3 best outdoor mosquito repellants

Outdoor mosquito repellents are products designed to deter mosquitoes and other biting insects, providing a more enjoyable outdoor experience. Here are key features and considerations related to outdoor mosquito repellents:

Formulations:
- Repellents come in various formulations, including sprays, lotions, creams, and wearable devices. Choose a formulation that suits your preference and convenience.
Active Ingredients:
- Common active ingredients in mosquito repellents include DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Each has its own efficacy and duration of protection. DEET is known for its long-lasting effectiveness, while picaridin is odorless and less likely to cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Duration of Protection:
- The duration of protection varies among products. Some repellents offer protection for a few hours, while others claim longer-lasting effects. Consider the length of time you plan to spend outdoors and choose a product accordingly.
Application Areas:
- Some repellents are designed for application on exposed skin, while others can be sprayed on clothing. Be sure to read and follow the product's instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
Spray vs. Lotion:
- Spray repellents are convenient for broad coverage, especially on clothing and exposed skin.Lotions or creams may be preferred for more controlled application and for individuals with sensitive skin.
Scented vs. Odorless:
- Repellents come in scented and odorless options. While scented products may be more pleasant, odorless formulations are available for those who are sensitive to strong smells or want to avoid attracting unwanted attention from insects.
Children and Pets:
- Pay attention to the suitability of the repellent for children and pets. Some products are specifically formulated for use on children, while others may not be suitable for pets. Always follow product guidelines for safe use.
Long-Lasting vs. Reapply:
- Consider whether you prefer a long-lasting repellent or one that needs frequent reapplication. Long-lasting formulations are convenient for extended outdoor activities, while others may require more frequent reapplication.
Weather Resistance:
- Some repellents claim to be resistant to sweat or water, providing effective protection even during physical activities or in humid conditions. Check the product label for information on its resistance to various weather conditions.
Environmentally Friendly Options:
- For those concerned about environmental impact, there are mosquito repellents with more natural or plant-based ingredients. These may be a good option for those looking to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals.
Area Repellents:
- Besides personal repellents, there are products designed to repel mosquitoes from a specific area, such as citronella candles, torches, or electronic repellent devices. These can be useful for creating a mosquito-free zone in a larger outdoor space.

When selecting an outdoor mosquito repellent, consider your individual preferences, the duration of outdoor activities, and any specific concerns such as skin sensitivity or environmental impact. Proper application and adherence to product guidelines are essential for effective mosquito protection.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best outdoor mosquito repellants on the market

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller, Glacial Blue; Easy to Use, Highly Effective; Provides 12 Hours of DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent; Scent-Free, No Spray, No Smoke and Cordless

Thermacell

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Friends, family, neighbors and more will love congregating on a patio or deck without the annoyance of biting mosquitoes, and they won’t even notice that the Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller from Thermacell is at work keeping the bugs away. Although both festive and decorative in glacial blue, the Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller remains otherwise inconspicuous as it creates a 15-foot mosquito-free zone without DEET spray, smoky candles, open flames, unpleasant smells, or expensive professional treatments. Ready to protect for 12 straight hours, the highly effective repeller comes with three repellent mats and one fuel cartridge, all of which fit together in a cordless, compact and lightweight unit that blends beautifully with your tabletop, flowers, greenery, and glassware. From Thermacell, the expert in area mosquito protection, Glacial Blue Patio Shield is simple and clean to use, keeps mosquitoes away without spray, and creates a powerful invisible barrier against mosquitoes.

15-Foot Area of Protection – Perfect for entertaining on lawn, porch, patio, pool or deck; proven technology used to fight mosquitoes in toughest spots on earth; provides 12 hours of protection
No Chemical Sprays, Wipes, DEET or Lotions on Skin – Patio Shield is more effective and repels mosquitoes without sprays, scents or flames of torches, smelly citronella or dirty candles
Scent-Free, Long-Lasting, Easy to Use — Highly effective repellent mats turn white when time to replace; evaluated by the EPA for safety and effectiveness; Turn it on… Mosquitoes Gone
Stylish, Convenient, Portable – The trusted Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller is the perfect gift for a new homeowner, hostess, retiree, college graduate, gardener or caregiver
100% Satisfaction Guarantee — Thermacell offers support and warrants complete satisfaction during first year of use; the glacial blue Patio Shield comes with 1 fuel cartridge and 3 repellent mats

User questions & answers

Question:	Can I fly with this product and refills? I will be traveling to a jungle/beach area and want some extra protection outside of just a mosquito net
Answer:	Can't you just get one of the non aerosol varieties and pour some of it into a travel-size spray bottle?
Question:	I received this yesterday, and turned it on. i saw the red flame. and turned it off. however later i turned it on and no flame. what gives
Answer:	Yes
Question:	What is the repellent mat made up of? Trying to get an idea of what ingredients are used so I can do some research
Answer:	Spray on skin
Question:	what chemicals DOES thermacell use? what are its cautions for use
Answer:	Very good for mosquitoes....

