Top 21 Best Mosquito Repellents | Best Mosquito Zappers, Sprays, Traps & Foggers
The word ‘mosquito’ means ‘little fly’ in Spanish and is an insect that belongs to the animal kingdom. They are very small in size and have a segmented body with a pair of wings and halteres, along with three pairs of legs, and elongated mouthparts.
Female mosquitoes feed on blood in order to produce eggs, and male mosquitoes feed only on nectar and various plant juices.
Mosquitoes usually feed on blood and search their host with the help of exhaled carbon dioxide, body scent, and body heat as they get closer to the host.
Damage caused by Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are small insects but can transmit potentially fatal viruses in to humans through their saliva when they bite.
Some of these viruses and diseases are the Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Dengue, Malaria, Wes Nile fever, Lymphatic Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis, etc.,
Types of Mosquito Repellents
There are four types of mosquito repellents that prevent you from mosquito bites. They are:
- Mosquito Zappers
- Mosquito Sprays
- Mosquito Traps
- Mosquito Foggers
Top 21 Best Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito repellants are used to prevent mosquitoes from biting you as their bites cause itching sensations.
They work best when applied directly and are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Mosquito Zappers
Mosquito Zappers help you get rid of insects instantly with the use of electricity and some chemicals can be added to the zappers to increase their effectiveness.
They can be placed anywhere as some of them are portable and can be used like a ‘racket’ as they need to be swayed around to get rid of insects.
Types of Mosquito Zappers
There are three types of zappers available in the market. They are:
- Insect Traps lure the insects with the help of light and then, the vacuum chamber sucks them into a chamber where they die because of dehydration.
- Electronic Zappers also use light to attract insects and then electrocute them when they come in contact with the electric wire grid. They also contain a tray that collects all the dead insects.
- Electric Swatters are portable and are in the shape of a tennis racket and require batteries for working. They have an electric grid to electrocute insects as you wave the product near them.
How does a Mosquito Zapper work?
A Mosquito Zapper is made of the following components which help in its functioning:
- Exterior Casting is also known as ‘housing; and is the exterior portion of the zapper.
- Fluorescent Light is usually ultraviolet light that is used to attract insects.
- Electric Wire Grids are present around the lights and shock the insects that enter the zapper.
- A transformer is used to create an electric charge for the wires.
- Many zappers also include Catch Trays to catch the dead bugs, making cleaning off the bugs easier.
Top 5 Best Mosquito Zappers
The following are some of the best electric zappers to get rid of mosquitoes:
1. Hoont Electric Indoor Bug Zapper
It is the best indoor zapper for mosquitoes and other flying bugs as it uses light to attract them and then electrocutes them, catching them in the tray provided at the bottom of the product.
Pros:
- Safe to use
- Does not contain any chemicals
- Best for indoor use
- Large coverage area, up to 6000 sq. ft.
- Maintenance-free
- Odorless
- Does not produce any sound
Cons:
- Less coverage
- Unattractive design
- Should be kept away from children and animal
2. Black Decker Bug Zapper
The zapper can be used both indoors and outdoors as it uses LED light bulbs to attract insects. It is portable and non-toxic, making it highly suitable for use in the kitchen and bedroom.
Pros:
- Chemical-free
- Easy to use and clean
- Safe for children and pets
- Works indoors as well as outdoors
- Does not produce any sound
- Easily placed in a light bulb socket
- Portable
Cons:
- Need for a light socket to get electricity
- Becomes brighter due to LED bulbs
- Not as effective as some bugs might not get attracted to the bulb
3. Stringer Cordless Rechargeable Insect Zapper
The zapper attracts insects with the help of ultraviolet lights, which can also be replaced by black ultraviolet light. It is rechargeable, cordless, and portable, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Pros:
- Large coverage area
- Rechargeable ultraviolet lights
- Cordless
- Portable
Cons:
- Not long-lasting, up to four hours
4. Teza Insect Zapper
This zapper offers different voltage options ranging from 15 volts to 120 volts, which can be adjusted as per your requirements. It can be used both indoors and outdoors as it is waterproof.
Pros:
- Large coverage area of around 6,000 sq. ft.
- Can attract mosquitoes up to 100 ft. away
- Long-lasting, up to 10,000 hours
- Water-proof
- Can be hanged anywhere
Cons:
- Expensive
5. FLASHVIN Electric Large Bug Zapper
This electric zapper works through USB Charging using a built-in battery. You need to swap it near the bugs and mosquitoes so that they get caught in the electric wire grids.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use and maintain
- USB Charging
- Built-in LED lamp
- Portable
Cons:
- Needs to be changed often
- Handle slippery
Mosquito Sprays
Mosquito Sprays are a type of mosquito repellant that is used by spraying it on your body.
