Here's what you need to prepare for the return of mosquitos
They're a fact of life in the warmer months. Get equipped to face them early.
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Temperatures are up and down, but sooner or later summer-like warmth and humidity will settle in for good – and then, of course, this year’s crop of mosquitos will hatch and be their customary nuisance selves. Don’t be unprepared: stock up on the products below to keep them away.
Natrapel Insect Repellent Spray
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: We tend, as much as possible to favour products made with more natural ingredients and fewer chemicals here at Shop the Weather, and for your standard insect protection, this offering from Natrapel does the job well. It repels mosquitos for up to six hours, and is also effective against ticks – and, I can tell you from personal experience, its lemon eucalyptus base smells a lot less acrid than other varieties.
Atlantic Tick Attack Botanical Insect Repellent
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Here’s a great favourite of ours here at Shop The Weather: a made-in-Canada success story, this Nova Scotia-based brand, in collaboration with Acadia University, features an effective all-natural lemon eucalyptus base. Don’t let the name fool you: It also keeps mosquitos away for up to six hours. They’ve released a new formula this year, and the brand as a whole has proven wildly popular among buyers at Shop The Weather.
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Mosquito Barrier Insect Repellent
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: This, here, is what you might call the nuclear option when it comes to tick (and mosquito) management. It’s a concentrated garlic-based solution, and when properly applied, it can provide up to a month of protection to whichever part of your property you want the ticks to stay away from. Just be sure to use it according to manufacturer specifications (it is NOT meant to be sprayed on yourself).
Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: If you’d prefer to dispense with sprays altogether, Thermacell has you covered with this device, which keeps mosquitos away from your patio in a 15-foot radius. Each repellent mat (three are included, as well as a 12-hour fuel cartridge) is unscented to humans, and provides protection for up to four hours. Ideal for most anywhere you’d like to chill outdoors.
Tealight Citronella Candles
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Citronella is a tried and true deterrent for mosquitos, and has the benefit of being a natural ingredient. What we love about these citronella tealights is not only their effectiveness (each burns for four hours, with 50 in a pack), but just the nice ambience of them – they’re a lovely way to light your patio table as the sun slowly sets.
Scentorini Citronella Coils
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: This is an old staple at many a campsite or backyard table, and no wonder. The naturally mosquito-repellent citronella is done up in an incense-style coil, and it’s weirdly satisfying to watch it gradually burn down over the course of three or four hours. With a total of 48 coils in the pack, and an included stand, it’s a simple, low tech to get through your outdoor excursion undevoured.
Tough Outdoors Mosquito Suit
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Another option for when you’re hiking, working outside, or otherwise expect to spend a fair bit of time in the outdoors, a good mesh suit can save you from having to use or reapply any sprays and suchlike. This one from Tough Outdoors is a simple, breathable polyester mesh with drawstrings at the wrists, ankles and waist, and a zippered hood, along with an included carry bag.
Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller
SHOP NOW on Amazon.ca: Thermacell already manufactures a compact, patio-sized mosquito repeller, so it makes sense that they’d make a wearable version as well. It helps create a 15-foot mosquito-free zone around you as you move, with three four-hour repellent mats and one 12-hour fuel cartridge, and clips easily to your belt.
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
