers, you will not even have to empty containers with dead insects. The device will just keep the pests away.

Is Electronic Mosquito Repellent Effective?

The question is whether they are really that effective. Ultrasonic mosquito repellers generate a high-frequency ultrasound that is supposed to keep these insects away. As far back as 2001, The Federal Trade Commission warned producers of ultrasonic repellers that they had to substantiate the claims about their products’ efficacy. Namely, manufacturers should provide scientific evidence that the devices work as advertised.

So far, scientists fail to prove the effectiveness of ultrasonic repellers. To be precise, “no significant difference” was revealed, which is not the same thing as being entirely useless. This means that you cannot rely on this method alone but rather should use it as part of your pest integrated management strategy. If mosquito infestation is low, this “insignificant difference” may be quite tangible.

There are models using insecticides as a repellent. Their difference from sprays and foggers lies in the way the chemicals are spread. The device emits it automatically and in smaller amounts in comparison with conventional methods of insecticidal applications. Now, let’s have a look at the difference between the types of electronic repellers.

What Types Of Electronic Mosquito Repellers Are There?

There are three main types of electronic mosquito repellers: ultrasonic devices, mobile apps, and units releasing insecticidal repellents. These devices can be either battery-powered or have to be plugged into a socket. We will start with the most effective ones under the brand name Thermacell and then, we will look at OFF! that is not so powerful. Finally, we will consider the Soaring ultrasonic repeller, the efficacy of which is still to be proved.

Electronic mosquito repellers releasing insecticides: effective and convenient

Well, as promising as that sounds, it is insecticides the efficacy of which has been scientifically proven. And yet, electronic repellers can be more advantageous in that they allow you to avoid applying still harmful chemicals to the skin. Another powerful argument in favor of using these devices is that they spare you spending much time on spraying and fogging. Nor there is any need to take the related precautionary measures, something that is actually a very troublesome matter. Nor do you have to bother with storing the unit which, unlike bottles with liquids, is safer and can be easily taken on a trip. So what kind of options do we have?

Perhaps the most well-known product on the market is that by Thermacell. This brand is trusted by professionals and has been tested by the Defense Department as well as used by the US Army. Let us start with a portable model, Thermacell MR-150, that comes with repellent mats with the active ingredient allethrin which is a synthetic version of botanical insecticide pyrethrum. The compound is commonly used in household products for mosquito control and has low toxicity for humans.This device is has a larger coverage and stronger effect than Off! repeller covering as much as 15 square feet of the area. Therefore, this item is not just a way to ensure personal protection but is also intended to create a mosquito-free space in the place where it is installed. The product comes with 3 repellent mats that will release the allethrin over the course of 12 hours. Once run out of the insecticide, just change the mat. Apart from the product’s evident effectiveness, I like its color score — a camouflage-style design.

Another model is Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent which is a longer lasting solution of this brand.The product ensures protection for as much as 40 hours after it was turned on. Especially noteworthy is the fact that the device operates on a single refill which has to be purchased separately though. What the pack includes in a standard 12-hour refill. The manufacturer claims that the product effectiveness is due to the repellent formulation that includes pyrethroid.

This innovative model is twice the price of the previous product and will cost you some $50. Apart from being a long-lasting solution, it is considerably more powerful. Let’s compare: while MR-150 model covers an area of 15 square feet, this one can protect as much as 110 square feet. A considerable difference, is not it? On top of that, the unit is portable, battery-powered and is about three inches in size. So feel free to take it with you on a trip.

And here is one more solution by Thermacell that lasts even longer but is cheaper than Radius Zone Repellent. How come? MR-BPR Backpacker Mosquito RepellerWith this item, you get 90 hours of protection and a 15×15 square feet of a mosquito-free area. This product is more lightweight and even more compact. However, its main difference is in the gas being a source of power. Its gas canister produces heat directed to a repellent mat filled with allethrin. This explains why MR-150 and MR-BPR have the same coverage area, while the duration of the insecticide effect is due to its fuel source. As a reference, gas canister does not come with the product, so it will cost you more than the price of the item.

You may try OFF! Clip On Mosquito Repellent. As its name suggests, the model is designed to be attached to your belt, bag or other items of clothing. Just clip it on and forget.

The product comes with repellent discs, with each refill being effective within two weeks after it was opened. Extra refills are produced by the company as well and need to be purchased separately. How does it work? The device releases a repellent with the active ingredient metofluthrin which is a pyrethroid proved to be able to effectively ward off as much as over 90% of mosquitoes, according to scientific studies. Then, an in-built fan circulates the repellent all around you, working quite and protecting you from the head to toe.

