Stay off the Menu: Mosquito Repellant Options This Summer

 

Stay off the Menu:

Mosquito Repellant Options This Summer

Mosquitos are not only super annoying, they can be dangerous. Mosquitoes are carriers of disease. They spread sicknesses to us when they decide to land on your arms for a quick snack, leaving behind an itchy bump. When it comes to mosquito control, protecting your family is of utmost importance. Check out the following tips to help you stay off their menu this summer.

Natural Repellants

While not always the most effective avenue for mosquito control, utilizing natural oils and plants can help deter mosquitos from joining your backyard soiree. Some of these helpful plants you can grow in your gardens or on your decks and patios include:

• Lavender
• Basil
• Marigolds
• Mint
• Citronella Grass
• Rosemary

While there’s quite a bit of overlap in the above plants and mosquito repelling natural oils, there are several other oil-based options as well. These include:

• Citronella oil
• Lemon eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Clove
• Thyme
• Lavender
• Mint/Peppermint

You can also try sitting by citronella candles and burning sage, as the smoke tends to deter not only mosquitos, but other bugs as well. However, if you are planning on being outside for longer periods of time or heading right “into the fray” by hiking, kayaking in shade, camping, etc. it’s smart to armor up with some bug sprays.

Bug Sprays

There are so many bug sprays on the market these days that it can be difficult to choose a good one. Here are 5 notable options:

1. Sawyer Insect Repellant

This spray is known for a high concentration of a mosquito repelling substance called picaridin. As such, it is supposedly just as effective as DEET, but without some of the DEET drawbacks.

2. Cutter Backwoods Dry

While DEET can be very oily and smelly, there’s no doubt it’s incredibly effective. This DEET-based spray repels mosquitos and other insects for up to 10 hours and has a less abrasive smell to it compared to other DEET-based products.

3. OFF! Family Care Insect and Mosquito Repellent

The formula of this repellent insures creates a dry spray, meaning you and your family aren’t left feeling oily or sticky. The formula also contains DEET, helping effectively repel bloodsuckers.

4. Proven Mosquito and Tick Spray

This picaridin-based repellent is both effective and gentle on your nose as it is available even in an odorless option.

5. Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus

This product acts like a 3-in-1 deal. Not only does it repel nasty bugs, it also moisturizes your skin with Vitamin E and provides sun protection with 30 SPF! This product is also DEET-free, dermatologist tested, and hypoallergenic.

Sure Fire Home Protection

We offer effective mosquito spraying to help safeguard your home and yard from these dangerous bloodsuckers. Scheduling routine Mosquito Control Treatments is the best way to protect yourself and your family from an onslaught of potentially dangerous bites. Our treatment includes elimination of flea and ticks as well as warding off mosquitos. Your local technician will do a complete treatment of your home so that when your children play outside or your family enjoys dinner on the patio, you won’t become lunch for these nasty insects.

Citation

Mahoney, D. (2020) The Best Bug Repellents, New York Times. Wirecutter. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bug-repellent/ (Accessed: June 2020).

Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition (N/A) AVON. Available at: https://www.avon.comprduct/skin-so-soft-bug-guard-plus-ir3535-expedition-spf-30-family-size-pump-spray-47861 (Accessed: June 2020).

What Are the Best Natural Mosquito Repellents? (2019) Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325337 (Accessed: June 2020). Yoo, C. (2020)

12 Mosquito Repellent Plants, Garden Design. Available at: https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/mosquito-repellent.html (Accessed: June 2020).

Zhekova, D. (2020) The 9 Best Bug Sprays for a Bite-Free Outdoor Adventure, Travel + Leisure. Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-accessories/best-bug-sprays (Accessed: June 2020).