A Guide To Summer Mosquito Domination: No Bites, All Glory
For those of us blessed with sensitive complexions, every moment spent outside during summertime poses a perilous run-in with our thin skin’s arch-nemesis: the mosquito. If you find yourself annually plagued by the merciless bites of these evil insects, then you’ve come to the right place for itchy-welt relief — because we’ve strategized a shop guide to do absolute battle against them. To put it frankly: if mosquitos are White Walkers, then we’re MF Arya Stark.
Instead of seeking shelter indoors for the next few months, take back control of your summer skin by fending off bites with an army of the best protective products: from repellent plants to perfumes and even bracelets. Ahead we’ve rounded up the skin-safe defenders that aren’t all sprays and citronella candles (although those are strong protectors, too). Scroll forth to equip yourself with the mosquito-dominating goods that are ready to do almost as much damage as Valyrian steel. Not today.
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Bug Bite Thing Insect Bite & Sting Suction Tool
While this particular buy isn’t a before-bite battle tool, it still provides post-bite protection. The small hand-held suction tool extracts insect saliva and venom from welts to help prevent swelling, itching, and discomfort.
Bug Bite Thing Bug Bite Thing, $, available at The Grommet
Kinfield Golden Hour DEET-Free Repellent
For those going the classic spray route: opt for an all-natural DEET-free formula to get the bug-off job done. This Golden Hour bottle by Kinfi
eld actually smells as lovely as it looks, using a toxin-free blend of Indonesian citronella, lemongrass, fresh citrus, and vanilla to ward off those pesky insects.
Kinfield Golden Hour DEET-Free Repellent, $, available at Verishop
Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent
A less chic but just as safe spray option? Murphy’s Naturals. The no-frills bottle does just as its name suggests with a plant-based repellent formula that’s eco-friendly and skin-safe while still getting the damn mosquito-domination job done.
Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent, $, available at Amazon
Aunt Fannie’s Mosquito Repellant Wipes
If sprays aren’t your thing: buy a pack of these DEET-free wipes powered by essential oils that naturally repel insects with a single skin swipe.
Aunt Fannie’s Mosquito Repellent Wipes – Set of 10, $, available at Grove Collaborative
ExOfficio BugsAway Lumen Hoodie
Not all mosquito repellants come in skin-slathering or scented form — throw on this cozy Insect Shield®-treated hoodie for invisible and odorless bite-protection all summer long.
As one reviewer raves: “This shirt has been life-changing! I didn’t really expect it to actually keep the bugs off but packed it for a camping trip in the humid, mosquito-infested Midwest. I was so ecstatic to see mosquitoes landing on my upper body before flying away…without biting me! The shirt is lightweight and very breathable (the fabric has little holes in it for amazing airflow), so it was perfect for camping in the midwest humidity. It kept me warm on cooler nights but I could still wear it in the mornings as it warmed back up.”
ExOfficio BugsAway Lumen Hoody, $, available at Zappos
ExOfficio BugsAway Impervia Leggings
Complete your mosquito-domination power outfit with a pair of these insect-repellent performance leggings — also treated with a specialized Insect Shield®, fiber-bonded design for invisible and odorless bite-protection (plus moisture-wicking qualities, too).
ExOfficio BugsAway® Impervia Leggings, $, available at Zappos
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
You read right: this electronic device simply gets plugged into an outlet and then emits an ultrasonic noise wave that repels everything from rodents to insects — mosquitos included.
With over 3,000 reviews on Amazon (and a Choice-rating), mosquito-bite-free customers claim “I was skeptical at first but I am very impressed. I am staying somewhere for the summer that is heavily wooded. Every night I have had to take a shoe and kill all the mosquitos, moths, spiders, and other flying insects that somehow make their way in. It has been a nightly occurrence and bad some nights to awful on others. I have only been using this device for about a day and wow.”
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller, $, available at Amazon
Paddywax Bug Off Oil
Essential oils are in, so why not put this wellness essential to bug-defeating use? The little but mighty bottle is filled with a blend of 100% pure eucalyptus, citronella, and geranium oils that will ward of the insects wherever you wander — just dab a little on your wrists, temples, or pop some in your favorite diffuser.
Paddywax Bug Off Oil, $, available at UpWest
Etsy Geranium Citronella Plant
Plant ladies: stay itchy-welt free this summer by adding a mosquito-repelling shrub to your apartment garden — simply rubbing one of its Geranium citrus-fragrant leaves onto your skin will help repel those pesky MFers.
As one rave customer-reviewer states, “This is the most fragrant Citronella I have ever purchased! These plants are already keeping the mosquitoes away.”
Crazyforplant Citronella Mosquitoes plant, $, available at Etsy
Skeem Design Citronella Votive Candle Set
Wipe the image of hardware-store-bought citronella candles in clunky plastic buckets from your mind — and replace them with this chic trio of sea salt, ocean air, and jasmine-infused votives instead. Because guess what? That fragrant bug-fighting wax works.
Skeem Designs Citronella Votive Candle Set, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Bugables Mosquito Repellent Bands
Slide one of these plant-based bracelets infused citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and peppermint oils on your wrist to repel mosquitos in incognito, could-be-a-hair-tie style.
As one reviewer attests, “Slip one of these on your arms or ankles and no bites. Plus, they don’t leave and odor on your skin!”
Pic Bugables Mosquito Repellent Bands (Set of 6), $, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Even Naturals Premium Mosquito Head Net
If you’ve ever suffered from a mosquito-bitten face, then this head net is no laughing matter. While it’s certainly a bolder buy (especially if you’re planning on wearing it at more public outdoor gatherings), this thing boasts over 1,500 reviews on Amazon and a whopping 4.8 out of 5-star rating. Plus, it’s an under-$10 steal.
Just a snapshot of the rave reviews: “Worth it if mosquitos love you. I wish I bought a full-body one”; “I live in Florida. We have a small farm with horses, cows, and pigs — and the mosquitos and nats have been the worst I’ve seen in over 20 years. This mosquito net works great! I could see and breathe and wasn’t being bitten by anything. I could work with the animals, even at dusk when the pest assault is relentless. Thank you for a simple to use and very effective product.”
Even Naturals Premium Mosquito Head Net, $, available at Amazon
Terrain Citronelle Sticks
Fight off the bites by lighting up this soothing incense crafted from a blend of all-natural citronella oil, cedar, and bright orange citrus notes that wards off insects by masking the odors that attract them.
Terrain Citronella Sticks, Set of 30, $, available at Terrain
Skeeter Screen Patio Egg Diffuser
And, if you don’t want to light something up, try hanging this diffuser out on your deck as a chic insect warning sign. The egg-shaped design is filled with an all-natural essential-oil formula that provides mosquito-repellent protection for up to 200 feet.
Skeeter Screen Patio Egg Diffuser, $, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Even Naturals Pop-Up Mosquito Net Tent
Not strictly for the bedroom, this fold-up tent made from high-quality and dense mosquito-wicking materials can be toted on-the-go for pop-up bite protection anywhere you dare to use it — including the backyard, park, or beach.
Even Naturals Pop-Up Mosquito Net Tent, $, available at Amazon
Intelligent Nutrients Smart Armor Perfume Serum
Don’t let the idea of mosquito-perfume repel you — this certified organic formula is, “skillfully crafted to attract humans while at the same time repelling biting, stinging, scourging insects,” with a non-citrus or citronella scent wrapped up inside sustainable packaging.
Intelligent Nutrients Smart Armor Perfume Serum, 1oz, $, available at Amazon
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