We Asked 4 Pest Experts to Name the Top Mosquito Repellents

I’m determined to enjoy my backyard this summer, so I’m already plotting my defense against mosquitoes. There’s no lack of repellent sprays, candles, oils, and devices on the market, and I’m tempted to buy all of them. But I won’t give those annoying little bloodsuckers the satisfaction of also taking a bite out of my budget. So I asked four different pest experts for their help in narrowing down the most effective options. Here’s what they had to say.

Top 3 Mosquito Repellents

“The best repellents contain DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus,” says Natasha Oldham, general manager of MissQuito, a woman-led and -run mosquito control company. “All three of these ingredients have ample evidence of effectiveness in protecting people from mosquito bites.”

DEET and picaridin are chemicals that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as safe for the environment. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization approve their use for humans older than two months. Lemon eucalyptus oil, on the other hand, is a natural ingredient. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

Learn more from Barbara Bellesi Zito here.