They are less effective as compared to other repellants and it might get difficult to carry them because of the space they consume.
However, they are best used around children, especially when they go outdoors during the evening and need maximum protection from mosquitoes.
Top 7 Best Mosquito Sprays
The following are some of the best mosquito sprays to prevent yourself from mosquito bites:
1. Greenerways Organic Insect Repellent
The spray is perfect for use in gardens and other outdoor places as can be sprayed over a large area and does not cause any harm to bees and other pollinators. It also helps in eliminating fungus along with other insects.
Pros:
- Perfect for outdoor use
- Large coverage area
- USDA certified ingredients are used
- Trigger sprayer
- Safe for kids, bees, and animals
- Removes fungus as well
Cons:
- Less quantity which might not be sufficient for daily usage
2. Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max
The spray repellent contains 40% DEET and offers up to ten hours of protection from mosquitoes.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Can be used in areas having a high risk of malaria
- Portable
- Safe for children with age 2 months or older
Cons:
- Sticky in nature
- Requires multiple applications to work effectively
3. Ben’s Insect Repellent Spray
It is a water-based spray that protects against mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus. The product is available in various shapes and sizes and can be used by people over 12 years of age.
Pros:
- Water-based product
- Highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and insects
- Little application is enough
- Available in different sizes
Cons:
- Limited products are suitable for adults
4. Ortho Bug Insect Killer
The spray is quite effective when used against mosquitoes, fleas, ants, and ticks. It can be near shrubs, trees, vegetables, and fruit trees as it does not harm vegetables and fruits. It can also be used to kill mosquitoes in lawns, parks, etc.,
Pros:
- Cabe be used outdoors
- Works instantly
- Large coverage, up to 5,300 sq. ft.
- Long-lasting, up to six months
- Effective against mosquitoes and various other pests
Cons:
- Not a natural yard spray
5. Off! Deep Wood Insect Repellent
This spray is one of the best DEET-based repellents and works effectively against mosquitoes and is available in different varieties.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use and apply
- Contains 25% DEET
- Comes in different varieties
- Has mild scent
Cons:
- Small spray radius
- Needs to be sprayed multiple times for complete protection
- Might cause towelette irritation
6. Repel Insect Repellent Family Dry
The repellant spray contains 10% DEET and provides protection from various viruses like the Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, and West Nile fever. It is one of the best insect repellents that can be used by children.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Can be applied to clothes
- Does not cause any irritation
- Odorless
Cons:
- It is effective only for children and not for adults.
7. Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
It is a natural insect repellent as it contains oil made from the lemon on the Eucalyptus tree, and does not contain DEET. It provides up to six hours of protection with a single application.
Pros:
- Natural, chemical-free
- Long-lasting
- Not oily or greasy when applied
- Comfortable for every skin type
- Can be used by children as well as adults
- Fresh scent
Cons:
- Noticeable smell even after application
Mosquito Traps
Mosquito Traps are one of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes as you don’t need to move around your house to catch them.
You can place the trap anywhere and when mosquitoes fall into the trap, you can dispose of them later.
Types of Mosquito Traps
The following are the five types of mosquito traps available in the market:
- Mosquito Heat Traps work by converting Propane into Carbon dioxide. They emit a suitable combination of heat, moisture, and a certain smell to attract mosquitoes in to vacuum.
- Carbon Dioxide Traps work by luring mosquitoes with the help of carbon dioxide emissions. They are highly effective when used near their breeding place.
- Ultraviolet traps attract mosquitoes and other insects by emitting ultraviolet light and then electrocuting them.
- Propane Traps include propane which on burning emits Carbon dioxide and water vapors. It includes a catalyst that converts propane into heat, carbon dioxide, and moisture, without any flame.
- Water Traps
How does a Mosquito Trap work?
A Mosquito Trap works by attracting the mosquitoes into the trap and not letting them escape by suffocating them.
These traps attract mosquitoes with the help of human smell, water, and blood, and later make use of Carbon dioxide, water, or propane to suffocate them.
Top 4 Best Mosquito Traps
The following are some of the best mosquito traps to get rid of Mosquitoes
1. Dynatrap Insect Trap DT2000XLP
The trap provides three-way protection from flying insects, especially mosquitoes. It includes two extra-sized Ultraviolet bulbs that help in attracting insects without zapping or buzzing around.