There is such beneficial feature as a LED light indicator that will make you aware when the battery is running out and three hours before the refill ends. As a reference, one disk ensures 12-hour protection from mosquitoes. When using the device, you should remember that you have to remain in place for several minutes so that protection can be built up around you.

Ultrasonic mosquito repellers: The safest method

The punch line here is that the device emits high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to human ears because they are too high. Meanwhile, this frequency is said to be the right one to drive mosquitoes away. And there are several reasons for that. First, ultrasonic noise imitates wing beats of males mosquitoes, something that the females tend to avoid after mating. Secondly, bats, dragonflies and some other predators that feed on mosquitoes emit high-frequency sounds, which is believed to frighten them off as well.

Look at this model of a portable ultrasonic repeller by Soaring. Its range amounts to 107 square feet with a two-meter diameter. This item would be the best option for outdoor adventures as it is almost weightless — just one ounce and a half — and can be kept in a pocket or carried with the strap. Two different modes can be set — one warding off mosquitoes (22-28 kHz) and another targeting dragonflies (35 kHz). As for the latter, I do not believe it to be something really necessary but rather a sort of an unnecessary gimmick.The device operates on AAA batteries, which need to be purchased separately though. Since the item is supposed to be used during hiking and other similar activities, its emergency alarm will surely come in handy. The alarm emits the sound that has 90 dB level, which approximately the same as that from an operating chain-saw. However, this will not pose a risk for your ear, unless the exposure is too long. Another beneficial feature is LED flashlight that can help you out at night time.

Mobile mosquito-repelling apps: Using your smartphone as a mosquito repeller

Sounds tempting as we have already get used that nowadays, smartphones are more than just the means of communication. So why not to transfer the responsibility for deterring mosquitoes to them? There are mosquito-repelling apps available for both Android and iOS.

The Independent mentions “dozens of apps” that are designed to ward off these pests. They work by making your phone emit a high-frequency sound to keep off biting females. Although there are studies proving that mosquitoes respond to wing beat frequency, mosquito-repelling apps have not been scientifically examined yet. That said, I would like to point out the fact that while being an unproven method to deter these insects, mobile apps are still worth considering. Sure, you should not rely on them in the hope to avoid bites. But why not to give them a try, given that the only thing you need to do is download the app?

Comparison Table of The Effectiveness of Electronic Mosquito Repellers

Type	Advantage	Effectiveness
Electronic mosquito repeller releasing insecticide	No need to bother with spraying and fogging. Works automatically, what you need is to turn on the device. Unlike DEET, does not require applying harmful chemicals to the skin. Easy to store	10
Ultrasonic mosquito repeller	safe for humans and pets portable, easy to carry innovative cheap	6
Mobile mosquito repellent app	You are missing nothing. So why not to give it a try?	4

Comparative Chart of Electronic Mosquito Repellers

Type	Product	Features
Electronic mosquito repellers releasing insecticide	Thermacell MR-150	Based on allethrin Covers 15 sq ft Lasts for 12 hours Stylish Effectiveness: 9
	Thermacell Radius Zone	Based on pyrethroid Covers 110 sq ft Lasts for 40 hours Portable Effectiveness: 10
	Thermacell MR-BPR Backpacker	Based on allethrin Covers 15 sq ft Lasts for 90 hours Lightweight Effectiveness: 10
	OFF! Clip On	Based on metofluthrin Lasts for 2 weeks LED light battery&refill indicator Effectiveness: 9
Ultrasonic mosquito repeller	Soaring	It is claimed to ward off mosquitoes at 22-28 kHz safe 107 sq ft range lightweight (about 1.5 oz) 90 Db emergency alarm Effectiveness: 5

What Scientists Say About Ultrasonic Mosquito Repellers

As I have already mentioned before, the main trouble with these devices is their efficacy. Now, manufacturers have to substantiate their claims by scientific findings and this is obviously something they lack for today. Experts at The University of Arizona refer to a study where devices producing a wide range of ultrasonic sounds had been tested. Two species of mosquitoes were used in the study but none of them responded to ultrasound. However, the experts assume that ultrasound that starts at 18,000 Hz is capable to disrupt the normal communication of pests, causing confusion.

Why ultrasound? As scientists have discovered, male and female mosquitoes respond to the frequencies produced during their flight. Moreover, they can change the frequency of wing beats responding to a potential partner. This unusual form of communication allows the female to detect the male that will be compatible for mating, based on sounds it emits.

This knowledge has led to the idea, advertised by ultrasonic repeller manufacturers, that females that have already mated with their partners will avoid the source of ultrasound since it is associated with males. While these ladies are preoccupied with finding the place to lay eggs and will be frightened off by the perspective to mate once again. And these are females mosquitoes that bite us, which happens because they need blood for reproduction.

