The 7 Best Mosquito Repellents for Your Yard of 2023

Best Overall

Sawyer Products Picaridin Continuous Spray Insect Repellent

4.5

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To protect yourself from mosquitoes, we recommend the Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent because it is effective, comes in a lotion or spray form, and has no overpowering scent. We found that applying it an hour before going to an outdoor beer garden at night provided us with effective relief for well over 6 hours. According to the manufacturer, a single application of the repellent can protect you from mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours and from flies, gnats, and chiggers for up to eight hours. While other products can leave behind a greasy film, this one doesn't. It dries quickly and won't damage plastics or synthetic coatings, making it suitable for use on clothing, backpacks, sunglasses, fishing line, and other items.

Derived from the black pepper family, picaridin has been used since the 1980s as a topical repellent for flying pests. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that picaridin shows little adverse environmental effect and, if used as directed, is safe around children and pets.

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Type: Spray or lotion︱Key Repellent: Picaridin︱Size/Quantity: 6 fluid ounces}

Best Natural Repellent

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

5

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For those seeking a natural repellent, Repel makes a plant-based spray utilizing the oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep mosquitos at bay. Unlike many plant-based repellents we tested, Repel was neither sticky nor oily once applied and provided protection in the six-hour window, as promised. This repellent will keep the bugs away for hours, allowing you and your loved ones to continue having fun.

However, the lemon packs a serious odiferous punch, resembling dishwashing detergent. Also, although this is a natural alternative to products containing DEET, it is not advised for use on pets.

Price at time of publish: $11

_{Type: Natural repellent︱Key Repellent: Oil of lemon eucalyptus︱Size/Quantity: 4 ounces}

Best Incense

Neem Aura Naturals Outdoor Citronella Sticks

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Among all the options for repellents, incense has a distinct advantage when used in the open air. While using essential oils alone can be effective at keeping insects at bay, combining them with smoke can have dramatic effects.

These citronella-scented incense sticks burn for an hour apiece, so an ideal use would be to add mosquito-repellent potted plants to your deck or patio and stick three of these into them for up to 3 hours of relief. The scent is lighter than that of most citronella candles, and you can easily place them out of view. It's best to keep them away from guests who are sitting down, as the smoke can be a nuisance.

Price at time of publish: $8

_{Type: Incense stick︱Key Repellent: Citronella oil︱Size/Quantity: 10 sticks}

Best Candle

Cutter Citro Guard Triple Wick Copper Candle

4.7

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Outdoor party hosts can keep guests comfortable long into the evening with this candle, which mixes citronella oil with its traditional wax base. Ideal for use on decks and patios, this product drives away mosquitoes and other flying pests. The candle also has three wicks, giving it 40 hours of burn time. The sturdy, wide base of the chic, rustic container keeps it upright, even in gusty conditions.

Note that the closer you are, the more you're protected, so you need several for a large deck or garden space. Consider it a way to combine comfort with illumination. Make sure the candles are at least 18 inches apart and on a heat-resistant surface far from anything that could catch fire. 

Price at time of publish: $19

_{Type: Candle︱Key Repellent: Citronella oil︱Size/Quantity: One candle}

Best for Patios

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller

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This product is aimed at those seeking more discreet and aesthetic control than candles or sticks. There will be no fire, smoke, or overpowering smells like citronella. Resembling a lantern, the Thermacell Patio Shield features a fuel cartridge, which removes the need for batteries or outlets. Each of the three included mats is designed to give you roughly 4 hours of protection within 15 feet. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your seasonal decor or party theme.

The active ingredient is allethrin, which is derived from the chrysanthemum and used as a broad-spectrum pesticide.  Mosquitoes are kept at bay by the odorless repellent it emits.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Type: Filter-based shield︱Key Repellent: Allethrin︱Size/Quantity: 1 fuel cartridge, 3 repellent mats}

Best Outdoor Spray

Wondercide EcoTreat Ready-to-Use Outdoor Pest Control Spray

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In addition to being a repellent, Wondercide also kills pests, including ants, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Relying on cedar and sesame oils, it can be applied in areas pets and children frequent. You can enter treated areas before the product dries, and it can cover up to 5,000 square feet (about the size of a basketball court).

Wondercide is sold in a ready-to-use format, making it easy to apply in little time. Simply attach it to your garden hose, turn the water on, and spray it onto your backyard. As with most natural repellents and pest control, it is most effective when applied more consistently. So if you miss a month, you might see ticks and mosquitoes return.

Price at time of publish: $38

_{Type: Spray︱Key Repellent: Cedar and sesame oil︱Size/Quantity: 32 ounces}