Pros:
- Does not contain any chemical or insecticide
- Does not require CO2 or Propane
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Provides coverage up to 1 acre
- Can be plugged into a 110-volt outlet
- Not expensive
Cons:
- Slightly expensive as compared to other traps
- Flawed design
- Does not come with a manual/instruction
2. Mosquito Magnet MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap
This is one of the best traps available in the market for outdoor use as it uses a combination of carbon dioxide, moisture, and heat to trap the mosquitoes.
Pros:
- Provides coverage up to 1 acre
- Stable base with large catch nest
- Noiseless
- Odorless
Cons:
- Can’t be used indoors
- Expensive
- Need to buy a separate Propane tank
3. Oriflame Electric Mosquito Killer Lamp with USB Power
The USB Powered Insect Trap makes use of eight LED bulbs to provide 360⁰ light coverage which attracts insects, mosquitoes, and flies. They are further trapped with the fan present in the product.
Pros:
- Non-toxic, chemical-free
- Convenient for daily use
- Can be used indoors in places such as bedrooms, offices, hotels, and restaurants
- Saves energy
- Portable
Cons:
- Contains a large number of LED lights which may be harmful
4. Mega-Catch Pro 900 Ultra Mosquito Trap
The trap provides a coverage of 150 feet or 1 acre, making it suitable for outdoor use. It not only traps mosquitoes but also stops them from breeding and can be repaired easily if broken.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use and install
- Works effectively if kept near breeding places
- Can get rid of around 10,000 mosquitoes within two weeks
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requirement of constant carbon dioxide unit
- Carbon dioxide unit needs to be replaced every three weeks
- Possibility of technical glitches
Mosquito Foggers
Mosquito Foggers make use of a synthetic pyrethroid, which is quite similar to the insecticide used in insect sprays for domestic use.
The fogging machine creates fog by blasting a mixture of water and insecticide into very small droplets, and that fog effectively gets rid of mosquitoes.
Types of Mosquito Foggers
The following are the different types of mosquito foggers available in the market:
- Thermal Foggers contain a propane gas tank along with a heating portion present at the front of the fogger which heats and vaporizes the insecticide using a high temperature and then pumps it. The tiny particles produced are the size of 0.5 to 10 microns. They are best for outdoor use as they provide up to 5,00 sq. ft. of coverage, and might be risky when used indoors as it needs to be pre-heated.
- Non-Thermal Foggers are also known as ‘Cold Foggers’ as it has a strong engine powered by electricity and uses high-powered air pressure to remove the fog through multiple nozzles. It needs electricity to work effectively both indoors and outdoors. It can also work as a ‘humidifier’ when used indoors.
- Ultraviolet Foggers get their name from the Ultraviolet Volume Propulsion system used to generate low-volume liquid which looks like the mist required to inject from the foggers. Some of the best ULV foggers generate 15 to 30 microns which helps you in generating fog according to your needs.
- Propellent-style Foggers follow an up-close approach and kill mosquitoes upon contact. It uses a hydrocarbon propellant system and comes in a regular insect spray bottle with a bigger nozzle, and it requires a power socket for the fogging unit. It produces a mist that can be dispersed from 10 ft. to 15 ft. and provides coverage up to 1200 sq. ft.
How does a Mosquito Fogger work?
A Mosquito Fogger works by atomizing liquid insecticide or pesticide to convert it into fog or mist having small particles. The fog is sprayed using a nozzle that moves through the air and penetrates into cracks, crevices or behind the furniture or anywhere mosquitoes breed.
Top 5 Best Mosquito Foggers
The following are some of the best mosquito foggers to get rid of mosquitoes:
1. Black Flag Fogger
This fogger is the best way to kill insects or mosquitoes outside your house as they can be used for a long time, especially outdoors.
Pros:
- DEET free
- Perfect for outdoor usage
- Keeps mosquitoes away for days
- Odorless
Cons:
- Must be used with a fogger machine
- Not much effective during rough weather conditions
- Humans and pets should enter the room 10 minutes after usage
2. Alpine PT Pressurized Insecticides
The fogger is most effective against bed bugs and can be used against ants, leaf beetles, flour beetles, fruit flies, grain weevils, millipedes, spiders, sow bugs, and phorid flies, etc. as well.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use spray
- Effective against multiple pests
- Instant results
Cons:
- Need to dispose of dead insects on your own
3. Repel Insect Fogger for mosquitoes and insects
It is a propane-powered fogger used by professionals to kill mosquitoes, biting flies, and other flying insects. It is portable and compatible with a short (16.4 oz) or tall (14.01 oz) propane cylinder.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Large coverage, up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Portable
- Not expensive
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
4. Burgess Electric Insect Fogger
It is one of the best foggers that is used by professionals to get rid of mosquitoes, especially the ones that spread West Nile fever. It shows instant results and you can enter the area within five minutes, once the fog is dispersed.