Another source of ultrasound is mosquito predators, such as bats that emit the sound of up to 60 kHz. A scientific study has shown that this frequency band did not have a considerable impact on mosquitoes, however, half of the tested insects stayed immobile when subjected to 30-60 kHz frequency range.

Specialists at the University of California described the results of a comparative analysis of electronic and chemical repellents, testing several species of insects including mosquitoes. The research has shown that mosquitoes were reduced by 32% by means of sound and 77% in the areas treated with permethrin. The study obviously speaks in favour of using insecticides but we can also conclude that exposure to ultrasound can affect these insects to a certain extent.

What Alternative Methods Can Be Used In Mosquito Control?

No matter to what extend ultrasonic repellers can be effective, they are recommended to be used as part of a comprehensive treatment. So what methods are there?

Sprays. Treating your garden with insecticides. Chemicals are your heavy artillery. And if the infestation is severe, you have no chances to get alone using less powerful devices, even those releasing insecticides. Use cypermethrin and bifenthrin to treat places where mosquitoes hide during the day. Such places as shrubs and along the doorway should be treated with the use of a sprayer.

Foggers. Use them to target flying insects at dusk, applying pyrethrin and resmethrin. They have a short-term effect but are recommended for creating a mosquito-free area before an outdoor event. The peculiarity of this method is that foggers convert insecticidal liquids into tiniest particles that can reach the larger number of insects.

CO2 Traps. There is a variety of such devices that differ mainly in the way they attract mosquitoes. Some lure the pests in a trap by means of heat, others utilize CO2 or water. However, the most effective traps use a combination of these attractants. When the insect gets into a specially designed container, it gets trapped and dies from dehydration.

Electronic rackets. Bug zappers are generally considered to be less effective, which is because they are not good at attracting target pests. That is why a bug zapper racket has become that popular: they have a dual mode of action and can be used both as a zapper and as a swatter with an electronic grid.

DEET-based solutions for personal protection. DEET is the oldest and the most common ingredient included in the formulation of lotions and sprays intended to be applied directly to the skin. That said, DEET is known to be able to damage plastic surfaces and tissues as well as it can harm your pets.

Pros & Cons Of Using Electronic Mosquito Repellers

Advantages

• Ultrasonic devices are absolutely safe to humans.
• Once turned on, they work automatically. You do not have to remove dead insects as it is the case with traps.
• No need to take special precautionary measures. For example, after spraying insecticides, you should not allow your family members and pets to enter the area. Or when fogging, you need to avoid plants hosting beneficial insects.
• Most devices are portable and lightweight and can be easily taken on a trip.
• They are easy to store.
• Ultrasonic repellers are recommended for using indoors.

Disadvantages

• Efficacy of ultrasonic devices has not yet been scientifically proven to work against mosquitoes.
• Conventional methods of insecticidal treatment remain the only ones that ensure effective protection.
• Electronic repellers releasing chemicals cannot be used indoors.

F.A.Q.

What is the best electronic mosquito repeller?
If you do not mind using chemicals, try Thermacell. The products under this brand have been successfully used even by the US Army in Afghanistan.

Can ultrasound kill mosquitoes?
Of course not. Worse still, there is no scientific evidence that ultrasound can repel them.

What frequency is best to repel mosquitoes?
Again, there is no scientifically proven data about what frequency has an impact on mosquitoes. However, there are studies showing that these pests can respond to a frequency range between 35 and 60 kHz.

Can I use an electronic mosquito repeller in my bedroom?
As for devices that release insecticides, no, you should not. Ultrasonic repellers, to the contrary, are perfect for use inside the house and the bedroom in particular. Good protection for a quiet sleep.

Are these devices safe for pets?
Ultrasonic repellers are absolutely safe and will not disturb any cat or dog.

Need to hire an exterminator? Find the best licensed professionals in your area.

Today, the Zika virus has become an issue not only for Africa but also for South America. That is why the US citizens are at high risk. Bite itching and swelling aren’t the worst symptoms. Many kinds of mosquitoes are carriers of viruses against which the scientists are helpless. Is it true that the only way to save yourself from getting bitten is to use mosquito repellents? What can you expect from a bug spray? What is the best mosquito repellent? A DEET or an organic mosquito spray? What do entomologists say about their efficiency? We have picked 11 best mosquito repellent sprays for the skin and clothes, as well as lotions and devices that repel flying insects.

Infected Aedes species mosquito transmits the Zika virus. These insects are active, both during the day and at night. The disease of the same name is not lethal and is usually accompanied by a number of ailments, including a headache, fever, rash and joint ache. However, there are no treatments or vaccines against it! According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), this disease is especially dangerous for pregnant women and the virus can be transmitted to their children and cause severe brain damage or even a miscarriage. The scientists have records of transmission of the disease through sexual intercourse and even through blood transfusions.

