11 Best Outdoor Mosquito Repellent Systems for 2023

Anyone who lives in a warmer climate knows how distressing mosquitoes can be since they are more active during the hotter months. In many places, that means mosquitoes could potentially stick around from March to early November. And in some states down south like Florida and Texas, mosquito season might not end at all!

Though they are commonplace, mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; these flying insects can also spread diseases to people and animals. The most common reaction to a mosquito bite is itching and swelling, but bites from mosquitoes that carry viruses or pathogens can make you seriously ill. Mosquitoes can transmit everything from West Nile and Zika to Yellow Fever and Malaria.

If you’re looking for an effective outdoor mosquito repellent, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of our best outdoor mosquito repellent system to help keep you safe from harmful mosquitoes.

Our Top Picks of the Best Outdoor Mosquito Repellent System for 2023

Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller

Overview

Why is the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller our Best Overall pick? For starters, this handheld device creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. Off of one charge, it provides 6.5 hours of repellency and can be used for up to 40 continuous hours with refills.

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The device heats up in only fifteen minutes and starts immediately diffusing the mosquito repellent from the refill. Its tiny size makes it perfect for travels since its TSA-approved! Plus, you can easily hide it if needed. But don’t be fooled by its size; this product is highly effective and great to use around kids (where traditional mosquito spray might be more difficult to keep on).

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller

Overview

The Thermacell Patio Shield is a great alternative to mosquito repellent spray, offering many of the same features as our Best Overall Pick. The Patio Shield provides a 15-foot zone of protection from mosquitoes and is cordless and battery-free. It uses a compact 12-hour fuel cartridge for power, with no smoke, flames, citronella or DEET. Each unscented repellent mat lasts up to four hours before needing to be refilled just enough to make it one of the most effective mosquito repellent systems on the market today.

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The Patio Shield comes in a variety of colors like Glacial Blue, Greenery, and Magenta. It’s an easy way to add a pop of color to your backyard or match your current decor. Just like the Radius Zone, it’s super easy to use; simply insert the mat and twist it in the fuel cartridge.

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones

Overview

This product is ideal for those who want to be protected from mosquitoes for long periods of time. Each cone burns for up to 24 minutes and each pack comes with 36 cones, offering 14.4 hours of protection per pack. Additionally, we love that it has a low profile and takes up little space! Finally, it does have a scent — a blend of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood.

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Although these incense cones work well for her small outdoor space, we would not recommend relying on them as your sole defense against mosquitoes, ticks, and other disease-carrying insects. For intensely wooded areas where these pests are more prevalent, consider using additional protection. However, the natural smoke from these cones can help deter mosquitoes in less-infested areas like a backyard deck or patio.

OFF! Backyard Mosquito Repellent Coils

Overview

If you’re looking for mosquito repellents that work well in semi-confined spaces with minimal breezes, like porches and patios, then look no further. Each coil protects an area of up to 10×10 feet for a whopping four hours! Although this refill pack comes with a small stand, we suggest purchasing an enclosed coil holder as well so that the coils are easier to transport (for camping, hiking, etc.) while still burning safely.

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The Country Fresh scent may be a bit strong for others. Since the coverage area is large, you could distance it away from where you’re seating for protection without the heavy scent. This product is perfect for days when you’ll be outside for several hours since it burns slowly.

Coleman Scented Outdoor Citronella Candle

Overview

Coleman’s Scented Citronella Tin Candle is a cheap yet effective way to keep flying pests at bay for up to 25 hours. Kids and adults will love the range of fun scents on offer, including a campfire, s’mores, and pine. At such a low price point, you might want to buy the entire set for your next party or get-together.

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We love that these candles have a wooden wick, which makes a sound like a cozy fire pit while burning. They come in retro-looking, 100 percent recyclable square tins with rounded edges. The only downside is that they’re small (travel size), at six ounces each. However, they are still the most affordable repellent option on this list and thus an excellent choice for people who need an inexpensive solution.

Repel Triple-Wick Citronella Candle

Overview

The three-wick Insect Repellent Citronella Candle from Repel – with its handle for easy transport, clean burning (so none goes to waste), and extended mosquito protection radius – is a must-have for your next outdoor activity. The 20 oz candle contains 3% citronella oil to help keep those pesky mosquitoes away!

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For optimal protection from pesky bugs, be sure to place this large candle close by—up to three feet away for best results. forty hours of burn time means you can enjoy worry-free evenings all season long. It’s one of the best mosquito-repellent products out there.

Terro No-Mess Mosquito Pouches

Overview

These mosquito larvacide pouches from Terro make it simple to kill mosquito larvae. There’s no need for difficult applications like other products on the market – just add the pouch to stagnant water, and it will dissolve on its own.

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To use, put the product on any areas of stagnant water where mosquitoes typically breed — one pouch for every 50 square feet. Depending on the environment, it will work for up to four weeks, but in containers or drainage systems, its larvacide could last for up to two months preventing all mosquito breeding in the sewers.

Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer

Overview

Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer will make quick work of any bugs near it. As the name suggests, very few insects will survive its light. The lantern is deadly to mosquitoes specifically but doesn’t sacrifice style—it’s a sleek black color and only 9.7 x 16.5 inches big. Which makes it one of the best mosquito traps in the market today.

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The mosquito repellent lantern repels mosquitoes with an electrified grid, protected by a weatherproof polycarbonate enclosure. The zapping sound it makes can be satisfying to some people but not others. It’s also built to last, so it won’t rust, crack or fade. It will surely kill biting flies.

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks

Overview

Murphy’s Naturals Repellent Incense Sticks will help you keep mosquitoes away by using five essential oils: rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood. Light the end of the mosquito incense stick for 10 to 20 seconds with a flame then blow it out. Place the stick in a holder where you want to avoid mosquitoes – Murphy’s natural sells a ceramic one. Each stick covers approximately 12 feet and lasts for 2 1/2 hours before needing to be replaced.

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We’re grateful that these incense sticks have a concise ingredient list. The essential oils used are obtained from sustainably sourced sources, comprising 10 percent of the total ingredients. The other 90 percent is made up of sawdust derived from the stick itself.

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern

Overview

The repellant in this device, like with the Patio Shield, is activated by heat and will keep mosquitoes from entering your space. A bonus feature of this product is that it has a lantern built-in so you can light up your patio or deck at night.

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The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern is a great tool to have while outdoors. The lantern creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes, and it’s ideal for nighttime recreation on the deck, by the fire pit, and more. The lantern is powered by a safe and compact 12-hour fuel cartridge (included), and it emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes. The independent light feature uses 4 AAA batteries (not included). The repellent formula is synthetic allethrin, which is inspired by repellents found in plants.

Dynatrap 1/2-Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap 

Overview

The Dynatrap is the best mosquito trap on the market because it covers large indoor and outdoor spaces, plus it’s portable and effective.

The Insect and Mosquito Trap lures mosquitoes in with UV light and carbon dioxide before vacuuming them into a chamber to die, offering what the manufacturer considers “three-way protection.”

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Dynatrap’s lantern-style unit is just as effective as comparable models but does not use pesticides or chemicals. Pests also cannot escape when the trap is turned off, due to the unique twist-on/twist-off feature. Dynatrap recommends using the trap for a full six weeks to break the breeding cycle and achieve maximum efficiency.

Final Word

Outdoor mosquito repellent systems are a necessary part of summer life. They keep the bugs away so that you can enjoy time outside without having to worry about getting bit. Not all mosquito repellents are created equal, however. Some work better than others, and some have additional features that make them more desirable. We’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor mosquito repellent systems for you to consider this year. Have a safe camping and outdoor adventure!