The Best Mosquito Control Gear of 2023

This list offers the best mosquito control gear products that will keep any pesky bugs away from your campsite.

Best Mosquito Control Gear

Whether you’re exploring nature, enjoying a picnic, or simply lounging in your backyard, mosquitoes are an unwelcome presence that can quickly ruin any outdoor activity. These tiny insects are not only pesky and irritating, but they can also pose a serious health risk by transmitting diseases. But fear not! With the right mosquito control gear, you can effectively repel these pests and enjoy your outdoor moments without any interruptions. Our blog review features a carefully curated list of the best mosquito control gear currently available. Each product has been thoroughly tested and evaluated to ensure its efficiency in tackling your pest problem while keeping you and the environment safe. Say goodbye to pesky mosquitoes and hello to a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

Everything We Recommend

1. Best Product

Thermacell Patio Shield

2. Runner Up

Thermacell E90 Rechargeable

3. Cost Effective

PIC Mosquito Repelling Coils

4. Almost Made the Cut

Thermacell Radius Zone

1. Best Product

1. Best Product

Thermacell Patio Shield

Powered by a 12-hour fuel cartridge, this device creates a 15-foot odorless zone around you that helps deter mosquitoes.

Specifications
Cartridge Volume
0.41 fluid ounces each
Weight
1.57 pounds
Dimensions
10 x 5 x 10 inches
Target Species
Insects
Pros
  • Scent-free, Silent Operation
  • People and Pet Friendly
  • Mess-Free Mechanism
  • Portable and Easy To Use
Cons
  • Costly Refills
  • Less Effective in Extremely Windy Conditions

Previous Customer Experience

Portability
4.2
Easy to install
4.2
Easy to use
3.9
Scent
3.7
Longevity
3.2
Value for money
3.1

Who It’s For

This cordless and odorless device is perfect for those who want to have intimate dinners on the deck or other small-scale outdoor parties and enjoy a scent-free mosquito-free evening.

Why It’s Great

This pick for the best mosquito control gear works well as a mosquito repellent and is easy to use. There's no need for batteries or wires, and the 12-hour fuel cartridge covers a 15-foot area. The repellent also doesn't have any fragrance and doesn't use DEET.

Potential Flaws

The protection range of the Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller extends only about 15 feet, and you have to buy extra fuel cartridges. The Patio Shield is also a little large, making it less portable. The next best alternative is the Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent, which is more portable and odorless.

Other Features

The Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller is an affordable option for a permanent mosquito repellent. It also comes in various colors and occasionally discounted prices on the Thermacell site and other online stores.

When we tested its features, we found that the Patio Shield does keep to its promise of having a range of 15 feet. We found that this repellent doesn't require batteries or electricity and operates for 12 hours on a single fuel cartridge. There's no need for open flames, citronella, DEET, or chemical exposure. The Patio Shield uses an unscented repellant mat; these mats can be used for up to four hours before changing colors to indicate that they need to be refilled.
Each Patio Shield purchase comes with three 12-hour refill packs, each of which includes three replacement mats and a fuel cartridge. A 36-hour, 72-hour, 120-hour, and 300-hour replenishment pack is also available for purchase by those who prefer to use it for extended periods.

To use, you simply insert the mat, twist the fuel cartridge into place, turn on the device, and make sure the heat is on. After that, you'll see an orange glow through the view window. When that’s done, all you have to do is wait some 15 minutes for the heat to activate the repellant and begin working.

Product Specifications

Material feature: No Spray Mosquito Repellent
Active ingredient: D-cis/trans allethrin
Hours of Protection: 12
Zone of Protection: 15 Feet
Weight: 0.6 Pounds
Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 6.5 inches
Scent: Scent-free

2. Runner Up

2. Runner Up

Thermacell E90 Rechargeable

This option deters mosquitos and other pesky bugs for up to 9 hours, which is impressive for a rechargeable device.

Specifications
Weight
1.01 pounds
Dimensions
11 x 6 x 6 inches
Volume
0.33 fluid ounces
Scent
Unscented
Pros
  • Simple User Interface
  • 12-Hour Cartridge
  • Ideal For Large Gatherings
Cons
  • Reduced Efficacy In Windy Conditions
  • This Option May Not Deter Other Bugs

Previous Customer Experience

Overall
3.8

Who It’s For

The Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent is for those who want to enjoy the advantages of the Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller but with an extra 5 feet of distance to provide more room. This is typical for larger gatherings and group outdoor meetings.

Why It’s Great

The Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Insect Repeller was one of the most functional and user-friendly repellents we tested, and came close to matching the efficacy of a full-body application of a spray repellent.