Today, the Zika virus has conquered almost the entire Africa, some Eastern countries and all South America and Mexico. US citizens are at risk due to their critical proximity to the area of the pandemic. The scientists and experts, including Pennsylvania Department of Health staff, quote CDC and claim that repellents are the most effective means of protection against the Zika virus: “The best way to prevent Zika is to avoid mosquito bites. To do this, use an EPA-registered insect repellent.”

What Are The Most Effective And Safe Mosquito Repellents According To Scientists?

Stacy Rodriguez, laboratory manager for the Molecular Vector Physiology Lab at the New Mexico Department of Health, conducted a research to identify the best mosquito repellents and published the study in 2017. “When we walk into a store we see many mosquito repellents right by the registers, so they become an impulse buy. But what we’ve found is that some of these products have little to no effect on keeping mosquitos away,” Rodriguez noted.

The study results show that mosquito repellents based on DEET and Oil of Eucalyptus are the most effective protection against bloodsuckers. Such products as mosquito repellent bracelets do not help a lot in making humans less attractive to mosquitoes. This is due to a low concentration of the repellent released by the average bracelet. “Based on our results, we concluded that these bracelets, in general, do not offer adequate protection from mosquito bites,” she added. As for citronella candles, the tests conducted by Rodriguez have revealed them to be totally useless.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has evaluated information published in peer-reviewed scientific literature and data available from EPA to identify products that are safe and provide high repellent activity. According to scientific research, products containing the following active ingredients provide long-lasting protection: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), PMD, IR3535 and Permethrin.

The active ingredient which effectiveness has been indisputable for decades and which has enjoyed the government support is DEET. Some people find its smell unpleasant while others have safety concerns about the DEET-based product. In addition, this chemical compound can damage plastic surfaces and the products containing it are quite expensive. And yet, this ingredient still retains its primacy. “The big advantage of DEET is that it lasts — and you don’t have to use the super-high-concentration products. We won’t count on this in a real, mosquito-infested situation, but in controlled lab conditions, a repellent containing 20% DEET (an average amount) keeps mosquitoes from biting for four hours,” experts at Harvard Medical School indicate.

Best Mosquito Repellent Sprays & Lotions

Modern repellents are quite cheap and therefore are most in demand when it comes to combating bloodsuckers: their average cost varies Check the current price. According to sales statistics, an organic spray REPEL is the sales leader, while a more powerful product containing 98% DEET, popular with the fishermen and hunters, is a runner-up.

Best Natural Mosquito Repellent | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

A natural solution targeting bloodsuckers that may carry dangerous diseases is the best mosquito repellent for Zika. Repel is based on Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, a natural ingredient recommended by scientists and proved to be effective against mosquitoes. What these insects find repulsive is appealing to humans due to the refreshing scent of the substance. No wonder that this optimum alternative is a prime choice among users.This is a long-lasting solution, providing the mosquito protection for up to 6 hours, which is why the manufacturer suggests applying it even under extreme conditions. The label says that the product is effective under any circumstances so that you can “heed the call of the wild wherever the trail takes you.”

Spray this lemon eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent directly on the exposed skin as it is safe and natural. The stuff can also be applied to bedding and furniture, without staining the surfaces. But keep in mind that lemon eucalyptus is an irritant and can cause allergy in pets, particularly cats. Therefore, the product cannot be used on pets.

Its rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars, with over 4,500 reviews. “When I use Repel….I have not experienced this “fading” effect, even after working in my garden and sweating heavily for 4 or 5 hours later!” a customer wrote, claiming that there was no difference between a strong chemical DEET and Repel based on natural ingredients.

Price: Check current price

Best Mosquito Repellent For Sportsmen

This is a stronger mosquito repellent based on DEET, which is a chemical compound, unlike the previous product. It repels not just mosquitoes but other pests like ticks and flies. The concentration of DEET in this product is 40%, but you should know that, according to an FDA study, DEET does not get any more effective beyond about 20-30% concentration. What higher concentrations give is the extended length of time the repellant is effective.

The solution ensures longer protection lasting up to 8 hours, which is crucial for sportsmen who have to train a lot outdoors and sweat so much. Sweating washes away a conventional substance but DEET is more persistent and reliable in this case. Consumers note that the product works well for about 5 hours of hot work, like gardening and hiking. Spray the stuff both on the exposed skin and clothes in order to ensure a better protection. It can also be used and is safe in combination with sunscreen.

The product rates 4.3 out of 5 stars, with over 1,000 customer reviews. “It smells when you first spray it but the odor does not last. My skin did not feel sticky. I used in Uganda and it worked great,” a customer noted.

