Let me preface this with the fact that I was raised in the swampy, very humid (yep, my hair still feels it!) Miami, Florida [1], so I know a thing or two about mosquitoes. Once the pesky insect has fulfiled its destiny, leaving you with itchy inflammation and an annoyed outlook, hydrocortisone cream is your best friend. (I keep it in my handbag, kitchen, and bathroom at all times, as it's the only way the bites go away quickly, without leaving hyperpigmentation.) Yeah, I have a lot of post-bite battle wounds after living in Miami for the last 23 years.
But let's back up. While hydrocortisone cream is great for treating bites, what about preventing them from happening in the first place? Yeah, I have a lot of experience in that too. If you have a deck or patio that you use during the summer, there are several things you can do to ensure more enjoyable barbecues [2], sunny pool days, and tanning afternoons with aperol spritzes [3] in hand without the risk of mosquito bites sucking your best life out of you (literally). Here are my top tips for keeping mosquitoes far away, from a tried and true Everglade-side Miamian.
Tikki Torches
Not only do these black matte, luxe tiki torches [5] ($50 for set of 4, originally $61) make for great patio decor, they also keep mosquitoes far away as well. Simply fill the torches with citronella oil and you have six hours of both ambiance and insect-free serenity.
Mosquito Guard Repellent Bands
Sick of using chemicals and harsh smells to get rid of mosquitoes from your patio? These mosquito guard stretchy bracelets [6] ($19 for 20) work for both kids and adults, and use natural plant-based essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and geraniol to repel insects.
Pest Repellent Ultrasonic Plug-In
If you're sensitive to smells like citronella oil, this ultrasonic pest-repelling plug-in [7] ($33 for 4) is just what you need. Using advanced 25KHz-65KHz waves of ultrasound technology, this device generates a powerful sound that only pests can hear, keeping them away for good. It works for mosquitoes as well as many other kinds of rodents and insects.
Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern
Similar to tiki torches but without the smell of citronella or the use of any other chemicals, these mosquito repellent patio lanterns [8] ($35) also look great while helping to ward off insects. They're portable, scent-free, chemical-free, and provide 15' X 15' feet of protection without messy sprays or open flames.
Bug Zapper Lamp
This device might be a bit savage, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. The LED blue-violet bulbs on this bug zapper lamp [9] ($16, originally $18) emit a specific wavelength with a powerful mosquito attraction, quickly zapping them before they get the chance to fly away. They also work for all kinds of pesky insects, provide a good source of light, are completely chemical and scent-free, and require minimal cleaning since the mosquitoes just slip right off.
Mosquito Guard Incense Repellent Sticks
These incense repellent sticks [10] ($15 for a box of 12) are soothing, calming, and will give your backyard a serene vibe while also getting rid of insects. Similar to a citronella candle but in incense form, these sticks are a fun alternative that also give a warm, inviting feel to the patio. Laced with citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils, these incense sticks are DEET-free and can last for up to three hours.
Insect Repellent Pump Spray
I'm all about innovation, but sometimes it's good to just stick to the classics. A good spray like this Cutter Skinsations insect repellent spray [11] ($4, originally $5) will get the job done. It includes skin-soothers like Aloe and Vitamin E, so your skin will be soothed from possible past bites and protected from future ones, all while repelling a wide range of insects. However, it is important to note that it does include chemicals like DEET.
Electronic Insect Killer
This electronic insect killer [12] ($40, originally $50) looks nice hung up, offers a cool blue light, and zaps away mosquitoes using its non-clogging grid, working at up to a 1/2 acre radius. Just keep in mind that it's recommended not to be used within 25 feet of areas intended for human activity, and should not be attached to the house or deck for safety precautions.
Citronella Candles
Apart from all of the high tech stuff, citronella candles [13] ($26 for set of 3, originally $36) are a classic for a reason – they work. These candles are scented with green citrus and a crisp, clean fragrance, and are perfect for lighting up while having a sunset drink on the patio.
Citronella Candle
I had to include this one as a bonus since the candle is so pretty! This citronella candle [14] ($17) is housed in handmade pottery, and the uses for the pottery are limitless after the candle is finished (key holder, catch-all dish, or even a centrepiece).