The Best Mosquito Repellent Options for Your Patio

Enjoying the deck or patio shouldn’t mean spending the night swatting away mosquitoes, which is why mosquito repellents for patios are a must-have for summer evenings. We tested six different products—from sprays and candles to electronic devices—to find out which ones actually kept the bugs at bay.

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they can also carry dangerous diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and malaria. A quality outdoor bug repellent makes it possible to relax outdoors without worrying about itchy bites or unwanted pests. Of all the options we tried, the Thermacell Radius Zone Gen 2.0 stood out the most for its ease of use and reliable protection.

In this guide, we’ll share our top-tested picks and break down what to look for when shopping for repellents. Whether you’re planning backyard barbecues or quiet evenings on the porch, our recommendations will help you find the best outdoor mosquito repellents.

1. BEST OVERALL: Thermacell Radius Zone Gen 2.0 Mosquito Repellent
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller
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3. BEST TRAP: DynaTrap 1/2 Acre Mosquito Trap
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4. BEST CANDLE: Tiki Brand Triple-Wick Citronella Candle Bucket
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5. BEST YARD SPRAY: Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray
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6. BEST PERSONAL SPRAY: Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
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Mosquito Repellent Comparison

Before You Buy a Mosquito Repellent for Patios 

Before purchasing a mosquito repellent, ensure that you have taken care of the area around your patio to prevent a proliferation of mosquitoes in the first place. Prevention includes regular yard maintenance, of course, but it can also include more strategic natural pest control solutions. 

These are part of what’s known as integrated pest management, or IPM, which is a comprehensive strategy in which prevention is used before pesticides. Here are some chemical-free ways to manage bugs in your backyard and other outdoor areas: 

• Eliminate standing water from buckets, troughs, puddles, and other areas to reduce egg-laying areas for mosquitoes.
• Install bat or birdhouses to encourage these natural pest control technicians to move in and control the population.
• Keep the grass mowed to between 3 and 4 inches to reduce moisture and breeding grounds.
• Grow herbs and plants that keep mosquitoes away, like mint, catnip, geranium, lemongrass, marigolds, basil, chrysanthemums, and other bug repellers.
• Use outdoor fans like this Lasko High-Velocity Floor Fan to keep air moving and mosquitoes away.
• Use physical barriers such as screens or nets where possible.

These pest-prevention methods can help minimize the use of pesticides and thus their negative impact, such as harming helpful pollinators or polluting water. Plus, having to use fewer chemicals in your outdoor space creates a safer environment for everyone in your home.

Sometimes, however, you need more than just these methods to manage mosquitoes. Coupled with prevention, mosquito repellents can help create a comfortable (nearly) pest-free zone. Though repellents are designed to keep mosquitoes away, either with chemical or natural ingredients, they aren’t always completely effective. Adding a mosquito trap or a chemical designed to get rid of mosquitoes for good may also be useful. That’s why this list includes repellents as well as other types of the best mosquito control products. To ensure safety for all those on your patio, be sure to use these products as directed.

Our Top Picks

We researched the best mosquito repellents for patio spaces and discovered that these products were among the most trustworthy. Our top picks include electronic and fuel-powered options, candles, larvicide, and sprays to help get rid of mosquitoes. 

Our Ratings

Backyard patio partiers looking for a top-notch mosquito repellent will want to check out the Thermacell Radius. This electronic mosquito repellent device features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 6.5 hours, providing plenty of runtime for most gatherings. The Thermacell Radius uses replaceable refill cartridges that contain metofluthrin, which repels mosquitoes within its coverage zone.

These cartridges are heat activated, sending repellent into the air in a 10-foot radius around the unit. As it warms up, it provides odorless protection—though it does take about 15 minutes to reach maximum effectiveness. That means you’ll want to turn it on and set it on a patio table a little before settling in outside.

When we tested this in the backyard in Florida over the course of a weekend, we noticed a clear difference once the Radius was running. Within its coverage zone, mosquito activity dropped noticeably, making it much easier to sit outside without constantly swatting. We also appreciated how simple it was to use: just pop in the cartridge, press a button, and let it do its thing. There are no sprays or scents to deal with, and cleanup is as easy as swapping out the refill. The unit itself feels solid and well built, and its compact size blends right in on the table without being intrusive. For me, it quickly became one of the easiest, most reliable ways to reclaim my patio from mosquitoes.

