Mosquitoes are definitely one of the worst parts of summer. They can turn any outdoor gathering from relaxing to unbearable while leaving you itchy and miserable the next day. In this list, we have found the best mosquito repellents for your yard and patio, so you can prevent those seasonal pests from biting you and your family and keep them out of your personal space all summer long.
This device provides a 15-foot area of protection, perfect for porches and patios. It can be used for 12 hours at a time and is DEET free without the need for sprays, scents or smoke. It uses repellant mats, is EPA approved for safety, and is stylish as well! You can choose from multiple colors. For those of us with big yards, patios, lawns or gardens it can take a lot to cover that kind of area. These are easy to set up and buying multiples will ensure that you are completely covered. Keep your outdoor area safe all summer long.
This is a heavy-duty mosquito trap that is meant to be turned on over the course of weeks or months in order to drastically reduce the mosquito population in your yard. It uses a propane tank to release heat and CO2, and then trap mosquitos in an easy to empty tray. This product is perfect if you have a serious mosquito problem or need to get your property ready for outdoor parties or events. IF you have a ton of outdoor space around your home, this is a clutch purchase. Make sure you cover your entire yard to make sure your parties and BBQs are lit without getting bit.
This repellent is made of natural garlic, which mosquitoes and other bugs cannot stand the smell of. It is safe to use on any grassy area – yards, athletic fields, golf courses, and more. One application lasts for up to a month. This is the perfect safe, chemical-free answer to your mosquito problem. This is a great purchase for those of us with kids and/or pets that we want to protect while keeping those pesky bugs out of our yards. Make sure you get enough to cover your entire yard or patio area and don’t hesitate to get extras should you need them later in the season.
Here is another option for environmentally friendly, large-scale mosquito repellent that can be used in wet areas or grass. Mosquito bits are corn kernels covered in BTI and work on all stages of life to disrupt the breeding cycle. It also kills fungus gnats and can be used in potting soil. This product is non-toxic and approved for pest control in organic farming. While this treatment is pet friendly be weary of over pouring as some pets will be attracted to something new to nibble on in the yard. I recommend using this on the perimeter of the yard and early on in the season.
This is one of the smaller options but there are bigger options available. There is a 30lb version available for bigger yards.
The days of big and bulky bug zappers are long behind us. Now, the bug zapper is far more aesthetically pleasing and smaller so that it can be placed anywhere. With a max range of approximately 35 square meters and a lifespan of 6 hours before it needs to be charged via USB and can even run while plugged in for longer battery life. This is a highly effective device that runs on UV light which bugs are terribly attracted to. There is also a mosquito attractant and carbon dioxide within the cylinder that will lure bugs inside and immediately electrocute them.
Cleaning this device out is super easy as well. There is a giant tray at the bottom where the bugs spend their final seconds before death and it can be removed and dumped into any trash or compost kit. One of the biggest pluses to this device is that it is whisper quiet so no more humming or buzzing and that loud ZAP is gone too. The device is easy to move and will not shock you if you touch it while it is on. Weighing just over 2lbs it can be moved easily from indoors to outdoors, on camping trips, and to sporting events. I recommend buying multiple devices so you can keep one in your vehicle, in your home, and outside on your deck or patio.
This all-natural repellent is chemical-free, using botanical extracts to “jam” mosquitoes receptors so that they can not sense your exhalation or smell the bacteria on your skin that they usually use to hone in on their next meal. This pouch creates a 100-foot radius “no bite zone”, working in about 2 hours after opening up the pouch. It is scent-free and a lot easier to use than candles and foggers. Being that this is all-natural this is safe for kids, pets, and even little babies. You want to make the most of the yard and patio area you have so make sure if you have kiddos to get something kid safe.
There are a lot of controversies surrounding bug zappers for insect repelling. The general consensus is that they only work in a small area that surrounds the zapper. That may have been true about the old school zappers but with new technology, these zappers are great for larger areas and they don’t contain harsh chemicals that can be unsafe for kids and pets. This particular zapper can keep bugs away in an area of up to a half-acre which is more area than most back yards and patios cover. The light attracts bugs and once they pass through the grated openings they are zapped dead. The 15-watt bulb won’t use too much electricity but they do recommend that these not be used within 25 feet of where people are going to congregate. If you need a larger area covered then consider getting the zapper that covers a full acre or the 1.5-acre coverage zapper. This item comes in a pack of two.
