The Best Mosquito Repellent

October 15th, 2008 Posted in Mosquitoes & Repellent



Nothing takes the fun out of the great outdoors like conniving, blood-thirsty mosquitoes. They’re annoying, their bites are annoying and all this noise about West Nile virus is equally annoying (and scary).

The most effective way of avoiding them? Stay inside, seal off all windows and doors, crank the A/C and don’t leave until it starts snowing. But for those who would rather have a life, there’s mosquito repellent.

Countless mosquito bites and diseases like West Nile virus prompted humans to develop dozens of mosquito repellents: sprays, aerosols, electronics, lotions, candles, wipes, lights, even a ring tone for your cell phone.

So, what is the best mosquito repellent, and why are you a target?


OFF! Deep Woods Formula (6 oz.)

What the Bottle Says:

“Off! 6 OZ, Deep Woods Insect Repellent Contains 23% Deet, Unscented Formula, Not Greasy & Resists Perspiration, Up To 6 Hours Protection From Mosquitoes, Flies, Gnats, Ticks, Chiggers & Fleas.”

What We Say:

Off! Deep Woods formula claims that it’s unscented. What that really means is that although there aren’t any scents added to it, it still emits a faint DEET funk.

Also, keep in mind the description says “Up to 6 hours protection;” instead, the product remains effective for an average of 3-4 hours, which was great for a picnic.

Reapplying the product is convenient with its aerosol spray, but the smell and sticky feel can be a turn off.


Bug Barrier 100% DEET


What the Bottle Says:

“Bug Barrier creates a personal barrier against mosquitoes and other small biting insects. Contains 100% DEET, 2 oz pump spray.”

What We Say:

Bug Barrier comes through with its promise of keeping a personal barrier against mosquitoes…as well as loved ones and potential dates. While this product worked for my Dad during his camping trips, it smells awful–TERRIBLE.

Additionally, strong amounts of DEET tend to burn plastic and nylon, so it must be stored in a sealed container while on a hike or it will melt holes in your tent.


EcoSMART Organic Insect Repellent

What the Bottle Says:

“EcoSMART keeps bugs away for hours and is safe for the entire family. We don’t use DEET or other synthetic chemicals–our powerful, all-natural formula is made from organic plant oils and repels mosquitoes, ticks, gnats and other annoying pests for hours.”

What We Say:

My family loves this stuff! The best thing about EcoSMART’s organic insecticide is that its ingredients include rosemary, cinnamon and lemongrass, making the organic insect repellant smell more like potpourri rather than death.

The only downside of this product is that it doesn’t last as long as DEET-based repellents, because it’s made from natural oils. But reapplying it isn’t terrible, because it smells fresh and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.


Citronella Candles

What Citronella Is:

Citronella oil comes from a grass found in Asia and is also believed to have healing properties in addition to being a natural insect repellent.

However, it’s strong stuff and can be dangerous if not diluted.

Do Citronella Candles Work?:

While the candles are effective in keeping some mosquitoes away, they stand no chance against swarms of them and shouldn’t be relied on as everyone’s main line of defense at a picnic.

They also lose their effectiveness with a gust of wind.


OFF! Mosquito Coil

What the Box Says:

“OFF!® Mosquito Coil protects an area of up to 10 ft. x 10 ft. from mosquitoes and comes in a reusable terra cotta pot. It also has a pleasant Country Fresh® scent that will enhance the ambiance of any outdoor setting.”

What We Say:

Mosquito coils work similar to citronella candles, but they have a flame and contain some of the same ingredients as conventional spray insecticides like pyethrins.

While they are more effective than citronella candles, the smoke can cause irritation in eyes and lungs if inhaled. We had to extinguish the thing not long after lighting it.


Avon Skin So Soft

Hailed as a tried-and-true moisturizer by Avon Ladies (and my mother) for generations, Skin-So-Soft also has street cred as an effective insect repellent (and a hot oil treatment, wood cleaner, etc.).

While no scientific evidence exists as to why it repels mosquitoes, mothers everywhere swear by its power.


Why Am I a Target?

In addition to considering the aforementioned products, realize that the following attracts mosquitoes:

  • Dark clothing

  • Carbon dioxide emitted from breath, skin and fire

  • Body heat

  • Moisture, such as sweat or standing water

  • High concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on skin surface

  • Excess amounts of certain acids produced by certain people, such as uric acid

When insects attack, trust EcoSMART products to effectively repel them while keeping your family safe (and smelling great!)




organic pest control



  1. 23 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!

  2. By mary on Dec 16, 2008

    I am always on the lookout for a mosquito repellant that works, but here is the kicker it has to be one I am not allergic to.

  3. By Michael Chihill on Dec 16, 2008

    This sounds like a product I need! The mosquitos were so bad this past summer here in NC adn I won’t use a DEET chemical product.