Potential Flaws

We found that the Thermacell E90's major drawback is that it becomes ineffective if there is any kind of wind. Since the E90 was created to repel mosquitoes, it was also unlikely to have much of an effect on other insects. If you would prefer an alternative that offers the same efficiency, then you should consider our pick as the cost-effective option.

Other Features

The Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent is more expensive than our pick because of the extra distance it provides. It also comes in several limited colors and is available for sale on the Thermacell site and is quite popular on other online stores.

When we examined the E90, we found that it was less of a hassle to maintain, as it has a longer lifespan, requires less maintenance, and poses no health risks to the user. To keep mosquitoes at bay, the Thermacell E90 uses its heat to evaporate a vial of liquid repellent, which then gently releases itself into the surrounding air.

The E90 is virtually noiseless and odorless while in operation, with only a trace of vapor being visible when it escapes the top. The E90 is unique because its heating system is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery has a nine-hour runtime and can be used even while charging. Unlike those other choices, the E90 only requires a setting, after which you can rest assured that it is doing its job. That way, you won't have to worry about running out of repellent or spending too much time worrying if the repellent is active.

The E90's single-button interface makes it easy for anyone to use. When the button is pressed, the device starts warming up, and its four tiny indicator lights begin a chasing pattern. After heating up and generating repellant, all four lights continue to shine. Short presses of the button toggle between a three-light indicator of remaining battery life and power off, while longer presses turn off the device. Like our pick, it takes 15 minutes to be active.

The E90's design is another strong point, in our opinion. It's compact and modern, so it looks good next to small containers. However, its soft style shows that it's not meant for anything other than a patio or back porch.

Product Specifications

Material feature: No Spray Mosquito Repellent
Active ingredient: Metofluthrin
Hours of Protection: 9
Zone of Protection: 20 Feet
Weight: 0.9 Pounds
Dimensions: ‎3.5 x 3.5 x 4.25 inches
Scent: Scent-free

3. Cost Effective

3. Cost Effective

PIC Mosquito Repelling Coils

This old-fashioned yet reliable approach is a simple and affordable way to deter bugs.

Specifications
Dimensions
5.16 x 5 x 3.46 inches
Weight
12.6 ounces
Size
5 pack, 20 count
Scent
Unscented
Item Form
Coil
Pros
  • Each Coil Is Effective for 5-7 Hours
  • Perfect For Porches and Patios
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Easily Breakable
  • The Smoke Can Cause irritation or Discomfort
  • This Option Can Be A Fire Hazard

Previous Customer Experience

Easy to use
4.3
Scent
4.1
Value for money
4

Who It’s For

These mosquito-repelling coils are for those who live in windy areas and like to spend their moments outdoors where the Thermacell might be less effective.

Why It’s Great

As a proven spatial repellent, these coils are a great option. They are much cheaper than almost all other options the Thermacell has to offer and require no maintenance or fuel.

Potential Flaws

As a coil, the Pic's strong odor might be off-putting to some people, while the ember at the tip also poses a fire hazard, and the coils can shed ash as they burn. Moreover, they are not as convenient or long-lasting as our top picks. For those who prefer more convenient and durable options, the best alternatives are the Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller or the Patio Sheild.

Other Features

This option for the best mosquito control gear comes at a price a little bit cheaper than the Thermacell options and can be gotten on the Pic site or on Amazon. We discovered that when lit, these spirals, which are about the size of coasters, behave like incense. There were also several active ingredients in different Pic packages. This one produced smoke that contained a pyrethroid in addition to allethrin.

We also found that the Pic coils may be used for approximately seven hours before they need to be replaced. They also come with a miniature tray that may be used to collect ash as the coil burns down. Apart from that, the Pic was like any other mosquito repelling coil, except that it had to be used outdoors only and was more reliable than other mosquito repelling coils.

Product Specifications

Material feature: Coil
Active ingredient: Pyrethroid & allethrin
Hours of Protection: 7
Scent: Scented

4. Almost Made the Cut

4. Almost Made the Cut

Thermacell Radius Zone

Our last pick sports a design to provide hours of mosquito repellent without leaving any scent or mess.

Specifications
Weight
0.4 pounds
Dimensions
3.1 x 1.9 x 3.3 inches
Components
Battery, Repellent Cartridge
Pros
  • Rechargeable 6.5-Hour Battery
  • Available in Blue and Black
  • Effective Within 15 Minutes
Cons
  • Lengthy Charging Time
  • Use Limited To Outdoors

Previous Customer Experience

Portability
4.5
For traveling
4
Easy to use
4
Scent
3.8
Battery life
3.4
Value for money
2.9

Who It’s For

The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller is best for those who want to enjoy an outdoor scent-free, spray-free, and mosquito-free night.

