Mosquito repellents: a review of popular options and tips for choosing

With the onset of warmer weather, blood-sucking insects become more active. The most common and annoying of these are mosquitoes. There are many mosquito repellents available, and navigating them can be difficult.

Fumigators

The operating principle of these devices is the evaporation of substances toxic to insects - fumigants. As a result of heating, their vapors enter the air and poison mosquitoes.

Electric fumigators

The devices are powered by electricity and use active ingredient-impregnated plates or liquids containing the active ingredient. The latter are preferable because they don't smolder when heated for long periods, act faster, and maintain their mosquito-repelling effect longer.

Universal fumigators are beneficial, as they are suitable for both plates and bottles with liquid.

Devices for working with liquid fumigants

The most popular types are:

• Raid. One bottle lasts for a month when used nightly for 7-8 hours. The bottle capacity is designed for a room of approximately 50 m³. Some models have adjustable evaporation and an automatic shut-off function.
• Mosquitol. The liquid comes in two forms: for adults and children. They differ in composition: the former contains esbiothrin, while the latter contains transfluthrin and chamomile extract. The liquid lasts for six weeks. For best results, leave the fumigator on for two hours, or overnight if the window is open. The maximum duration is eight hours.
• Fumitox. It's odorless, and one bottle lasts for a month of nightly use (6-8 hours a day). There's a children's version, but it's not very effective. The fumigator's design allows you to adjust the fork to direct it in the desired direction.
• Family Picnic. The bottle lasts for six weeks of eight-hour use per day. The scent is virtually imperceptible. Its main advantage is the natural extracts it contains: Dalmatian chamomile, citronella, and tea tree. The device has a rotating plug and an indicator light.
• Raptor. Designed for a month of use, 8 hours a day. Several varieties are available, including Raptor Bio with natural ingredients.

Fumigator plates

They are usually released in packs of 10 plates. Some have an unpleasant odor and when dry cause malaise, nausea, and allergies.

• Family Picnic. Contains natural ingredients, is odorless, and low-toxic. Not suitable for use in areas with children under five. One package lasts 1.5 months—one strip lasts 10 hours.
• Killer. An inexpensive, odorless product, one package lasts for 120 hours of use (1 plate lasts 12 hours). It starts working 10-15 minutes after turning on the fumigator. The plates are non-toxic to humans and animals.
• Raptor Nekusayka. Designed for children and suitable for sensitive adults. The plates are odorless. The mosquito repellent effect begins within 10 minutes of use.

Battery-powered fumigators have recently become available, including Raptor Mobile, Off Clip On, and Thermacell. They're convenient to take with you on walks, picnics, or to the countryside, and can even be used in the car. However, they're not very effective and can cause allergies when worn close to the face or body.

DEET Insecto is effective against mosquitoes, but is also very toxic to humans.

Pyrotechnic fumigators

These are coils of wood flour impregnated with a fumigant. When ignited, they release a mosquito-killing substance. They are used outdoors: on hikes, in the garden, or on the balcony. They are not suitable for indoor use, as the combustion products are harmful to health.

When fumigation coils burn, they release carcinogens—substances that can cause cancer when they accumulate in the body. To prevent fumes from entering your body, keep the coils away from people and use them only outdoors.

The average effective range is about three meters around the coil. One coil lasts approximately seven hours, and the effect is noticeable 10–15 minutes after ignition:

• Raptor is one of the most effective coils; in small doses its smoke is non-toxic to animals and people;
• Raid - works even in light wind and can be used indoors provided there is good ventilation, but it is not worth the risk;
• Gardex contains esbiothrin, a substance that is lethal to mosquitoes but non-toxic to humans;
• Komaroff is an inexpensive coil; there are two types of the product, differing in strength: for forests and for summer cottages.

In windy weather, using spirals is not always effective. Use them in combination with sprays and other products applied to skin and clothing.

The spirals come with special stands, often decorative ones.

