Does mosquito repellent work?

Yes, mosquito repellents work, but there’s a big disclaimer. You need to follow the instructions exactly and know what to expect. So, what should you expect?

Go to your local supermarket and you’ll find countless mosquito repellants on the shelf. Repellents, when used correctly, can provide a valuable layer of defense against mosquitoes, but the level of protection can vary based on several factors.

In this guide, we’ll try to demystify the world of mosquito repellent, and help you pick out a mosquito repellent that works for you.

Which Mosquito Repellent is Most Effective?

The most important factor in the effectiveness of mosquito repellent is the active ingredient. The most powerful mosquito repellants tend to cause the most irritation to your skin, and may not be recommended for certain people.

In terms of pure effectiveness, we would rate mosquito repellents like this:

1. DEET-based repellents have been used for decades and continue to be one of the most popular and effective choices for mosquito repellent. DEET is safe for most people, but it can be irritating to the skin of some. Children may be especially susceptible to irritation.
2. Picaridin is a newer synthetic compound designed to be similar to DEET in effectiveness and duration, but less irritating to the skin. It is often recommended for children and people with sensitive skin.
3. IR3535 is another synthetic compound that is similar to DEET and picaridin in terms of effectiveness and duration. It is less irritating to the skin than DEET and picaridin, and it is often recommended for children and people with sensitive skin.
4. Citronella oil is a natural mosquito repellent that is safe for most people. It can offer protection for a short time – its effectiveness quickly wears off.
5. Organic and all-natural mosquito repellents are made with natural ingredients, such as essential oils. They are safe for most people, but may not be effective in all situations.

How Does Mosquito Repellent Work?

Mosquito repellents have such strong smells that you might think they work because mosquitoes dislike the smell. In reality, mosquito repellents work mostly the same way: they mask your smell so mosquitoes can’t find you.

Mosquitoes are great at smelling, and they’re highly attuned to many human odors like sweat and breath. Mosquito repellents override your natural scents so they can’t find you. Mosquito repellents aren’t always effective. Sometimes, there are just too many mosquitoes and no amount of repellent will keep them away. Repellents also become less effective over time, so you might need to reapply them.

Does Natural Mosquito Repellent Work?

Natural mosquito repellents often aren’t as effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay. If it’s the only type of repellent you can use, it’s better than nothing, and they can have their uses in situations with light mosquito activity, but in areas with lots of mosquitoes, they may not offer the protection you want.

Think of Your Clothes as a Mosquito Repellent Too

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to wear mosquito repellant, don’t get stressed. Get dressed up. Mosquitoes can’t bite your skin if they can’t get to your skin. Wear long pants and long sleeves like it’s your suit of armor against mosquitoes.

Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard with Professional Treatment

Mosquitoes in the Southeastern United States area can get so bad that even the strong repellants won’t do the entire job. When that’s the case, professional treatment from the experienced mosquito exterminators at Lookout Pest Control can help.

Call Lookout Pest Control today to schedule your mosquito treatment.