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DIY Methods to Repel Mosquitoes
Many DIY solutions require some serious research and setup. Store-bought solutions help you by making it easy to walk in and check out without much fuss.
However, there are pros and cons to each of these as well.
Bug Zappers
Bug zappers refer to any device designed to attract and shock pests, including mosquitoes. These often give off a bright light and a buzzing noise. They hang from gutters or have a standalone post to place wherever you need fewer bugs.
PROS
Cheap
Variety of Sizes
CONS
Attracts More Bugs Than It Will Kill
Kills All Bugs, Not Just Mosquitoes
Needs Power and Tough to Clean
PROS
As pest deterrents go, bug zappers are relatively cheap.
In comparison to other remedies mentioned later, they may save you money.
PROS
There are handheld swatters that hold a small charge to kill mosquitoes as you hit them.
There are also lantern-sized devices that hang out around gatherings and everything in between.
CONS
While many solutions are repellents, bug zappers act like traps and try to attract mosquitoes and other bugs toward them.
That is not exactly what you want, as zappers often attract more mosquitoes than they kill.
Suddenly you have a bigger swarm! Not to mention the eyesore it is when you’re hosting your next backyard party.
Kills All Bugs, Not Just Mosquitoes
Bug zappers also kill indiscriminately. Studies have found that, in the end, they do not kill many mosquitoes.
You read that right. Not 22% of all bugs killed, but less than .22% were mosquitoes. The rest were often beneficial insects like bees and other bugs that help pollinate surrounding flowers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mosquitoes do prefer to bite some people over others.
Mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of:
Mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of:
- Body heat
- Odor
- Carbon dioxide emitted from breathing
- Lactic acid from sweat
CONS
If they aren’t plugged into your home, these zappers often need batteries that drain quickly. After a busy summer night of zapping, your bug zapper might be a nonfunctioning mess until you take it apart and clear away the dead, charred bug remnants. Yuck!
Bug Spray
Bug spray is often the easiest go-to mosquito repellent. There are plenty of brands and formulas out there and each seeks to repel bugs and mask your scent. They chemically interfere with the neurons and receptors in a mosquito’s antennae and mouthparts.
PROS
Cheap
Long-lasting
CONS
Physical Downsides
Allergies and Asthma
Requires Multiple Uses
Doesn’t Kill
PROS
Compared to bug zappers, bug sprays are even cheaper. While you’ll eventually run out, many sprays last for hundreds of sprays over a summer.
PROS
Bug sprays can last up to 10 hours depending on the spray’s DEET level.
Each is okay to use on human skin (when applied correctly). Many are easy sprays that are quick to apply.
Each is okay to use on human skin (when applied correctly). Many are easy sprays that are quick to apply.
CONS
Another possibility is that you may be allergic or experience respiratory issues if you have asthma.
This is an important detail to identify before an exposure becomes an emergency.
If you’re allergic, you’ll have to find another solution. If you’re asthmatic, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends lotion-based repellents.
While the EPA regulates products with DEET in them, any approvals are subject to use according to the product label.
This is an important detail to identify before an exposure becomes an emergency.
If you’re allergic, you’ll have to find another solution. If you’re asthmatic, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends lotion-based repellents.
While the EPA regulates products with DEET in them, any approvals are subject to use according to the product label.
CONS
Bug spray has a number of physical properties that affect how you feel and smell:
You now smell like DEET
The spray is often sticky
It can stain your clothes
Kids hate having to put it on in order to play outside!
DID YOU KNOW?
Mosquitoes are more active when the moon is full.
The full moon is blamed for many strange occurrences both real and imagined.
A full moon can increase mosquito activity by 500%. This is because mosquitoes use visual cues to find their next meal, which is easier to do when the moon is full.
The full moon is blamed for many strange occurrences both real and imagined.
A full moon can increase mosquito activity by 500%. This is because mosquitoes use visual cues to find their next meal, which is easier to do when the moon is full.
CONS
If you’re serious about mastering mosquito control, there are several reasons why you might choose a professional over attempting to control mosquitoes on your own.
Hiring a professional allows you to save time and effort by delegating the task to experts who can efficiently handle the job, leaving you with more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces.
In the next chapter, we’ll introduce what you should look for in professional sprayers.
Hiring a professional allows you to save time and effort by delegating the task to experts who can efficiently handle the job, leaving you with more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces.
In the next chapter, we’ll introduce what you should look for in professional sprayers.
CONS
The biggest issue with bug spray is that it does not kill the mosquitoes around you. It does not even repel mosquitoes from a large area.
They continue to swarm and, if they push through the chemical cloud, may still land on you and bite.
The classic product adage stands here: you get what you pay for. When you invest in bug spray, you get a personal, temporary repellent that may still fail.
Mosquito Control
and Pesticides
and Pesticides
Zappers and bug sprays are store-bought deterrents you purchase when you need them. Bug control methods are pre-planned repellents designed to ward off and kill bugs around an area. Heavy-duty pesticides aim to do the same at industry-standard levels.
PROS
Kills on Contact
CONS
Must Be Applied Correctly
Bug control methods are serious chemicals that are harmful if swallowed or if they come in contact with your skin. They take a long time to apply and might not even work if you apply them incorrectly.
It’s easy to see each options drawbacks. Either the mosquito repellent isn’t very effective or it’s so powerful that it’s dangerous around your family and environment.
If you’re serious about mastering mosquito control, there are several reasons why you might choose a professional over attempting to control mosquitoes on your own.
Hiring a professional allows you to save time and effort by delegating the task to experts who can efficiently handle the job, leaving you with more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces.
In the next chapter, we’ll introduce what you should look for in professional sprayers.
In the next chapter, we’ll introduce what you should look for in professional sprayers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Professionals bring experience, expertise, and knowledge—not to mention the right equipment and technology.
Professional sprayers have the necessary training to handle these chemicals safely, minimizing potential risks to humans, pets, and the environment.
Professional sprayers have the necessary training to handle these chemicals safely, minimizing potential risks to humans, pets, and the environment.