What our tester says: “This is a neat little device that packs a punch while being compact and discreet. It’s super easy to use and does its job well.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the Thermacell Radius mosquito repellent for patios at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings

For an affordable and portable option, the Thermacell MR300 is hard to beat. Priced at around $22, this fuel-powered device delivers reliable mosquito protection without breaking the bank. It uses replaceable fuel cartridges and allethrin-treated pads, which together create a 15-foot radius of coverage—enough to keep a small patio or campsite comfortable. Starting it is as simple as flipping the switch three times and checking for the orange glow in the sight window.

In my testing, the MR300 worked just as well as the pricier Thermacell Radius, but with the added benefit of portability. We liked that it’s a true grab-and-go device—no cords, no batteries, and no recharging required: Just pop in a fuel cartridge and mat and it’s ready to go. Each fuel cartridge lasts up to 12 hours, while the mats last around 4 hours, so swapping them out is the main trade-off for convenience.

What we appreciated most is how unobtrusive the MR300 feels in use. There’s no spray, no scent, and no buzzing lights—it simply does its job in the background. Between its solid performance, ease of use, and low price, the MR300 earns our Best Bang for the Buck award.

Get the Thermacell MR300 mosquito repellent for patios at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Our Ratings

While not technically a repellent, the DynaTrap is a powerhouse when it comes to cutting down on mosquitoes and other flying pests. Instead of creating a protective zone like sprays or cartridges, this device works by luring bugs in and trapping them. A UV light at the top draws in mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and more, while a quiet fan pulls them down into a chamber below. Once inside, the airflow dries them out, reducing populations over time. With coverage of up to half an acre, it’s a great option for larger patios, decks, or backyards where mosquitoes tend to take over.

In testing, we found the DynaTrap refreshingly low-maintenance. It plugs in, switches on, and quietly gets to work in the background without noticeable noise or odors. We liked that it can hang or rest on the ground, depending on where the bugs are worst. Emptying the trap is simple thanks to a latch at the bottom, which keeps contact with dead insects to a minimum. The only real limitation is that it requires an outlet, which can restrict placement if the outdoor space doesn’t have easy access to power.

For those who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution that reduces the number of mosquitoes in the area rather than just keeping them away, the DynaTrap is a solid addition to a pest-fighting arsenal. It’s particularly effective when paired with other repellents for all-around protection.

What our tester says: “I know this one isn’t a repellent, but it’s definitely worth keeping in your back pocket for when bugs really start getting on your nerves. The DynaTrap deals with all sorts of flying pests so it’s a great compliment to a repellent.”—Paul Rankin, Product Review tester and writer.

Get the DynaTrap mosquito repellent for patios on Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or DynaTrap.

Our Ratings

For a classic approach to mosquito control, the Tiki Triple-Wick Citronella Candle delivers both ambiance and some level of protection. This large galvanized bucket houses three wicks, producing a steady flame and a noticeable citronella aroma. The wax is blended with citronella oil, a time-tested deterrent for mosquitoes and other flying pests, and it can burn for up to 32 hours—enough to get you through several summer evenings. The included plastic lid makes it easy to cover and store between uses.

When we tested this candle on the patio over the weekend, the results were mixed but generally positive. No one in our group was complaining about mosquito bites, though it’s always hard to say whether that’s the candle doing its job or just luck. The lemony scent is noticeable but not unpleasant—it’s exactly what you’d expect from a citronella candle. Personally, we prefer repellents that don’t add scent to the air, but for anyone who enjoys the warm glow of candlelight, this one doubles as outdoor décor and bug protection in a single package.

At the end of the day, it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to set up—light the wicks, enjoy the atmosphere, and hopefully spend the night without swatting. Just keep in mind that like most citronella products, performance can dip in windy conditions.