Pros:
- Large coverage, up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Long-lasting, up to six hours
- Works instantly
- Effective against mosquitoes and other insects
Cons:
- Needs to be preheated
- Needs electricity
- Might need to buy an extension cord separately
5. Ecosmart Mosquito Fogger
It is a purely organic fogger making it safe to use around children and animals.
Pros:
- Organic, chemical-free
- Instant results
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Safe for children and animals
- Does not harm plants or flowers
- Odorless
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
Buyer Guide to Select the Best Mosquito Repellent
Before buying any type of mosquito repellent, you should keep the following common points in mind:
- Where can it be used? Indoors, Outdoors, or both?
If you are looking for a repellent that can be used outdoors, you should check how much area it can cover with a single application and if it can withstand rough weather conditions. - Does it make use of any toxic substance or chemical?
If yes, you should avoid using that product near children and pets as it might cause severe harm to them. - Is the product safe to use around children and other animals?
The product might not contain any chemical but at the same time, it would still not be 100% safe to use as it might cause any allergic reaction. - Does it produce any unnecessary noise or odor?
Any repellent producing any noise or bad odor makes it quite uncomfortable to use as it might irritate the person using the product. - If you want to get rid of multiple insects/pests, you should check if the product is effective against other insects as well.
To make things easier for you, the following are some tips and points that you should keep in mind while buying a particular type of mosquito repellent:
Additional things to check While buying any Mosquito Zapper
Is it portable?
Portable zappers can be used while traveling, especially during camping.
How much maintenance is required?
Opt for zappers that don’t require constant surveillance or repairs, and can be used outdoors safely with other animals around.
Does it require a constant electricity supply in order to work and if it can withstand rough weather conditions without harming anyone?
If a zapper requires a constant electricity supply, it won’t be fit for outdoor use as the wires can cause a problem and during rough weather conditions, like heavy rainfall, it might get result in a short circuit.
Additional things to check While buying any Mosquito Spray
How much coverage does a single spray provide?
It is important to know how much coverage a single spray provides and then use multiple sprays. This is because multiple sprays can cause harm to your skin in the form of an allergy or burning sensation, which would defeat the whole purpose of getting a mosquito spray.
Is it long-lasting? If not, how many sprays are required for effective coverage?
If the spray stops working in middle, especially when children are outdoors and playing, it might cause serious problems. Therefore, it is best to opt for a long-lasting spray to ensure full-time protection from mosquito bites.
Additional things to check while buying any Mosquito Trap
Traps that attract mosquitoes using carbon dioxide are considered to be the best ones.
Traps using a combination of various attractants tend to attract mosquitoes effectively.
Propane traps are expensive but most effective as oxidized propane releases moisture and carbon dioxide that helps to trap mosquitoes.
Opt for cordless traps for outdoor use.
Opt for H2O traps for indoor use as they are non-toxic and hence, safe for use.
Additional things to check while buying any Mosquito Fogger
A single fogger covers how much of the area?
If a fogger covers less area, you might need to place multiple foggers and that could exceed your planned budget.
Remove any food, or toys from the place where you plan to fog as they might get covered in insecticide and cause harm if inhaled.
You need to turn off your smoke detector every time while fogging.
Never spray the fogger near flames as they are highly susceptible to them.
Humans and animals can’t immediately enter a fogged place.
Always keep the phone number of the nearest poison control office with you, in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are small in size but their bites can cause severe harm to humans by transmitting several viruses and diseases into our bodies. Therefore, you should use Mosquito Repellents to prevent yourself, especially children from their harmful bites. You can use multiple types of repellents at the same time for better protection.
There are various types of Mosquito Zappers that can be placed anywhere, and some can be used like a racket. You should choose the one as per our requirements as any electric zapper which needs to be swayed around to get rid of insects is not suggested for use around children.
Mosquito Sprays are easy to use and can be carried anywhere in a small purse. Multiple sprays result in much more effectiveness.
There are various types of Mosquito Traps available for both indoor and outdoor use as they work by luring mosquitoes into the trap with the help of propane, carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, and different types of scents.
Mosquito foggers are considered to be most effective as compared to other repellents. There as there are various types of chemical-free foggers available on the market making them safe to use indoors, in the presence of children and animals.
However, some precautions such as covering your food, and turning off smoke detectors are needed to be taken while using them. Also, they can be used outdoors with ease as they are long-lasting and provide large coverage.