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produce an outdoor space fit for you — not mosquitoes — with these mosquito repellents for grounds .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Summer can be a great time to make the most of your backyard . unluckily , those longer days and warm temperatures also come along with a rather familiar inconvenience : mosquitoes .
Biting louse can make it difficult to enjoy spending clock time outdoors , peculiarly for long periods . These mosquito repellents for yards can help protect you and your guests from mosquitoes without the motivation for short - term topical product .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
“ The first thing the repellent must do is keep mosquito away and secure that the effect stick around when and where you need it , ” saysAnas Sami , steel manager at Thermacell Repellents , Inc.
The type of mosquito repellent you habituate also matters . dissimilar repellant can supply dissimilar results , with variations in duration and coverage . Because of this , it ’s important to choose a mosquito repellant for yards that unspoiled fits your needs and circumstances .
What We Tested
The mosquito repellents on our list have been tested by our team . We search various different mosquito repellents for yard and test them oneffectiveness , usability , andvalue . We focused on repellents intended for the railyard rather than personal use alone , and we tested spray , candles , lanterns , and more . None of the products we test contain DEET as an active ingredient .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Off! Backyard Pretreat Mosquito Control Lawn Outdoor Bug Spray
This mosquito repellant for K can repel around 110 species of dirt ball for up to eight week .
Reapplication may be need after rain to maintain effectiveness .
After testing , we ’ve chosen theOff ! 32 - oz Backyard Pretreat Mosquito Control Lawn Outdoor Bug Sprayas the overall good mosquito repellent for yards .
Credit: Lowe’s
This mosquito repellent can be used as a spot or circumference treatment , and it can cover up to 16,000 square feet . One point we appreciated was its easy , mere app . The instructions admit with this repellent were easy to come , and although it took time to get wind how to get the right sprayer , attaching and using the lawn spray was not difficult .
When we used this mosquito repellent , the spraying itself could be adjusted between a watercourse spray and a rooter spray to provide various coverage . This allows it to be utilitarian for establishing a perimeter as well as treating mellow - universe fleck such as approximate water . It also provides all-embracing coverage , making it easy to apply to trees and ground plant .
When we try it on a backyard with a pool , we note a significant decrease in mosquito , especially equate to the untreated front thousand . The repellant itself has a subtle olfactory property that did n’t footle after app .
One bottle of this mosquito repellent can cover up to 16,000 square feet.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
This mosquito repellent is designed to last up to eight weeks after covering . However , during examination , we noticed the presence of mosquito increase after around three Clarence Day after receiving great amounts of rainwater , so it may be necessary to respray your yard after rain .
Overall , we recommend this mosquito repellent because of its succeeder at reducing the number of mosquitoes in the test yard . We also care its ease of purpose and across-the-board coverage in a big 1000 .
ware detail : Active Ingredient : Lambda - cyhalothrin |Type : Spray |Hours of Protection:1,344 |Square Footage of Protection:16,000 square understructure
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray
This repellent can last up to 12 weeks without reapplication , repel insects and arachnids .
Because this is a repellent and not an insecticide , some mosquitoes may still be present , although the routine is reduced .
TheCutter Concentrate Backyard Bug Control Sprayis designed to keep mosquitoes and other insect or arachnids away for up to 12 week .
When using a spray mosquito repellent for grand , reapplication is typically necessary after rain . This is because any form of pee , whether from rain or water your lawn , has the potential to wash away the repellent . However , one month after program program on the screen G , the effects of the Cutter mosquito repellent were still obtrusive .
In the test grounds , the Cutter spray worked effectively as a repellant . Although there was still an occasional mosquito noted , there was a significant driblet in the amount of mosquito in the thou . This mosquito repellant does best when applied early in the season , before dirt ball populations are high .
This mosquito repellent can provide up to 5,000 square infantry of lawn coverage . To apply , we just attach the bottle to the hosiery and sprayed across the G . The nursing bottle is designed to automatically apply the concentrate as you spray . Applying the cutlery spray to the quiz K took around 15 instant .
