For those of us blessed with sensitive complexions, every moment spent outside during summertime poses a perilous run-in with our thin-skin’s arch nemesis: the mosquito. If you find yourself annually plagued by the merciless bites of these evil insects, then you’ve come to the right place for itchy-welt relief — because we’ve strategized a shop guide to do absolute battle against them. To put it frankly: if mosquitos are White Walkers, we’re MF Arya Stark.
Instead of seeking shelter indoors for the next few months, take back control of your summer skin by fending off bites with an army of the best bug-repellant products. Ahead we’ve rounded up the top-rated, skin-safe defenders that aren’t strictly sprays and citronella candles (although those are strong protectors, too). Scroll on to stock up with 12 mosquito-dominating goods, from repellent plants to perfumes and even bracelets, that do almost as much damage as Valyrian steel. Not today.
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Mosquito Repellent Incense
Fight off the bites by lighting up this soothing incense crafted from all-natural citronella oil that wards off insects by masking the odors that attract them.
Anthropologie Sea Salt Citronella Incense, $26, available at Anthropologie
Mosquito Repellant Wipes
If sprays aren’t your thing, try a pack of these DEET-free wipes powered by essential oils that naturally repel insects with a single skin-swipe.
Aunt Fannie’s Mosquito Repellent Wipes – Set of 10, $8.99, available at Grove Collaborative
Mosquito Repellent Hoodie
Not all mosquito repellants come in skin-slathering or scented form — try throwing on this cozy Insect Shield®-treated hoodie for invisible and odorless bite-protection all summer long.
As one reviewer raves: "This shirt has been life changing! I didn’t really expect it to actually keep the bugs off, but packed it for a camping trip in the humid, mosquito-infested Midwest. I was so ecstatic to see mosquitoes landing on my upper body before flying away…without biting me! The shirt is lightweight and very breathable (the fabric has little holes in it for amazing air flow), so it was perfect for camping in the midwest humidity. It kept me warm on cooler nights but I could still wear it in the mornings as it warmed back up."
ExOfficio BugsAway Lumen Hoody, $43.99, available at Moosejaw
Mosquito Repellent Perfume
Don’t let the idea of mosquito-perfume repel you — this certified organic formula is, "skillfully crafted to attract humans while at the same time repelling biting, stinging, scourging insects," with a non-citrus or citronella scent wrapped up inside sustainable packaging.
Intelligent Nutrients Smart Armor Perfume Serum, 1oz, $32, available at Amazon
Mosquito Repellent Tent
Not strictly for the bedroom, this fold-up tent made from high-quality and dense mosquito-wicking materials can be toted on-the-go for bite protection anywhere you dare to use it — from backyard to beach and maybe even sidewalk dining ( #yikes).
Gymax Portable Folding Mosquito Net, $26.99, available at Walmart
Mosquito Repellent Leggings
Complete your mosquito-domination power outfit with a pair of these insect-repellent performance leggings — also treated with a specialized Insect Shield®, fiber-bonded design for invisible and odorless bite-protection.
Toad&Co Debug Trail Tights, $89, available at Zappos
Mosquito Repellent Plants
Keep your inner Plant Lady itchy-welt free this summer by adding a mosquito-repelling citronella plant to your apartment garden — simply rubbing one of its leaves onto your skin will help repel those pesky MFers.
DailyLilyNursery 3 Citronella Plants in 2.5 Inch Pots, $16.95, available at Etsy
Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Slap one of these plant-based bracelets infused citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and peppermint oils on your wrist to repel mosquitos…But make it fashun.
The Amazon’s Choice product boasts 4.5 out of 5 stars and glowing reviews along the lines of: "Obsessed with these bracelets, so easy to use and carry around in our travel bag when out and about with the kids! They are feet free and have plant based essential oils (that’s a plus in our home!) the kids haven’t complained once about being bitten by mosquitos! The shipping was fast and I’m so happy we invested in these!"
Mosquito Guard Natural Plant Based Repellent Bracelets (10 Pack), $10.95, available at Amazon
Mosquito Essential Oil Repellent
Essential oil diffusers are in — so why not put this home decor and wellness essential to bug-defeating use by filling a portable model with 100% pure citronella oil to ward them off wherever you wander?
Artizen Citronella Essential Oil (100% Pure), $8.99, available at Amazon
HOPEME Portable Essential Oil Diffuser, $14.89, available at Amazon
Mosquito Repellent Spray
We had to throw an OG spray in the mix, but hear us out — Murphy’s Naturals does just as its name suggests with plant-based repellent formulas that are eco-friendly and skin-safe while still getting the damn mosquito-domination job done.
Murphy’s Naturals Personal Insect Repellent, $11.99, available at Target
Mosquito Repellent Candles
Wipe the image of hardware-store-bought citronella candles in clunky plastic buckets from your mind — and replace them with these artful terracotta beauties instead, because that fragrant bug-fighting wax works.
Terrain Blue Floral Citronella Candle, $37.79, available at Terrain
Mosquito Roll-On Repellent
Think of this top-rated, roll-0n repellant as your portable mosquito-perfume stick — the dee-free formula is dermatologist-tested and crafted from an all-natural essentials oils blend that customers attest will keep the bites at bay.
Customer case-in-point: "This is the most amazing mosquito repellent! It woks wonderfully! Smells great. The only repellent my 4 year old willing puts on!"
PARA’KITO Natural Mosquito Repellent Roll-On-Gel, $19.5, available at Amazon
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Source: Refinery29 – Elizabeth Buxton