Mosquito repellents

The principle of their operation is based on the emission of ultrasonic waves of a certain frequency.Different mosquito species produce sounds at different frequencies. Since there are approximately 300 mosquito species in Russia, for example, the effectiveness of a specific device model may vary depending on the region. Some devices feature an adjustable ultrasonic frequency control, allowing you to select the most effective setting.

There are stationary, electric-powered repellents and portable, battery-powered ones. The former are suitable for home use, while the latter are suitable for hiking and walking. However, for longer trips, you'll need to stock up on plenty of batteries.

If you have a good understanding of physics and technology, you can make an ultrasonic repeller yourself.

Traps

They work by luring mosquitoes to a place they can't escape from. The appeal of these devices is based on imitating objects that bloodsuckers find attractive. There are several varieties:

1. Carbon dioxide. It's emitted by humans when they breathe, and mosquitoes flock to it, sniffing it from afar. Therefore, devices that emit CO², lure bloodsuckers. They are drawn into the trap's container, from which there is no escape. Inside, they die of dehydration. The devices are used outdoors, as indoor use can be hazardous to human health.
2. Water-based mosquito repellents. They are easy to use and safe for humans, and can be used indoors. Since female mosquitoes lay their eggs in damp places, water attracts them and helps kill the insects, which drown in it.
3. Thermal mosquito repellent devices attract mosquitoes using heat. The device's advantages include safety for people and a wide range (up to 50 square meters). The disadvantages include its high cost, large size, and dependence on electricity.
4. Propane traps. These are considered the most effective. When exposed to flame, propane releases water and carbon dioxide, which attract mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are attracted to the traps from up to 20 meters away. They are available in both wired and cordless versions. The downside is the need to constantly purchase expensive propane tanks (one lasts on average a month).
5. Ultraviolet lamps. These resemble tabletop lamps and are powered by electricity. The light emitted by UV lamps is dim and generally doesn't interfere with sleep, but it does attract mosquitoes. An included fan draws them into a container, where they die of dehydration. When the trap is disconnected, the insects can escape through the cracks. The advantages include safety for humans, compact size, and relative affordability. The disadvantages include the noise from the fan.

By choosing a UV mosquito lamp with a suitable design, you can also decorate your home or garden.

Bracelets

This protective device is especially suitable for allergy sufferers and children. The bracelets are worn on the arms or legs:

• BugsLock. Safe even for small children. The microfiber bracelet is infused with natural lavender or citronella oils and works for 10 days.
• Bugstop. Protection period: at least 170 hours. Suitable for children ages three and up. Citronella oil provides mosquito repellent.
• Gardex Baby. It has a container for a replaceable cartridge. It uses natural oils, but is not recommended for children under 2 years of age, those with allergies, or pregnant women. It is also not recommended to wear the bracelet for more than 6 hours a day. One plate lasts for about three weeks.
• Camping Protect. Suitable for children and adults, safe for allergy sufferers. Scent intensity can be adjusted. Lasts for a month on average.
• Mothercare. For children ages three and up. Contains geranium, citronella, and lemongrass oils. Its distinguishing feature is its water-resistant properties, allowing you to wear it during bathing. Lasts up to 100 hours.
• A farewell squeak. There are varieties for men, women, and children, but even the latter is not suitable for babies under 2 years old. Wear it for no more than 7 hours a day.

To prolong the life of your bracelet, store it in an airtight container when not in use. Buy the product only from reputable sources to avoid counterfeits. If it has an unpleasant, strong odor, it should not be used, especially by children.

Folk remedies

If you don't have any chemicals on hand and mosquitoes are plaguing you, try some folk remedies. The following are the most effective:

1. Citronella oil. Place a container with 2–3 drops of essential oil in the room. Its vapors will repel mosquitoes. Apply to skin outdoors. Use only natural products.
2. A mixture of cologne and clove infusion, or couch grass infusion. Apply these to your skin to repel mosquitoes.
3. Valerian and camphor. Their aroma is unbearable for mosquitoes. Vaporize 100 g of camphor over a flame to completely rid the room of them.
4. Vanilla solution. Use it to spray on your body and clothes.
5. Tea tree oil. It repels insects and relieves itching and inflammation from their bites.
6. Anise and eucalyptus. Apply a small amount of these oils to your body or add a few drops to an aromatherapy lamp.
7. Fish oil. Apply to your skin. It's completely safe for both adults and children.
8. Carbolic acid. To keep mosquitoes away at night, spray your bed with this substance.
9. Ammonia. When outdoors, you can lightly spray yourself with it.
10. Zvezdochka Balm. Apply to exposed skin. Not suitable for sensitive skin or children.