If you have the backyard and patio area covered for pest control but have a screened-in porch or lounge area that you need some help with I recommend checking out this ultrasonic pest repellent. This works not just for mosquitos and other bugs but for mice as well. This is the high tech way to keep pests away. What this item does is emit an ultrasonic frequency that pests hate. They will stay away at all costs. It covers an area of 80-120 square meters and is super discreet in its looks. I would get one for inside the house, as well as the front porch and back porch areas. It looks great in black and also comes in white so there is a look for every decor.
This lantern from Thermacell provides a 15-foot barrier for mosquitoes using chemical-free repellent. It is clean, odorless, and silent, perfect for decks, patios, or camping trips. Because there is only a 15-foot area that these cover I recommend placing multiple lanterns strategically around the yard and patio. They are easy to hide but also aren’t bad to look at. If you have a big porch or deck place two or three of them around the perimeter. If you are looking to protect your entire yard and have a lot of ground to cover then you will need to purchase quite a few of them to keep your yard covered.
Cutter bug control spray is a non-harsh way to keep bugs and mosquitos out of your back yard and patio area. It is an easy to use spray that attaches to your garden hose and sprays along the grass and fenceline to create a protective perimeter around your yard. Every 32 ounces treats up to 5000 square feet of yard. This product will protect your yard for up to 12 weeks and won’t wash away with rain. After spraying your kids and pets can play in the yard without worry that they will get it on their clothes or fur. If you have more than 5000 square feet to keep under control there is a 6-pack of the 32-ounce spray available too.
Here’s a random gift idea that will be hailed as a miracle by whoever you gift it to! These DEET free mosquito repellent incense are perfect for backyard cookouts, camping trips, and bonfires to name a few applications.
It’s simply citronella, but the skeeters hate it! Just light one or two up and enjoy the eco-friendly bug-protection they provide! They smell nice too!
Most folks want something discreet to help get rid of nasty bugs during the spring and summertime. Something without a scent or odor, something without a bright light or noise, and also something that doesn’t use electricity to zap or kills bugs. The Thermcell Gen 2.0 mosquito repellant is a genius design and idea that will keep gnats, flies, and mosquitos away from you and your family for 6.5 long hours. It creates 15-feet of protection so you might want to invest in more than one so you can extend your coverage.
The radius will keep bugs away for up to 40 hours even after you have gone through the battery. The repellant is heat activated and once it heats up will vaporize creating a dome of protectant. While being incredibly efficient it is also very small, discreet, and can be placed anywhere without anyone really knowing it is there. The item weighs just a few pounds and is TSA safe so you can take it with you when you travel to warmer and more tropical climates. If you like the black Thermacell but want different color options, there is also a light blue that is really cool and you can check that one out here. You will need to purchase refills and you can buy them here.
If you’re not aware of this mosquito repelling unit from Thermacell you’re definitely going to be impressed by this one. This camping lantern has a built-in bug-repelling device that’s very highly reviewed for keeping insect pests away from your campsite.
This unit utilizes a refillable insect repellent cartridge that releases into a 15 by 15-foot space by the power of a separate, butane cartridge. The insect repellent is saturated into specially built “mats” that are heated by butane power. The repellent is allethrin, a synthetic version of the natural insect-repelling component present in chrysanthemum plants.
It’s a really neat concept that actually works! Camping reviews praise this Thermacell lantern for its bug-blocking abilities. You can use the lantern and the bug repellent device at the same time or operate them separately.
Furthermore, you can physically separate the two components of this versatile lantern — perfect for when you want to bring the lantern to bed but the rest of your camping group still needs the mosquito defense! This purchase includes a bug repellent mat, but you’ll need to purchase additional repellent and butane refills separately. Fortunately, it’s not too expensive to refill the fuel and repellent for this unit and it’s one of the most economic options for effective mosquito defense in any setting.
The light itself is not terribly impressive — it puts out just 220 lumens. It’s an effective light for meal prepping, tent use, and for playing camp games, but it’s not really suitable for adequate large area lighting. On the other hand, on just four AA batteries this lantern will shine strong for up to 40 hours — that’s a lot of light on just one battery set.
The light is relatively compact at nine and a half by eight inches and could even come with you into the backcountry if mosquito defense is important to you. Thermacell has built this unit to be durable as well so despite its various components and unique design it can handle a pretty thorough beating.
An awesome product at an AWESOME price, the Thermacell Scout Camp Lantern is a total steal. Check out the attached video below for a simple run-through of this unit.