Price: Check current price

Best Mosquito Repellent For Hunters and Other Extreme Situations

Repel 100 Insect Repellent contains almost a maximum concentration of DEET — 98.11%. Some people are concerned about such concentrations and in some regions and countries DEET over 30% is prohibited. Therefore, we must admit that this is the least safe option on our list. Then, why should we use this DEET mosquito repellent? The answer is simple: this product provides the most durable effect, lasting up to 10 hours. This is particularly helpful for hunters and travelers, who spend a lot of time exposing the skin to mosquito bites in woodlands and especially marshland — an area where mosquitoes thrive and breed.Apart from that, the bottle has a convenient travel size, while the solution inside it is formulated exactly for severe insect conditions. Since this mosquito repellent spray is very potent, be sure to read the label directions and strictly follow them. Otherwise, it would be a violation of Federal law. Apply the off mosquito repellent to the skin or clothes but don’t use it under clothing, nor should you spray it in enclosed areas.

Its rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars. “The product works very well. It takes very little bug juice to give you protection. I spray a little bit in the palm of my hand, then rub my hands together to give them a coating of the repellent. I then rub the areas I want to protect with my repellent coated hands,” a customer wrote.

Price:  Check current price

Best Mosquito Repellent For Fisherman

Sawyer off mosquito repellent is said to be effective against the yellow fever mosquito carrying the Zika virus. The product with an active ingredient picaridin lasts up to 12 hours when it comes in a spray and about 14 hours when applied in the form of a mosquito repellent lotion.According to the manufacturer, in 2016, the product was reviewed by Consumer Reports as the Fisherman’s Formula in its list of safe and effective insect repellents. Feel free to apply it on any surfaces, including clothing, fishing line, and sunglasses because picaridin does not damage synthetic fabrics, unlike DEET. The substance is not greasy and has a discreet odor resembling that of citrus.

This mosquito repellent spray is the most popular with users, with the rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. “It is the safest product on the market, I did a lot of research prior to wearing it every day in St. John for 7 days. It is not only much safer than Deet, it was also more effective & is relatively odorless & doesn’t ruin clothes or plastic gear,” a user said.

Price: Check current price

Best Mosquito Repellent for Family Outdoor Activity

Another repellent based on picaridin is promoted by the manufacturer as the best mosquito repellent for family outdoor activities. This is due to the fact that picaridin is an effective alternative to DEET, providing the same long-lasting protection against mosquitoes — up to 6 hours — but which is much safer.

Avon Bug Guard with a 5-percent concentration of picaridin is recommended for families to enjoy outdoor activities like walks, evening barbeques and jogging. Also, the repellent is safe for kids and can be used on pets. However, if you want to treat a baby, first try a small patch to see whether any negative body reaction would follow.

Its rating is 4.4 out of 5 stars. “When I bought it, it was for my granddaughter who was 11 at the time. In my opinion, it is much safer than any chemical spray you can buy,” a customer pointed out. Well, indeed, the product is great for family mosquito-free holidays.

Price:  Check current price

Best Mosquito Repellent For Sensitive Skin

This is the best mosquito repellent for people with a sensitive skin since it provides the moisturizing protection with aloe and vitamin E. Also, it contains a SPF 30 sunscreen lotion so that you don’t have to bother with applying several solutions serving different purposes. In addition, the product’s gentle breeze scent makes it pleasant to smell, unlike many other off mosquito repellents with a repulsive odor. The stuff is not greasy either, which is good for the skin as well.Avon Insect Repellent should be applied 15 minutes before the skin is exposed to the sun and mosquitoes. If your kids are under ten, take care not to let them use the repellent without your supervision. Don’t apply the stuff to kids under six months without a prior consultation with a doctor. For optimal mosquito protection, apply the repellent every two hours but not exceeding nine applications per day.

Its rating is 4.4 out of 5 stars. It seems that people like the stuff since only 5% of the customers gave the product just one star while 71% of them awarded it with five stars. “I got it to protect my toddler this summer. It worked well. When I forgot it we could not even sit on our front porch, after applying it he was bite free,” one of the customers commented.

Price: Check current price

Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard + Picaridin Towelettes

Since picaridin is a chemical compound which is both safe and effective, try another product Avon based on this ingredient — mosquito repellent towelettes. Each self-closing bag holds 8 packets with towelettes. They are safe and can be used on pets, kids and babies over 6 months old. These towelettes don’t damage plastics or clothing and can even be applied directly to the face, without irritating even sensitive skin.While having the same ingredients in them as sprays, towelettes have a number of advantages. They are more convenient to use and carry as they are packed, lightweight, and clean. The stuff is almost odorless and, as one customer described it, “has a light scent but it’s not the typical bug repellent scent”.

