How to Repel Mosquitoes Effectively

Keeping Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes thrive in rainy climates, causing itchy bites and transmitting diseases like West Nile virus. The most basic solution: eliminate standing water where they breed. Empty children's pools, buckets, tires, cans, and clogged gutters weekly. Moving water (with a pump) is less likely to harbor eggs.

For standing water you can't remove, use larvicide products with biological controls. Bug zappers and electronic devices often kill more beneficial insects than mosquitoes and may not work well. Electric or propane suction traps can help under ideal conditions but may attract more mosquitoes than they catch. Mosquito misting systems can harm beneficial insects, promote resistance, and increase pesticide exposure to people and pets.

Citronella candles, coils, and torches repel in their immediate smoke area, but wind reduces effectiveness.

Best Insect Repellents (CDC-Recommended)

"Natural" or plant-based repellents still contain chemicals. The CDC found these active ingredients provide reasonably long-lasting protection:

• DEET (Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, Ultrathon)
• Picaridin (Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus)
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (Repel, Off! Botanicals). Pure essential oil is not EPA-registered as a repellent.
• IR3535 (Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition, SkinSmart)

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes (When Crushed)

Plants in the ground don't repel mosquitoes, but crushed leaves/flowers applied to skin can work. Test a small patch first for allergies.

• Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus): contain repellent oils. Grow in full sun, well-drained soil or containers. Hardy only in USDA Zone 10+.
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria): strong repellent properties. Full sun, well-drained soil. Perennial in most of US; spreads easily.
• Others with varying effectiveness: eucalyptus, lavender, basil, garlic.

Insect Repellent for Babies and Children

American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC recommend:

• No DEET on children under 2 months.
• For older children, use 10–30% DEET for 2–5 hours protection. Choose lowest concentration needed.
• Read labels carefully—DEET concentration varies widely.
• Wash off repellents when children come indoors.