Get the Tiki mosquito repellent for patios at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings

When you’re looking to treat an entire yard, it makes sense to choose a formula that’s safe for kids, pets, and the environment. The Wondercide Pest Control Spray checks all those boxes. Its active ingredients—cedarwood oil, sesame oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate—are plant-based repellents that deter mosquitoes, ticks, and ants while still being safe around children and pets, even immediately after application. It’s also formulated to spare beneficial insects like bees and pollinators, which makes it a smart pick for eco-conscious homeowners.

In testing, we found Wondercide extremely straightforward to use. The bottle attaches directly to a garden hose, and the solution mixes automatically as water flows through. Spraying the yard was quick and efficient, thanks to the wide fan pattern, and we were able to cover my front and back yards, the perimeter of the house, and even the driveway and garage door—with half the bottle still left over. While we were focusing on mosquito control, we also noticed an immediate impact on ants, which have been my bigger issue lately. The one thing to note is that this mosquito repellent spray ​has a strong scent from its essential oil ingredients. It’s not an unpleasant smell, but it is noticeable while applying.

Each bottle covers up to 5,000 square feet, and while it does require reapplication every 2 to 10 days initially (and monthly thereafter), the safety profile is hard to beat compared to harsher chemical sprays. It may not last as long as some backyard mosquito treatments, but for family- and pet-friendly pest control, Wondercide makes the trade-off worth it.

Get the Wondercide mosquito repellent for patios at Amazon or Wondercide.

Our Ratings

For those who prefer a DEET-free option, the Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Spray is a reliable plant-based choice. Its active ingredient is oil of lemon eucalyptus, a natural repellent originally derived from an Australian tree, and it offers up to 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes, midges, and other biting insects. The formula comes in a convenient pump spray bottle, making it easy to apply directly to skin or clothing before heading outdoors.

During testing on a humid Florida weekend, the difference was clear. One person in our group used the spray while everyone else skipped it—by the end of the evening, the only bite-free person was the one who applied Repel. That kind of side-by-side result makes it easy to recommend, especially for those who are prone to getting bitten. While it doesn’t last quite as long as stronger DEET-based formulas, it provides plenty of coverage for backyard barbecues, hikes, and evenings on the patio.

Compact and affordable, these bottles are handy to keep in a bag or near the back door, so you can spritz and go whenever the mosquitoes come out. The lemony scent is noticeable but pleasant, adding to the appeal for those who want a natural option.

Get the Repel mosquito repellent for patios at Amazon (2-pack), Lowe’s (2-pack), or Menards.

Or, DIY Your Own Mosquito Repellent for Patios

For homeowners who prefer a thrifty, low-waste approach, it’s possible to make your own mosquito repellent instead of buying a store-bought product. Many DIY repellents rely on natural ingredients like essential oils—citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint are among the most effective. By mixing a few drops of oil with water and a carrier like witch hazel, you can create a spray that works much like commercial versions, but with full control over the ingredients.

If you’d rather add a more permanent solution to your patio space, consider a DIY project like a mosquito-repelling planter box or a screened pergola. Planting citronella grass, lavender, and basil in raised beds or pots around your seating area can naturally deter bugs while adding greenery and fragrance to the space. A pergola with mosquito netting, on the other hand, creates a comfortable outdoor “room” that keeps pests out while still letting in a breeze.

How We Tested the Best Mosquito Repellent for Patios

To find the best mosquito repellents for patios, we considered more than a dozen options from leading brands and narrowed them down to six products for hands-on testing. We looked closely at features such as price, coverage area, battery life, portability, ease of setup, eco-friendliness, and overall design. Each product was tested over multiple evenings outdoors in Florida—prime mosquito territory—to evaluate how well it reduced bites and annoyance compared to sitting unprotected. 

We scored performance based on mosquito activity within the coverage zone, ease of use (setup, refills, cleanup), and comfort (odor, noise, or visibility). Durability and build quality were also taken into account, particularly for products designed to last multiple seasons. By combining real-world results with feature comparisons, we identified the top picks that balance effectiveness, convenience, and value.