Photo Gallery: Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Chemicals

There are various chemical products designed to kill insects indoors or for application to the body and clothing. Sprays are the most popular.

For processing of premises

Raid is a spray against mosquitoes and other flying insects, as well as fly larvae. Spray indoors, away from people and animals, including aquariums. It works immediately. The substance is toxic and should not be inhaled or allowed to come into contact with skin. After 15 minutes of spraying, when the insects have died, ventilate the room, and to prevent reinfestation, treat the perimeter of windows and doors with the product.

When using any mosquito repellent, follow safety precautions: keep it out of the reach of children, do not swallow chemicals, and do not allow products not intended for use on the body to come into contact with the skin.

For processing summer cottages

Toxic preparations based on cypermethrin are intended for this purpose, so carry out the treatment wearing a respirator and closed clothing:

• Cifox. A strong and highly toxic product that can easily cause poisoning. Prepare according to the instructions: dissolve 4 ml in 1 liter of water. For every 100 square meters, you'll need 1 liter of solution.
  

  Cypermethrin is also used to disinfect premises from bedbugs, cockroaches and fleas.

• Medilis Ziper. Dissolve 2–5 ml per 1 liter of water. You'll need 1 liter of the prepared solution per 100 square meters.
• Dr. Klaus Insect Super. Fights mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, including garden pests and their larvae. Suitable for treating walls, verandas, cottage foundations, garden paths, entrance doors, and windows.

The products are toxic not only to mosquitoes, but also to bees.

For clothing and fabrics

For textile treatment use:

• Reftamide is an economical DEET-based spray that protects against all bloodsuckers. It is used to treat camping equipment and clothing, but is not applied to the skin. Reftamide Maximum is suitable for both clothing and the body. Its effect lasts 4–6 hours.
• Medilis Comfort is a spray against all blood-sucking insects. It is intended for use on clothing and other fabric items only. Do not apply it to skin. It provides protection against mosquitoes for 2–3 weeks. It is not recommended for use on children or pregnant women.

For human skin and clothing

Most sprays available on the market can be applied to both the body and fabrics.

Off

The brand is represented by a line of products:

• SMOOTH & DRY is a DEET-based skin spray. It dries instantly and is non-sticky. It has a pleasant scent. Its effects begin within minutes of application and last for 3-4 hours. It is toxic, so spray it on the skin from a distance of 15-20 cm and no more than twice a day. Not suitable for children or pregnant women.
• Extreme is for spraying on skin and clothing. It effectively protects against not only mosquitoes but also other insects. When applied to clothing, the effect lasts longer, but the product stains the clothing.

Gardex

There are various sprays from this brand, including those suitable for children aged 1 year and up. One of the most effective is Gardex Extreme. It is sprayed onto skin and fabrics from a distance of 15–25 cm. When applied to the body, the effect lasts for 4–5 hours. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women or children under 12 years of age.

Various brands of mosquito repellents have soothing balms for insect bites.

The maximum permissible concentration of DEET in aerosols for humans is 35%. Products containing this substance are used only after a skin sensitivity test. They are prohibited for use by children and pregnant women.

Mosquitoll

This brand's spray lasts for 4–8 hours, depending on the concentration of the active ingredients. It contains DEET and essential oils. Apply to the body no more than once a day. Not suitable for children or pregnant women. The effect lasts up to 8 hours, and up to a month when applied to clothing.