  4. By Sandi on Jan 13, 2009

    This is what I need! The mosquitos at my house are so awful the kids can’t enjoy all of the great things we have in our backyard like the sand pit, the pool, the trampoline etc They eat my kids alive! Every product we have tried not only makes us choke as we apply it from the stench but also is virtually ineffective as they still come in scratching with huge red welts all over their little bodies. UGh! I HATE mosquitos!

  5. By Gail Stoke on Mar 10, 2009

    the best natural spray I have ever used on my family that worked was from Hawaii.

    http://www.secondskinnaturals.com

  6. By stephanyard on Jun 23, 2009

    Very well written blog. This blog provides good information about mosquitos and relevence of mosquito repellents. Mosquitoes are quite hazardous as they might be the carriers of harmful viruses like West Nile virus. It is advisable to use natural mosquito repellents such as the Skin Armour Deep Woods Outdoor Soap. It is a completely deet free mosquito repellent.

  7. By Julia Bennett on Jul 9, 2009

    I am thrilled to learn about EcoSMART Organic Insect Repellent. I have had a terrible time with mosquitoes, they attack me everywhere I go. I was interested to learn (from this article) that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and body heat. The air conditioner is broken in my car and that is one place where I am being attacked. I would LOVE to try this product because it is safe and doesn’t stink!

    Thank you so much!!!

  8. By Patricia on Jul 9, 2009

    My son plays baseball, and since he’s now in the older age group, their games begin at 8:30 pm – just when the mosquitoes are ready to feast on my blood! The other night, they were so bad, I had 10 bites on my ankles alone. I used my Skin So Soft, but the smell was too strong for some of the people around me, so the following night, I used my friend’s Muskol. Personally, I found that smell to be more offensive. I’d love to try the EcoSMART repellent, not only because it would smell much better, but I would feel so much better about putting it on my daughter without having to worry about any ill effects from the deet.

  9. By Mel on Jul 9, 2009

    I am victim to these wickid, wickid insects. My skin swells each time I am “attacked.” I am an environmental scientist in search of an eco-friendly product that works! We just had a new patio installed and look forward to the enjoyment of the outdoors with family, friends, and pets. If it works, I will post on Facebook and every one of my environmental networks.

  10. By gilly on Jul 12, 2009

    as a pharmacist i am always asked to recommend products. I hate to recommend DEET products, especially for children, the elderly and the ill.
    Actually for anyone. But mosquitoes are a real danger and do need to be repelled someway.
    I know of certain herbs and oils etc but really would love to try a product that I can recommend with confidence in both its safety and effectiveness.

  11. By Andrew on Jul 27, 2009

    I am going to college this fall to study adventure recreation and just did a lot of research about a healthy insect repellent. This is where I ended up. I need something that is healthy and that works, something I could take with me on all my outdoor adventures. Thank you so much, and I will recommend the product to people who ask about repellents.

  12. By peter siasu on Jul 29, 2009

    organic is safe

  13. By Mike on Aug 26, 2009

    My family and I have been using Moz Away mosquito spray for long time, we are not thinking to change other brand so long we are still happy and feel protected using it.

    http://bestmosquitorepellent.blogspot.com
    http://1mosquitorepellent.blogspot.com

  14. By Les Ramey on Oct 25, 2009

    I am very happy to find out about your products, especially EcoSMART Organic Insect Repellent. In Florida we have bug issues year round and “mosquito season” last quite a long time. Many hail the mosquito as our state bird. Having children and pets, I love that your products are environmentaly safe and do not contain synthetic chemicals. I do not mind if I have to apply this mosquito repelent more often because of the peace of mind that I would have knowing that I am putting natural, safe products on my loved ones. I’m excited to try this products as well as products for spiders, wasps, and silver fish. Thank you for making a safe, environmentally responsible product.

  15. By Amanda on Oct 25, 2009

    I have so many masquitos in my yard. I have tried to get rid of them but they wont go away. I would love to try your product.

  16. By Joey H Angius on Oct 25, 2009

    This is the repellant for me, I live in New Mexico and in season mosquitos here are as big as small birds.

  17. By Stacia on Jan 1, 2010

    Do any of the EcoSmart products kill/repel chiggers?

  18. By Alicia on Jun 30, 2010

    Sign me up!! Anything but that DEET stuff. It will take nail polish off so just imagine what it does to your body! I want natural.

  19. By Kat on Jul 4, 2010

    I moved to the East Coast about a
    year ago from California, I was not
    prepared for the Mosquitos!!!! Ick!!
    A friend told us she uses Listerine in
    a spray bottle. I was very skeptical
    but while gardening and getting eaten
    alive, surcame. It works!!!
    I don’t think that the Listerine
    has anything that can hurt us. I
    sprayed the sidewalk area so I could
    weed. The dog appreciated it to.

    Try it and let me know what you think.
    Kat

  20. By Jenny Johnson on Jul 6, 2010

    My granddaughter has allergic reactions to mosquito bites I would love to try this product

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23 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers! (details)