This product has got the best rating on — 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 80% of the customers giving it five stars. “I used it once daily while I was in Jamaica and it worked wonderfully for me. Every morning after my shower I used it (no lotion or moisturizer) and I did not get any bites,” a customer noted.

Price: Check current price

What is the difference between a natural mosquito repellent and DEET?

Natural repellents act differently than DEET-based synthetics do. Scientists, Marta Ferreira Maia and Sarah J Moore, proved that plants can repel the insects. The entomologists have done a great job summarizing the results of dozens of biologists’ research. They compared their field and lab studies and identified the most effective plants: Citronella, Lemon eucalyptus and Lemongrass. But they won’t suppress the mosquitoes’ reaction to the human smell. The synthetic DEET-based products inhibit this reaction and it becomes harder for the insects to identify human smell.

Moreover, the artificial chemical products are tested more meticulously than their organic counterparts because everything synthetic is considered to be far less healthy. In reality, they are rather safe for people. The organic products are often disregarded and become the Trojan horse, especially if you’ve risked using pure essential oils.

We can therefore see that the use of synthetic repellents is more supported by the scientists and thus, it increasingly replaces the use of their natural counterparts. Add the fact that DEET is way cheaper and the conclusion will be obvious. It is not in vain that every 4th USA resident (which adds up to 78 million people annually), every 4th UK resident and 200 million more people across the world trust the synthetic products.

Do Vitamin B1, Garlic and Brewer’s Yeast Work?

There are lots of myths regarding natural mosquito repellents online. One such misconception is that apparently Vitamin B1 (thiamine chloride), garlic and brewer’s yeast repel insects if taken orally. The manufacturers claim that a single pill will give you 24-hour protection! Tempting, isn’t it?

We’ll have to disappoint you, though, as the North Carolina State University scientists don’t trust the effectiveness of these “magical pills” and state that the results of several scientific studies do not support the claims that these materials are effective repellents for biting insects.

Comparative Chart of the Repellents’ Effectiveness

Type	Active Ingredient	Protection	Efficiency
Brewer’s yeast in tablets	Yeast	Useless	0
Garlic	Garlic	The scientists consider garlic ingestion to be ineffective.	0
Bracelets	Oils Of Citronella, Geranium, Lavender	Scientific studies show that they are almost useless.	1
Natural sprays and lotions	Oil Of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)	Effective and safe natural protection against bites up to 6 hours.	10
DEET-based sprays	DEET	The most powerful skin repellent with its protection lasting for up to 10 hours.	10
DEET alternatives	Picaridin, IR3535, PMD	Effective alternative to DEET, providing long-lasting protection up to 6 hours.	10
Permethrin sprays for clothing	Permethrin	You can buy mosquito repellent spray (like Sawyer) and treat your clothing and gear. Effect lasts up to 6 weeks.	10

Mosquito Repelling Devices

Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller

This repellent is the odorless gas contained in a canister and intended to repel mosquitoes. The solution works by releasing allethrin, a synthetic duplicate of a component of pyrethrum which is a botanical insecticide. Allethrin was introduced as early as the middle of last century and now is used in products repelling mosquitoes and flies. Note that the substance is moderately toxic and may cause the skin irritation and burning. If a person is exposed to large doses, health consequences may be more serious including diarrhea. But this is the case only where the product is handled improperly, so, be sure that you have thoroughly read the label directions before using the device.Thermacell covers an area of 15 square feet and is recommended for outdoor activities, such as camping and fishing. It can also be used to protect your lawn and garden. A holster does not come with the product, so you will have to figure out how to attach the device to your backpack or just lay it down beside you. Moreover, you can even wear it while working in the garden but be sure that pets do not have access to it. The product’s advantages also include its portability and light weight. This repellent is considered to be effective. According to the manufacturer, US Army has used Thermacell to protect soldiers from insect bites in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

The product rates 4.1 out of 5 stars, with over 1,250 customer reviews, most of which are positive. “So far, I haven’t been bitten while using this, and I’m the one that always gets bitten. I ended up buying the big refill pack since this worked so well this summer. If I wanted to eat outside, I’d start this up a few minutes before I’m ready to eat,” one of the customers said. Other customer pointed to some downsides of the product: “This product does reduce the number of mosquitoes present but doesn’t last long, and the refills are a bit costly,” he noted.

Price: Check current price

Mosquito Repellent Clothing

Military uniform, permethrin-treated, has long been tested on military personnel. It has saved American soldiers from malaria and other insect-borne diseases, some of which can be deadly. The U.S. Army has used permethrin for more than 20 years to treat uniforms. Recently, this technology has been applied commercially and permethrin-treated clothing has been launched on the market for civilians.