During software , this mosquito repellant had a fragile odor . However , the perfume itself was not unpleasant , and while it was obtrusive during applications programme , it faded cursorily and left no lingering olfactory sensation .
Product detail : Active Ingredient : Lambda - cyhalothrin |Type : Spray |Hours of Protection:2,016 |Square Footage of Protection:5,000 square feet
Best for Large Yards
Wondercide Mosquito Yard-Spray Refill Starter Kit with Natural Essential Oils
This plant - establish repellant include a refill alongside its ready - to - use atomiser .
You ’ll need a farsighted garden hose to completely continue your thousand .
We find that theWondercide Starter Kitwas easy to use and had lasting effects in the test cubic yard . While lend oneself the repellent , we notice a distinctive amount of mosquito . However , after applications programme , we noticed a meaning decrease in the figure of mosquito .
This mosquito repellant uses a plant - based normal that includes oils like cedarwood and sesame . It had a sweet , natural aroma that dissipated after the spray conciliate .
The instructions for the Wondercide repellent say to spray the intact one thousand . However , one of our testers ’ ability to do so was limited by theirgarden hoselength . This yard nebuliser run by attaching to the hosiery , allow water to hang through the feeding bottle and spray the resolution across the chiliad .
However , for larger yards , a longer hosepipe is necessary to reach out to the far corners of the yard . Even with that in mind , though , this mosquito repellent is recommend for its square footage of protective cover and effectiveness .
Product inside information : Active Ingredient : cedar oil , sesame oil , sodium lauryl sulfate |Type : Spray |Hours of Protection:730 |Square Footage of Protection:15,000 square feet
Best Candle
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Candle
The candles are easy to use than a spray .
This candle provides limited coverage , with several cd being needed to protect larger expanse .
After testing , we ’ve chosen theMurphy ’s Natural Mosquito Repellent Candleas the right candle mosquito repellant for yards . We appreciated how using this repellant was as simple as lighting the candle . This lot include two candles , which can provide up to 30 hours of protective cover .
When lit , the candela provide a lite , born scent without any overpowering or rough smells . We used both candles to cover an 80 - square - understructure backyard deck , and they provided an tolerable zone of trade protection , though more taper may be needed to increase the square footage of protection .
The Murphy ’s mosquito repellent cd employ a portmanteau of various crucial oils . The wax itself is made of soy wax and beeswax , helping cater an even tan for multiple uses . Although we notice the candles to be mostly effective , some mosquito and chomp were still noticed during testing . However , the number of bites was greatly cut liken to metre outdoors without the candles in use .
Overall , this mosquito repellant is recommended because of its convenience . Unlike K nebulizer , which will need to be applied in advance and hold , these cd provide an offhand method acting of foreshorten mosquitoes in a minor country .
Product Details : Active Ingredient : Rosemary oil , peppermint oil , lemongrass rock oil , cedar petroleum , citronella oil |Type : taper |Hours of Protection:30
Best for Patios
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern
This repellent lantern is agile and easy to set up , with around 15 minute of run - time for maximum protection .
This lantern use heat to propagate the repellant , and you ’ll have to buy addition cartridge when they run out .
Shield repellent , like theThermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield , can provide an easy , mess - free approach to backyard pest dominance . Although it needs a 15 - moment startup period to get hold of maximum aegis , we thoroughly revalue its ability to keep mosquito at bay in an area with a high mosquito population .
During testing , this mosquito repellent did n’t produce any noticeable scent . It does , however , use heat to disperse the repellent solution into the air . Because of this , those with fry or pets may need to ante up a closer eye to the Thermacell Patio Shield , as the lantern itself can get spicy .
No mosquito were notice in the zone of protection provided by this mosquito repellent during testing , nor did we experience any bites . Although it only provides around 177 satisfying foot of protection , this was enough to repel mosquitoes for a pocket-sized backyard or porch .
The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield is designed to render around 12 hours of protection . After this , the energy cartridges can be replace for bear on use in the future .