Why It’s Great

The Thermacell Radius is a portable device that emits a thermal barrier to ward off pesky insects like mosquitoes. The rechargeable pod weighs less than 7 ounces with a small liquid repellent refill that lasts for hours.

Potential Flaws

Testing revealed that the Thermacell Radius's biggest drawbacks were its lengthy charging time and its need for a more durable battery. For those who prefer not to use rechargeable devices, the best alternative is the Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller.

Other Features

As you might have guessed, the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller is expensive. However, its price is still within an affordable range and can be purchased with some savings at the Thermacell site or online merchant stores.

During testing, we discovered that a single charge of the handheld gadget was sufficient to keep mosquitoes at bay for 6.5 hours while protecting an area 15 feet wide. According to the manufacturer, it is also possible for a single refill to offer up to 40 hours of nonstop protection against mosquito bites.

This pick for the best mosquito control gear was also easy to use. To start, just unscrew the refill cap, flip open the repeller, place the refill in the base, and then snap the cap back into place before turning on the power. The device will activate and spread the repellent from the refill after 15 minutes of heating it. In addition, the little device is TSA approved and is both hardy and portable, making it an ideal companion on outings and trips.

Product Specifications

Material feature: No Spray Mosquito Repellent
Active ingredient: Metofluthrin
Hours of Protection: 12
Zone of Protection: 20 Feet
Battery life: 6.5 hours
Weight: 0.4 Pounds
Dimensions: ‎3.1 x 1.9 x 3.3 inches
Scent: Scent free

Who This Is For

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), vectorborne diseases constitute a serious public health concern in the United States. And, mosquitoes are the vectors for the transmission of some of these viruses. Therefore, everyone should make it their top priority to reduce the likelihood of getting mosquito bites. These products are also for those who want to enjoy a moment outside without having to worry about insect bites.

Different types of mosquito control gear

There is a wide range of insect repellents to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Lotions, creams, sunscreen, and wipes are all examples of topical repellents. Topical repellents are some of the most effective option because they are in direct contact with the skin.

For those who would rather safeguard a larger outdoor space, there is no shortage of solutions. Larvicide, an insecticide used in several of these methods, is effective because it prevents mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes. These include mosquito granules, which are most effective when applied to stagnant water.

Similar to granules are mosquito dunks, which are very effective at repelling mosquitoes. In addition to the aforementioned, there are candles, coils, lights, fans, and spatial repellants. You can also use zappers and ultrasonic mosquito repellent devices. They use high-pitched frequencies to simulate the sounds of predators and scare mosquitoes away.

Why You Should Trust Us

At the core of buying the best mosquito control gear, is trust – trust in the product’s ability to protect your health and well-being. As such, we understand the importance of this trust and take our responsibility to our readers seriously. To ensure that our reviews are reliable, we conduct thorough testing and research on each product before we publish our findings. In addition, we aim to offer comprehensive information about every product we review, covering its features, benefits, and limitations.

How We Picked

Humane method

Humane bug control methods involve the use of non-chemical gear. Foggers, yard sprays, and bug zappers are just some of the many solutions that are efficient in combating mosquitoes. However, they can kill all insects in their path. Since many of these insects are helpful predators of other insect pests and are food normally reserved for birds and bats, their annihilation en masse could have far-reaching consequences. We also considered methods that were not harmful to the people using them. These include dangerous sprays and other forms of mosquito repellents.

Quality of capture/control

According to the AMCA, mosquito repellent is more effective than mosquito traps. That is because, regardless of the design of the trap, mosquitoes prefer a human host over the attractant of the trap. Other studies found that using traps either significantly increased or had no effect on biting pressure at close range when compared to other means. A trap’s objective is to draw mosquitos to a specified location, but once there, they will find a human to be more delectable than a trap, which is why repellants are considered to be more effective.

Gear-Type

Lights

Mosquitoes are nocturnal insects that hunt for food by using light as a cue in dark environments. Not only can string lights in the backyard, deck, and patio look good, but they can also discourage the presence of insects. That is because these special lights are now constructed within pods that contain BiteFighter-repellant fluid. According to the manufacturers, these lights can protect an area that is 330 square feet in size for up to 200 hours.

Repellent sprays

Mosquito control repellent sprays can be natural or chemical. They typically contain active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These ingredients repel mosquitoes by interfering with their sense of smell. Spatial repellents are another type of modern repellent. In essence, these gadgets are air diffusers that release a repellant into the atmosphere, thereby creating a mosquito-free zone by repulsion without killing the insects.

Nets

One of the best defenses against mosquito bites is a mosquito net. While bed nets are pretty popular, you can also wear one over your head, especially when in the great outdoors. These spacious suits are made of breathable mesh and provide full body protection from insects. However, most people don’t find them convenient.