Is Permethrin-Treated Clothing Safe? – YES.

Permethrin is a highly effective insecticide-acaricide and repellent. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, flies, fleas and other biting and nuisance arthropods.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attest to the high effectiveness of insect repellent clothing. EPA guarantees the safety of permethrin-treated clothing. In 2009, they assessed the risks including the risks of toddlers wearing or mouthing such clothing, personnel who wear permethrin-treated uniforms on a daily basis and came concluded that permethrin factory-treated clothing is unlikely to pose any significant immediate or long-term hazard to people wearing such clothing. They also claim that such clothes carry no harm for pregnant and breast-feeding women.According to CDC, “products such as Permanone and Sawyer, Permethrin, Repel, and Ultrathon Permethrin Clothing Treatment are registered with EPA specifically for use by consumers to treat clothing and gear.” You can buy Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent (Check current price) and spray it on your clothing. The effect lasts for up to 6 weeks or 6 washings.

Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

No matter how attractive is the idea of mosquito repellent bracelets, scientific studies show that they are almost useless. This is the case even though the active ingredient is the most potent. “Wristbands with DEET provided no protection: people wearing wristbands with DEET were bitten in less than one minute,” as stated in a test conducted at a laboratory in the University of Florida. Nor do bracelets containing essential oil mosquito repellent provide the insect protection.

According to specialists with UW-Madison Department of Entomology, a laboratory study demonstrated that bracelets with 25% citronella failed to prevent bites. “Because the wristbands would protect only the immediate area around them, it isn’t surprising that they weren’t very reliable,” they claim. However, some studies still demonstrate positive results, showing a decrease in mosquito landing rates when mosquito repellent bracelets are worn, so, if you like this option, you may give them a try.

Now, if you want to try this solution, what is the best mosquito repellent bracelet? We have picked two of them that are the most popular among users.

The first option, 20 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelet Band, is based on natural ingredients including mosquito repellent essential oils. The product is said to be designed to protect a person from mosquitoes for up to 420 hours and is waterproof. These bracelets are multi-size and can be comfortably worn by an adult man or a small child, both on the hand and ankle.

Price: Check current price

Another option is Simple Natural Products Mosquito Repellent Bracelets made from soft microfiber material. These bracelets are adjustable and, therefore, can be easily worn both by kids and adults. This repellent comprises more ingredients, including essential oils, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass and geraniol oil. According to the label description, a package of this essential oil mosquito repellent lasts 2880 hours (240 hours each).

Price:  Check current price

Best Mosquito Repellent Comparison Chart

Product	Active Ingredient and Effectiveness
Repel 100	DEET 98% repels biting insects up to 10 hours
Repel Sportsmen MAX	DEET 40% up to 8 hours
Sawyer (20% Picaridin)	Picaridin provides up to 12 hours of protection
Avon SSS Bug Guard 20% Picaridin	Picaridin provides up to 12 hours of protection
Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard PLUS	IR3535 mosquito repellent lotion with sun protection.
Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller	Allethrin is the odorless gas intended to repel mosquitoes.
Sawyer Premium	Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent up to 6 weeks
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent	Lemon Eucalyptus oil repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours.
Avon Skin-So-Soft Picaridin	Picaridin Towelettes safe for kids
Gorgeous Ranch Mosquito Repellent Bracelets	Essential oils
Simple Natural Products	Citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass and geraniol oil

Mosquito Repellent FAQs

Is DEET bad for your health?
DEET is approved by EPA for use on children with no age restriction and considered to be safe. But it depends on individual characteristics of an organism and how frequent and prolonged DEET exposure was. A study conducted in the 1980s showed that a full one-quarter of the subjects studied experienced negative health effects, including skin irritation, nausea, and headaches.

Is DEET the same thing as DDT?
No it is not. First, these are different chemical compounds: DEET stands for diethyltoluamide but DDT is dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. Secondly, DDT was banned in the USA in 1972 due to its toxicity, whereas DEET is approved by EPA. Thirdly, DEET is a repellent while DDT is a pesticide stopping insects from spreading malaria.

What is the best percentage of DEET?
Studies suggest that products with 15 to 30% DEET are effective and provide enough protection against mosquitoes. Higher concentrations provide longer-lasting protection but do not improve the product’s repellent properties. At the same time, excessive doses are likely to pose health hazards.

What are the best essential oils for mosquito repellent?
This is definitely lemon eucalyptus. Scientists place it on a par with picaridin and DEET for its repelling properties.