Product detail : Active Ingredient : man-made allethrin |Type : Lantern |Hours of Protection:12 |Square Footage of Protection:177 square human foot
The Bottom Line
After examination , we chose theOff ! Backyard Pretreat Mosquito Control Bug Sprayas the overall best mosquito repellent for yards . This repellant was well-situated to use and had small to no scent , and it was efficient at reducing the number of mosquito .
Our Testing Process
To retrieve the expert mosquito repellant for yards , we tested 12 different repellent . Then , with our solvent , we analyse our insights to determine which mosquito repellent performed the best .
During our testing , we first evaluated each repellent on its effectuality . We desire to know not just how well it contract hemipteron bite , but how well each repellent hold on mosquito out of the area . Part of our testing process also orbit around how long each repellent endure and how large of an area it cover .
Then , we tested serviceableness . Ease of use of goods and services and comfortable - to - infer instructions are essential in nominate sure each of these repellant is used in the correct fashion . We also noted different factors such as how many use we could get out of each repellant , as well as any scents or odor that may have occurred during or after covering .
Credit: Amazon
Because these intersection are repellent and not insecticide , they were not tested on whether or not they completely eradicated mosquitoes , but rather , if they were good at repress their front .
What to Know About Mosquito Repellent for Yards
Active Ingredient
1000 mosquito repellant can hold in either raw or semisynthetic ingredients . fit in toRebecca Heinig , PhD , senior scientist for the bugology programs at Thermacell Repellents , Inc. , some of the most oft used natural formulas admit “ element like citronella crude , cedarwood rock oil , or even garlic rock oil . ” These oils can help block out your aroma as well as irritate mosquitoes on contact .
celluloid repellents use pyrethroids , which are human race - made chemicals that resemble those found in chrysanthemum flowers . Synthetic sprays use “ pyrethroids like permethrin , tetramethrin , phenothrin , or lambda - cyhalothrin , ” say Heinig .
Type
There are several types of mosquito repellent for cubic yard , including sprays , candles , and shields . Although all have the goal of repelling mosquitoes , each type performs in a different mode and may be better for sure position .
Yard spray , like theMighty Mint Yard Spray Bug Control , are a inactive form of protection . After the initial program , they will repel mosquito in the area until it is time for reapplication . These repellents are spray around your yard and often let in synthetical or natural chemicals that make it difficult for insects to smack the great unwashed .
Other types of repellents , such as lanterns , candles , and shields , are dynamic material body of protection . These yard repellent only work when they are activated , such as when a candle is ignited or a lamp is turned on . As a result , there is no need for reapplication , but the personal effects of these repellent are not on-going .
One application to last up to 12 weeks, and the bottle can cover up to 5,000 square feet.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Because of this , you often postulate to activate these repellent for around 15 minutes or more before you plan to be out of doors to achieve maximum efficiency , such as with theThermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield . However , this allow slap-up ascendance of how the repellent work out . Many of these option are also portable , allowing you to sew your repellent to where you are in the yard without involve to spray in improvement .
Hours of Protection
There are several factors that influence the hours of protection provided by a mosquito repellent for yards . Some of these include the type of repellant and the fighting factor .
Overall , grand sprays have the long potential auspices compare to candles and lanterns . This is because the security leave by sprays lead beyond the initial lotion , lasting for several week .
TheCutter 32 fl . oz . Concentrate Backyard Bug Control Sprayis designed to last up to 12 weeks without reapplication , and , during examination , we notice the result of this nebuliser a month later , even after pelting .
repellent such as candles , burning cones , and lantern be given only to repel mosquito when they are activate , and it can take some metre for the effects to become noticeable .
Square Footage of Protection
Some mosquito repellent are better for small spaces equate to large lawns . TheMurphy ’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle , for example , is intimately suited for repelling mosquito from a deck or patio rather than an integral curtilage .
