When the sun sets and the air cools, the buzz begins — and not the good kind. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they are relentless invaders of our summer evenings and potential carriers of disease.
Fortunately, modern mosquito control has evolved far beyond citronella candles and frantic swatting. From high-tech ultrasonic devices to tried-and-true DEET sprays, today’s repellents offer a wide range of defenses to keep these tiny biters at bay. With so many options on the market, does one method have an advantage or another?
Reclaim your outdoor space – and your skin! Here are positive and negative traits of sprays and electronic devices, organized by category. Protection from mosquitoes reduces the likelihood of mosquito-borne diseases and who likes to ITCH! This will preface the next article on mosquito-borne diseases.
Dress for the Occasion to keep mosquitoes away!
Florida is quite hot during mosquito season so choosing our “mosquito” garb is essential. Tightly woven fabrics prevent the mosquito from penetrating the fabric to bite you. However, this fabric may not breath as well. Cotton or loose knits are helpful to combat the heat and mosquito’s proboscis.
Long sleeves and pants are a simple and effective way to prevent bites. Choose loose-fitting material that has a tightly woven fabric. If the material fits tightly, the mosquito can bite through it.
See tip one above.
Keep it light-colored! According to researchers at the University of Washington, Asian tiger mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like black, navy, orange and cyan after they detected carbon dioxide on human’s breath.2 Light colors make you less appealing – to the mosquito anyways. White fabric is a safe color.
Some clothing comes pretreated with synthetic insect repellents, like permethrin. There are about three or four brands on the market from Insect Shield, to Rynoskin. If you do not mind the odor of the material, this option may be alluring. The treated fabric after 20 or more washing will fade in its protective property.
Ultimately, there is mesh and netting for extreme conditions. These options can get hot in the summer. If someone is allergic to mosquito bites, it is a feasible option. The mesh must be fine enough to prevent mosquito entry and kept away from the skin. Just like fabrics mentioned above, if the screening touches the skin, so does the mosquito’s proboscis.
Repellents
According to UF research, topical sprays and lotions containing 20% Picaridin or 25% DEET are effective, safe repellents when used properly1. Sprays and lotions allow you to move freely around the yard while providing a lasting protection. Protection can last up to 12 hours compare to botanical sprays. These products are locally available and affordable. Formulations can be odorless and non-greasy and safe on fabrics. Picaridin is more expensive than DEET. However, DEET has a strong, objectional, chemical smell. Always read their labels for caution on use with plastics and synthetic materials.
Natural, botanical, and plant-based products are DEET-free alternatives and have nice scents. Lavender, peppermint, citronella, Neem, and other geraniol oils are eco-friendly, and are used on the skin, or in diffusers. Unfortunately, the active protection period is shorter than 6 hours and oil is slick or greasy on your skin! They are less effective and require frequent reapplication. Additionally, although natural, they can cause skin irritation with sensitive-skinned users.1
Coils and Candles
These repellents are inexpensive and easy to use. They work in small outdoor settings. Be aware though they are a hazard around small children and inquisitive ones. The smoke can be bothersome and unpleasant, and the repellent dissipates as you get away from the source.
Electronic devices
Wow – now this is a market! Researching this topic, resulted in an abundance of devices for repelling mosquitoes. The devices were repellers, zappers, and trappers. The positive aspects – the devices were odorless, quiet while operating, and could cover up to thirty-foot areas. However, there were undesirable aspects. The devices using pheromones required frequent replacement. The trappers collected lizards, beetles, moths, and mosquitoes. The rechargeable devices only last so long. Lastly, windy conditions moved the protection zone.
Best Strategy?
The one that works for you and your setting! Whether you are using a spray, a wearable device, or a plug-in diffuser, how you use your repellent can make all the difference. For sprays, apply evenly to all exposed skin and reapply as directed. Avoid spraying directly on your face; instead, spray your hands and gently pat it on. If using devices like clip-ons or thermacell units, make sure you’re within the effective range and allow a few minutes for the repellent zone to form. Moving around dilutes your protection until your zone is reestablished. Wearing a light fabric with long sleeves and pant legs can boost your protection and keep those bites at bay. For the best results, combine methods:
- Use an electronic device for area protection.
- Light a citronella candle near your seating areas.
- Apply a light spray to your clothing and exposed skin if you will be walking near vegetation.
Summary Chart
A final note, none of the above methods reduce mosquito populations. These methods enable you to be more comfortable and prevent bites while sharing outdoor space with mosquitoes.
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Sprays (DEET/Picaridin) | Most all-day outdoor use | Long-lasting, effective | Chemical smell, may irritate skin |
| Natural Sprays | Short outings, sensitive users | Pleasant scent, eco-friendly | Short protection |
| Electronic Devices | Backyard, camping | Hands-free, odorless | Battery or charging-dependent, wind-sensitive |
| Essential Oils | Indoors, light use | Natural, customizable | Frequent reapplication |
| Coils/Candles | Outdoor dining | Cheap, simple | Smoke, limited range |
If you missed Series 101 of the Mosquito Season Preparation, click here. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/gcrec/2025/04/16/ditch-the-itch-tips-for-mosquito-season-in-florida/
If all your efforts do not reduce your mosquito problem, consult a pest control company. If your backyard has a large water body nearby, it may be a source for the mosquito life cycle and professionals may need to treat.
Mosquito Season 103 will cover the mosquito-borne diseases. If you need further information on strategies to manage home pests such as mosquitoes, please give us a call at 863-773-2164, or come by the UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County office. If you have any questions related to this article, please contact Lisa Hickey via email at lisa.hickey@ufl.edu. or Jonael Bosques at jonael@ufl.edu. We are located at 507 Civic Center Drive, Wauchula FL 33873.
Resources:
1 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Mosquito Repellents in 2025: Sprays, Devices, and Natural Options. 2025. Savvy Survivalist. https://thesavvysurvivalist.com/best-mosquito-repellents-2025/.
2 Mosquitoes and Repellents. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/natural-resources/sustainability-mosquitoes/.
3 Emir, C. 2022. Scientists Revealed 4 Colors to Wear to Avoid mosquito Bites. https://interestingengineering.com/science/scientists-revealed-4-colors-to-wear-to-avoid-mosquito-bites
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