What are the benefits of lemon eucalyptus essential oil?
Some scientific researches found that lemon eucalyptus essential oil can be equally or more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. So, it was revealed that lemon eucalyptus can completely protect from mosquito bites for up to seven hours, matching the performance of DEET. This is due to the main active ingredient of lemon eucalyptus — PMD, which blocks mosquitoes from sensing the presence of humans.

Can mosquitoes bite through clothes?
Mosquitoes are guided by the heat produced by human body. They can bite through clothing but this is the case only with clothing which is made from thin material and up against the skin. So, you should better wear thick and loose-fitting clothing.

What color is best to wear to avoid mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, therefore, you should better opt for light colors when going outdoors. Apart from mosquito protection, light-colored clothing has other benefits. If a person is lost in the woodland and can be spotted more easily. Also, it keeps a person cooler in the heat, which ensures additional protection from mosquitoes, which detect humans by their body heat.

How to correctly apply repellents?
First of all, read the label directions and follow them. However, there are some universal rules. Don’t apply the repellent on wounds and irritated skin. Don’t spray it indoors and keep out of children’s reach.

How does the effect last?
It depends on the particular repellent. Chemical solutions normally last longer than natural ones. The durability is directly related to a concentration of the main repelling active ingredient in the product. The higher concentration is, the longer it lasts.

Should a mosquito repellent be used in the heat?
Repellents can be used in the heat but they should be very potent and intended for extreme conditions. The thing is that heavy sweat washes away whatever is applied on the skin, including mosquito repellents. In this case, you should either apply the repellent more frequently or purchase powerful solutions.

Does a mosquito repellent mixes with sweat?
A repellent can be mixed with sweat and washed away. This can pose a risk of the substance’s getting into the eyes, which will cause eye irritation and burning.

Can repellents penetrate into the body?
They do but the level of absorption depends on the particular repellent. For example, the skin penetration rate of IR3535 is 13.3% after dermal application. As for DEET, up to 56% of the repellent applied topically penetrates intact human skin and 17% is absorbed into the bloodstream.

What repellent should you bring with you to Bali or Bora-Bora?
These are places where you will have to deal with an ocean of bloodsuckers, so be prepared. Bear in mind that in Bali, Dengue comes from daytime mosquitoes, so apply repellents any time you are outdoors. Products containing DEET are preferable for such places and if you are going to spend all the time in the open air, opt for repellents with high DEET concentration. In case you are allergic, choose picaridin-based products.

Can you wear a repellent with a sunscreen?
Yes. First, apply a sunscreen lotion or cream, then, after about 10 minutes, apply a mosquito repellent.

Should you use a lotion or spray repellent?
Lotions provide longer-lasting mosquito protection than sprays, because of the slowed-down evaporation. The strong point in sprays is that they can be applied to clothing, where the spray is effective longer than on skin.

Are mosquito repellents safe for children?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, DEET-based mosquito repellents are safe for children as young as 2 months. However, the DEET concentration should not exceed 30%. Picaridin can also be used on babies as young as 2 months but it is odorless and is considered to be less toxic. Natural repellents based on plant oils are believed to be safer, but bear in mind that for optimal protection, you will have to apply them more frequently, which is not actually good. Bear in mind that non-DEET repellents have not been studied as thoroughly as DEET, therefore, may not be safe for children.

Can your mosquito repellent be applied on pets?
There are mosquito repellents specifically designed for dogs and cats. But what you definitely must not do is to use DEET-based products on dogs, nor should you apply repellents containing essential oils on cats.

Do mosquito repellents expire?
Any mosquito repellent has a shelf life that typically amounts to several years. Be sure to check the label before purchasing the product. If the repellent is to expire soon, its effectiveness will be lower.

Precautions and Safety Rules to Follow

It is crucial to read the label before applying a mosquito repellent as each product has its own features specified by the manufacturer. However, you should remember some rules common for all products. No matter how safe the product is said to be, never overapply. Even repellents based on natural ingredients can cause allergy and skin irritation.

The frequency of applications is specified on the label. Then, the product must be approved by EPA and have a registration number indicated on the label. Also, the label should contain the list of insects the repellent is formulated for.

Use common sense. Even if the label says that the repellent is appropriate for the case like yours, take into account such thing as idiocrasy. For this purpose, watch for reactions of the body and if something goes wrong, stop using the product.

Never apply repellents on wounds or irritated skin, nor should it be sprayed on mouth or eyes. Some repellents are allowed to be applied on the face, however, do not spray directly on it but rather apply the repellent on hands and then rub it on the face. Also, you should better first test it on a patch of skin in the area of the wrist and wait for a while to see whether an allergic response will follow.

Apply the repellent only to the exposed parts of the body, do not use it under the clothing. Some products are labeled for the use on clothing, which should be stated on the label. Do not let small children apply the repellent on their own and keep it out of their reach.

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