This spray is unlike other mosquito foggers or sprays because it is eco friendly and kid and pet safe. It is even safe for beneficial insects like butterflies and bees. It is made in the USA with no permethrin or pyrethroids, and works to disrupt the mosquito breeding cycle in your yard or other grassy areas. This ready-to-use bottle with built-in nozzle covers a 5,000 square foot area. This is one of the easier to use products on this list and actually can be kind of fun spraying the yard down. You will want to keep the kiddos and pets indoors while you spray but within a few short minutes, the entire family can enjoy a flea, tick, and mosquito-free yard.
Here’s a unique and effective outdoor gift that will be a huge hit with your friends or family that love to camp. The Scout Mosquito Repeller Lantern from Thermacell is an innovative light system that features a built-in bug-repelling device!
This lantern uses a refillable insect repellent cartridge that protects a 15 by 15-foot space powered by a separate, butane cartridge. The repellent is essentially allethrin, a synthetic version of the insect repelling component in chrysanthemum plants – cool right!? You can even use the lantern and the bug repellent device separately if you choose to!
Thermacell includes a bug repellent mat with this purchase, but you’ll need to buy additional repellent and butane refills separately. Fortunately, it’s not very expensive to refill the fuel and repellent – it’s actually one of the most economic options for mosquito defense!
The light itself is not super bright but gets the job done at 220 lumens. Four AA batteries, however, will power this lantern for up to 40 hours giving this unit more impressive battery life than it has light output.
A great camping gift for buggy situations that will have whoever you’re shopping for singing your praises!
Here is a classic bug zapper with a little more style, perfect for hanging on your patio, porch, or deck. It uses a blue-purple colored light to attract the bugs, and a high voltage grid around the bulb to kill them instantly.
You can buy this zapper in the featured one pack, but if you have more area to cover or a larger deck/patio you can get a two-pack. The two-pack will save you a little money and will give you double the area to cover. If you don’t have a place to hang your new zappers, there is a hanger that is sold that will fit these perfectly. This zapper is safe for use even on a rainy day and comes with a one-year limited warranty.
This candle from Cutter uses citronella to naturally repel mosquitoes. It smells great. It has no chemicals and no petroleum, with only citronella-based, clean-burning ingredients. These are a temporary fix for those that don’t want or need to treat the entire yard or garden. They are smaller and can be moved around easily during parties or backyard BBQs. The featured one-pack has 6 candles. There is also a 1 pack available to double down on your protection this summer. Each individual candle has a 40-hour burn time which is a lot of time for the size.
This lantern provides inexpensive mosquito-repelling for 12 hours at a time, covering a 15 ft area. It also has a built-in LED for lighting in the evening hours. This easy to use lantern requires no spray, no mess, no hassle. This lantern comes in a convenient and easy to use two-pack so you can cover more ground with one purchase. The lantern is virtually silent so at BBQs and parties, there won’t be any noise that will drown out conversations. They are also pretty, so they will be aesthetically pleasing to your guests which will improve the flow and ambiance. Keep one hung over the bar and another hung over the opposing side of your porch or patio.
Mosquito Sticks are essentially super-powered incense, using citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary oils to repel mosquitos for two hours apiece. These are all-natural, DEET free, and safe for pets and kids.
If you are looking for an option with a little more control and an option that omits a nice smell then this is a great choice. You can place the sticks in strategic areas around the patio and yard and won’t have to deal with a harsh chemical-like smell all summer long. These are great for houses that host a lot of parties and that have smaller children.
Mosquito coils are a quick and easy way to prevent bites and irritation from mosquitoes. This pack has 120 total coils. Each coil is effective for five to seven hours and covers up to 10 feet. These are only for outdoor use. While these are great for patios and yards they do require a bit of maintenance to keep them going. They are great for BBQs and parties and are used as a second line of defense. I recommend getting a few packs so that you don’t find yourself without protection later in the summer.
White Kaiman makes a great-looking and super powerful bug zapper that is perfect for backyards and patios. You can hang this zapper in your screen porch or deck area to keep the bugs off of you and attracted the light that the zapper provides. It won’t bump your power bill much as it is 5W so no worries about the added power you are using. It glows with a powerful UV light that attracts bugs. I recommend buying two of these to keep the bugs away all summer long. This will make sure that your family and kids are protected from nasty mosquito bites. It screws right into a light socket so it is easy to set up. It is also available in multi-packs.
Don't let pesky bugs ruin your summer! Take care of mosquitoes in your yard, garden, and patio area with these mosquito repellent options for both indoor and outdoor use.