Coils

Mosquito-repelling coils go far back to the early twentieth century and were made with dried pyrethrum paste. Today, they are made using plant-derived chemicals and pyrethroid insecticides. Depending on the ingredients, the smoke from a burning coil can either kill or repel mosquitoes. However, in windy conditions, any active element in mosquito coils can be ineffective. Even though mosquito coils are an aesthetically pleasing method of repelling mosquitos, their persistent burning can pose a major health risk.

Price vs. quality

Our recommendations need to be user-friendly, secure, and affordable. We want gear that you simply set up and let the magic happen. We didn’t set a price limit for the best mosquito control gear, as we focused on finding a cost-effective solution. Therefore, convenience was weighed against both cost, quality, and effectiveness.

Style/design

It is not the ice age, and repelling mosquitoes does not require crude, unaesthetic tools. Whether it is lighting, spatial repellants, sprays, or other gear, you want to have something attractive yet functional.

Ease of use

When it comes to warding off mosquitoes, you have the option of using either a spray repellent or other gear. This depends on whether you want a temporary solution or a reusable one. Whichever one you choose, ease of use is paramount.

Convenience

Coils and mosquito nets are usually not people’s first choice because nets are restrictive and coils can be harmful. You would want to consider using mosquito gear that does not bother you as much as it bothers the insects

How We Picked

  • Humane

    Humane mosquito repellent gear uses natural ingredients or physical barriers to repel mosquitoes. These ingredients include citronella, neem oil, or mosquito nets. However, on occasion, you may resort to chemical-based repellents. Our picks are a mix of both, allowing you can pick what fits your situation.

  • Quality

    The quality of any mosquito repellent gear determines how effective it is. We chose the best mosquito control gear that are safe for use by adults, children, and pets, and avoid those that contain harmful chemicals or toxins. Consider products that are DEET-free or contain natural ingredients such as essential oils. These are generally safer and more eco-friendly.

  • Gear Type

    Given that no gear can guarantee 100% protection from mosquitos, it's practical to combine a few types. You can opt for sprays, zappers, coils, or protective wear like nets and socks.

  • Cost-Effectiveness

    Between quality and convenience, we want to make sure you have the most cost-efficient gear. The overall cost of preventing mosquito bites should be lower than treating the effects of mosquito bites. We included gears at different price points to cater to everyone.

Care and Maintenance

Knowing the concentration of bugs in your location

You can tell when bugs are more likely to show up based on certain indicators. Mosquitoes, for instance, prefer humid climates with high temperatures. Ticks become more active in hot weather, and cockroaches emerge in dry, hot sections of the country in search of food and water. Once you know the weather, you can predict what kinds of pests may show up in your location and in what numbers.

Different gear works better on different bugs

There are tons of different gear meant to control different bugs. While pesticides may generally work for almost all insects, they will leave you uncomfortable. Advanced gear like lights and spatial repellents that might work for small insects like mosquitoes might not be effective on larger bugs. Therefore, you should be specific about which bugs you want to target before getting the right gear for the job.

Keep mosquito control gear, especially sprays, and liquids, out of reach of children and pets

Mosquito gear and all equipment should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. According to the healthy children organization, most domestic accidents involving children happen when the caregivers are home but are not paying attention to the children. If you spray a room or are using a repellent, make sure that the children are far from it, as well as your pets. Always make sure to safeguard against all accidents by securely locking away your best mosquito control gear after use or when not in use.

Knowing if gears need refilling

If you use any of the spatial repellents, you should thoroughly read the manual to know how to handle them properly. For almost all Thermacell products, there are warning lights and indicators to show when the device is low or needs refilling. However, the most effective way is to know how long each cartridge lasts and to refuel it once its time has elapsed.

How to refill your best mosquito control gear

If you want to refill your Thermacell butane cartridges, you’ll need to make some adjustments to the container that holds the butane. Due to this, potential risks exist. Make sure the cartridge is completely empty by releasing the air pressure in it into the air. Keep a safe distance from the container and use safety gear like goggles. Also, listen carefully when depressing the cartridge’s top valve to ensure all of the air pressure has been released.

How to safely pour fuel

Butane cartridges from Themacell can be refilled in two different ways. A check valve inside the cartridge must be removed in the first technique before butane can be added. To do that, empty the cartridge and carefully unscrew the brass valve from the cartridge’s end. After that, place the main valve can back into the cartridge. Refill the butane cartridge by inserting the tip into the valve on the cartridge.

The second way is to install an inlet valve by drilling a hole in the base of a used cartridge. Use epoxy to further secure the opening and prevent leaks. After installation, refill the cartridge directly through the inlet valve.

When dealing with spray or other chemical gear, be sure to ensure that you use gloves and protect your skin. In cases where you apply them directly or use spatial repellents, always wash your hands immediately after.