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Perimeter System, 2-Pack; Provides 450 Sq. Ft. of Mosquito Repellent for Patios, Decks and Doorways; No Open Flame, Scent Free, DEET-Free Bug Spray Alternative

Based on 367 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mosquitos are no small problem - they can ruin a good time with painful bites, bothersome buzzing, and days of itching afterwards. Until now, sprays, lotions, torches, DEET and citronella have been the only options for fighting mosquitoes. We started Thermacell because we wanted a better way to fight mosquitoes. From humble beginnings, our team of entomologists, researchers, and outdoor enthusiasts has over 100 years of combined experience fighting mosquitoes. Enter Thermacell. For the backyard and beyond, Thermacell Perimeter System is easy to install and provides 450 sq. feet of advanced mosquito protection. Scent-free, mess-free, DEET-free mosquito defense, the Perimeter System is ideal to surround your backyard, patio, or pool with discreet mosquito defense. Simply plan out the Perimeter around your entertaining area, insert a fresh cartridge and mat, and enjoy hours of distraction-free fun.

TURN IT ON… MOSQUITOES GONE: 2-Pack System creates 30 feet of perimeter mosquito protection (15 ft per repeller), or 450 sq. ft total. Place a repeller every 15 feet for a continuous protection area. Add additional repellers to protect larger areas.
EASY TO INSTALL: Install in the ground or on a post. Two pack contains 2 ground stakes, 2 post mounts, 2 mosquito repellers, 4 pole pieces, six 4-hour repellent mats and two 12-hour fuel cartridges.
LONG-LASTING DEFENSE: Perimeter System includes repellent mats that turn white when it's time to replace after 4 hours. Repel without on-skin chemicals, flames, or citronella. Not a messy trap or gimmicky sonic. EPA reviewed for safety & effectiveness.
NATURE-INSPIRED REPELLENT: Our active ingredient is based on naturally occurring repellents found in plants. We've harnessed its power to fight the toughest mosquitoes on earth (including in your backyard)!
THERMACELL GUARANTEE: Extend your warranty to two years with registration (automatic 1-year warranty included). Developed and Tested at our New England based R&D center. We stand by our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is there an elevation limit on these
Answer:	I bought the large baits, and yes, they kill the big cockroaches (what I call "Tree Roaches") as well as the small. The roaches don't die in the little black bait enclosure...they squeeze in, eat the bait, then leave and die. I had a baaad problem, and the baits took care of it within a week or two.
Question:	Where to buy refills
Answer:	Are you sure you got the ones for large water bugs/roaches? The holes seemed large compared to small ones. The square is also larger than the smaller ones. My bugs were about 1” long and had multiples 😱. But I swear, within one week they were gone and I have not seen one since. They really do work!
Question:	I ordered these thermacells. After the first use one of the lamps quite working. The top piece that rotates would turn but would not ignite to turn on
Answer:	Label side down
Question:	Are they rechargeable? What is the power source
Answer:	I don't use all 8 at once. I just put out 4 or 5 in different rooms and I have not seen any roaches in my home and I just bought it a year ago. :) I love Combat and will always use these. No smell and not messy at all.

Thermacell Cambridge Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern; 15-Foot Zone of Protection Effectively Repels Mosquitoes; Functions as Lantern and/or Repellent; Ideal for the Deck, Patio or Back Yard

Thermacell

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Cambridge Lantern is an effective mosquito repellent and source of lighting. Providing a 15-ft zone of outdoor protection, the Cambridge Lantern is ideal to use while entertaining on the patio, family parties on the deck or while spending time in the backyard. With no open flame, no smells and no messy spray, this is the perfect family-friendly product. Thermacell keeps mosquitoes away without spray and creates a powerful invisible barrier against mosquitoes. The decorative, portable lantern with mosquito repellent makes it versatile enough for a range of occasions, enhancing the atmosphere of a classy patio party, providing light to cook s’mores on a camping trip and creating a warm glow for playing card games outside. With a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, forget the irritation of buzzing mosquitoes and scratching at itchy bites with this effective and useful product. Turn it on… Mosquitoes Gone.

No Mess, No Spray – Silent, scent-free and DEET-free, this powerful lantern and mosquito repellent provides 15 feet of protection without messy sprays or open flame torches; styles may vary slightly
Decorative and Effective – The attractive design makes it a great outdoor table piece, providing ambient light while protecting family and friends from mosquitoes
Convenient and Effective – Lantern and repellant are easy-to-use and run independently of each other; use it for light, mosquito protection, or both; refills available in multiple pack sizes
Lightweight and Portable – Take this lantern to any gathering, party, overnight camping trip, evening pool party, backyard sleep out, evening by the lake or beach bonfire
Trusted by Families – The Cambridge Patio Shield Lantern has been evaluated by the EPA for safety and effectiveness, so parents can turn it on and relax without the fear of harmful mosquito bites

User questions & answers

Question:	does this use the e4 refills
Answer:	Unfortunately, we are still in the process of registering our mosquito repellent products with the state of Indiana. We are registered in all other 49 states (as well as DC) but have not yet finalized registration within IN. Sincerely, Mackenzie with Murphy's Naturals
Question:	Does this lantern have a handle
Answer:	I have the Murphy's and I'm very happy with them. They are only to be used outside, they are not meant for burning indoors. They last for quite a long time. Very thick incense stick and slow burning. They seem to be pretty effective on mosquitoes.
Question:	How does it work
Answer:	We have found them effective in repelling green heads and biting flies at the jersey shore.
Question:	Does anyone own this and any other version (i.e. the portable or backpacker)? i was just curious is there is any difference in effectiveness
Answer:	I mean, the wind would carry the smell as much as it would carry a flying mosquito, and probably in the same direction. So just place it so that the wind carries the smell towards the location you need it to be effective at, I think?