For protecting your entire pace , a product with gamy hearty footage of protection is often skillful . TheOff ! 32 - oz Backyard Pretreat Mosquito Control Lawn Outdoor Bug Sprayis capable of cut through up to 16,000 square feet .
Other Mosquito Repellents for Yards We Tested
Sunday Mosquito Deleto
TheSunday Mosquito Deletois an all - instinctive yard solution for mosquito that is good for pets and people alike . Infused with lemongrass and cedar tree oils , we liked that it had a fainthearted , pleasant scent during program that faded quickly . We also appreciated the far - pass , even spray it produced .
However , during examination , we found that this mosquito repellent for yards had limited effectiveness , with mosquito returning quickly after the initial app . When used , the Sunday Mosquito Deleto helped shrink the number of mosquitoes in the test curtilage for around three Day , but other sprays we tested lasted longer .
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones
TheMurphy ’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Conesprovide an all - raw solution to repelling mosquito . Its five - oil recipe utilize rosemary oil colour , peppermint oil , citronella fossil oil , lemongrass oil , and cedarwood oil . This produces a pleasant smell during burning while also helping repel insects .
Although these cone shape can burn up to 24 minutes each , wind can speed up the burn rate and minify this meter . During testing , we rule most cones lasted between 15 and 21 mo on average . While the continuance is modified , these strobile were efficient in repel mosquitoes while producing smoke .
Tiki Brand Bitefighter Outdoor Mosquito Repellent String Lights
TheTiki Brand Bitefighter Outdoor Mosquito Repellent String Lightsare multipurpose , serve well to both repel mosquitoes and also light up your outdoor space . Installation is like to non - repellent twine lights , with access to an mercantile establishment required . While the lights were fairly in force , we feel like they were n’t the most price - effective solution .
Your Questions, Answered
Why isn’t DEET a main ingredient in mosquito repellents for yards?
grant toSonja Swiger , Ph.D. , a professor in the Texas A&M University section of entomology , repellent like DEET are “ chemicals / center that have to be employ to skin , wearable or surfaces . ” As a result , DEET is most often see in personal product , such as spray .
Research and testing has demo DEET - containing Cartesian product to be effective at repelling mosquito . “ Picaridin , IR3535 , oil of lemon eucalypt , and 2 - undecanone are the currently CDC - approved EPA registered products obtain to be effective , ” says Swiger . “ But that does not think of they can be apply to yards or space to get the same results . ”
These chemicals work solely to cloak your perfume , make it more difficult for mosquitoes and certain biting insects to find you . Because of this , Swiger says there ’s “ not much evidence showing that we can get repellency by spray foliage . ”
Do essential oils repel mosquitoes?
In recent years , crucial oils have become a pop DEET choice . However , “ since they have not been approved for use by CDC , we do not recommend them at this sentence , ” says Swiger . receive CDC approval is an extensive process for a product , with research comport to control “ it [ the Cartesian product ] solve to kill or repel biting mosquito . ”
While essential oils are currently not commend as a mosquito repellent for pace , enquiry is still being done on their effectiveness . Keep in thinker that of the essence oils may be toxic to pets , so correspond with your veterinary surgeon before using a product with them .
Who We Are
Megan Newtonis a writer for Better Homes & Gardens . She has also written about bird feeders , garden tools , weed seeds , and more . For this article , she spend several hour analyzing the termination of our mosquito repellant testing . She also talk withAnas Sami , brand manager at Thermacell Repellents;Rebecca Heinig , PhD , older scientist of entomology programs at Thermacell Repellents ; andSonja Swiger , PhD , Texas A&M University department of entomology professor .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this inclination , you may have notice ourBHG Recommends seal of favorable reception . Products that reset the Navy SEAL have been put through tight testing to verify they ’re deserving a spot in your home . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but occasionally we are provided sample by company if purchasing is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same examination touchstone we use to test the purchase products .
Credit: Amazon
The plant-based formula features cedarwood and sesame oil.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The candle offers up to 30 hours of protection for a small area, like a porch or patio.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
This device uses heat to disperse the repellent into the air.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