Taiga

A range of products including cream, spray, plates, liquid for fumigators and coils:

• This spray is designed to repel mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects and is intended for application to skin and clothing. It lasts for no more than three hours and should be applied no more than three times per day. Contains DEET.
• The cream is suitable for application to the face and neck. It should not be rubbed in. It contains clove essential oil. Although it does not contain DEET, it should be applied no more frequently than a spray.

Picnic

A Russian brand offering a wide range of products. The body spray has a pleasant scent and a soothing effect on the skin, which is beneficial for bites. Children's mosquito repellent sprays contain a small amount (7%) of DEET.

Products for children

• My Sunshine—this brand's line of products includes mosquito repellent spray and cream for babies aged one year and up, as well as a soothing after-bite balm for use from birth. These products are hypoallergenic and have a short duration of action—up to two hours. They are applied no more than three times a day (there are no such restrictions for the after-bite balm).
• Chicco. Our range includes bite wipes, baby cream, and ultrasonic repellents. These products are made with natural ingredients such as citronella and Indian lilac.
  

  Chikko is the only company that produces mosquito repellents for children under one year old.

• MiKo Lavender is a safe body and clothing spray based on geranium, lavender, citronella, and clove essential oils. It repels mosquitoes for up to two hours. Suitable for children and adults, including pregnant and nursing mothers.

Chemical mosquito repellents should not be applied to mucous membranes or damaged skin.

How to choose a mosquito repellent

Focus on the desired effect - duration of protection, pleasant scent, gentle formula, use outdoors. For allergy sufferers, children, pregnant and nursing mothers, do not use chemical mosquito repellents. Replace them with traps or ultrasonic devices. Folk remedies are suitable for application to the skin.

Even products labeled “for children” should not be used on children under two or three years of age, or on pregnant or nursing mothers.

When camping, a combination of products—coils, sprays for clothing and skin, traps, or repellents—will be most effective. At home, a fumigator and folk remedies can be used. When choosing a product, carefully read the instructions, which indicate the drug's action, possible contraindications, and side effects. If coughing, sneezing, swelling, or other allergic symptoms occur after use, rinse off the product and consult a doctor immediately. If you have a history of allergies, always have anti-allergy medications available and do not use new products without a sensitivity test.

Reviews

I've been using Picnic brand products for a long time to protect myself from mosquitoes and other insects. I've bought all sorts, but now I've settled on Picnic Hypoallergenic Spray for daily use. When I go out into nature, I take Picnic Super, because "nature" mosquitoes are much more bloodthirsty and numerous than those in cities; they wear them down, so to speak.

As for the hypoallergenic spray, it feels great on the skin, leaves no trace or scent, but it only lasts a couple of hours. However, it's the safest of all insect repellents, and I'm not afraid to use it every day; I know there won't be any irritation.

Picnic Super is certainly very different, especially in terms of smell. This product is quite fragrant, so I don't recommend using it in the city, but in nature it's perfect - not a single flying or buzzing specimen will dare come closer than a meter to you.

I bought a Clip-On mosquito repellent for my baby. What can I say? It works, but only when there's no wind outside, and even then, a single mosquito might fly in. I attached it to the bottom of the stroller when my baby was sleeping and the stroller wasn't moving. If you attach it and push the stroller, it won't work. The mosquitoes fly in like crazy. The same thing happens when someone is moving: if you're sitting, it repels them, but if you start walking, it doesn't work.

From personal experience, I know that all remedies (including vanillin) help for an hour at most. The only thing you can take with you when going outside is cloves. Just steep a few in boiling water. It stinks, sure, but it works, and it won't harm the baby.

For now, I'm using mosquito repellents. However, I'm confused: if mosquitoes are so repulsed by this smell, then how does it affect us? ((Fumigators are devices that plug into an electrical outlet and kill insects with pyrethroid poisons. They are generally considered harmless to humans, but if used for more than three hours in a closed room, excess poison is inhaled into the bloodstream. In allergy sufferers, such products can cause hives, anaphylactic shock, and even angioedema.

There are various types of mosquito and other insect repellents available. To make the right choice, consider the individual's needs and the desired effect.