What to Consider When Choosing a Mosquito Repellent for Patios 

When choosing the best mosquito repellent for patio spaces, you’ll want to take into account the type of product, its active ingredients, how safe it is, and more. The following sections delve into these considerations to ensure that you’re able to choose the best product for your needs.

Type

Repellents are a part of a broader category of products categorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as pesticides. While many think of pesticides as products that kill pests, this category also includes products that prevent, destroy, mitigate, or repel pests. With that in mind, here are several types of mosquito repellents to consider, as well as other types of mosquito-control products.

• Candles are one of the most affordable options for patio mosquito repelling. These products usually contain citronella, which has long been used to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Some might also contain other oils taken from bug-repelling plants like lemongrass, peppermint, and more. 
• Insecticides and larvicides are designed to impact a mosquito’s ability to regulate its body or grow. Insecticides are usually a spray-type mosquito treatment and can kill mosquitoes on contact. Larvicides are typically placed in standing water and prevent mosquito larvae from maturing. Keep in mind that both of these products can introduce chemicals into the ecosystem and can impact other plants, animals, and insects.
• Electronic mosquito repellent devices plug into an outlet or use battery power to keep mosquitoes away. They release repellents into the air around the device, making them one of the best mosquito repellents for yard time.
• Fuel-powered devices use a replaceable fuel cartridge and a pad or mat containing repellent. As you activate the device, a small fire inside of it heats the mat and releases the repellent into the air.
• Body sprays, lotions, and wipes are used to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Mosquito-repellent sprays may contain chemical repellents, such as DEET or picaridin. Nonchemical sprays rely on a variety of naturally derived ingredients such as citronella, peppermint, or cedarwood oils.
• Electronic traps are also popular mosquito control products. These lanternlike products attract mosquitoes and then suck them in with a fan. The mosquitoes then end up trapped in a canister where the constant air movement dehydrates and kills them.

Ingredients and Safety

The active ingredients in mosquito control products can vary. The following are some of the most common and effective active ingredients in repelling products:

• Citronella is a naturally occurring oil found in the citronella plant. It’s often added to mosquito repellent outdoor candles, natural sprays, and torch fluids. It’s a safer alternative to many high-powered insecticides and pesticides, but blowing winds can limit a candle’s ability to keep mosquitoes away.
• Metofluthrin is one of a group of synthetic insecticides known as pyrethroids. It kills and repels mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. This includes beneficial species like honey bees and butterflies, but when metofluthrin products are used at night—when mosquitoes are more active—they are less likely to harm these beneficial species, as they tend to be dormant at night. Metofluthrin is toxic to aquatic life, so it’s critical that it not be directly introduced into water sources. With this info in mind, it’s important to use this highly effective outdoor mosquito killer according to manufacturer instructions.
• Allethrin is also a pyrethroid and as such, products containing it should be used solely for their intended use and according to directions.
• Lambda-cyhalothrin is another pyrethroid. It is used to repel and kill mosquitoes and other flying insects. As an insecticide, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• BTI (bacillus thuringiensis serotype israelensis) is a larvicide bacterium that can be applied to birdbaths, puddles, ponds, and other standing water where mosquitoes and midges lay eggs. BTI impacts the larvae’s ability to mature, killing them before they’re able to fly and bite. It’s also safe for fish, pets, and other wildlife.
• Octenol is a chemical that mimics carbon dioxide, the gas that humans expel when breathing and that also attracts mosquitoes. It’s used in electronic traps to draw the mosquitoes in close enough for the fan to pull them into the canister.
• DEET is another very common ingredient in insect repellents, especially for mosquitoes. It has been used by the public for this purpose since 1957, so its effectiveness is well documented. Formula concentrations range from 5 to 99 percent, but personal use likely requires no more than 50 percent at most. It’s often used in body sprays to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects from landing or crawling on the wearer.
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a biopesticide. Though it is derived from the eucalyptus plant, it is refined to increase the concentration of para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD). This higher concentration of PMD gives oil of lemon eucalyptus its mosquito-repellent quality.
• Natural oils like lemongrass, peppermint, soybean, tea tree, cinnamon, and lavender are effective at repelling insects and are used in many natural products like sprays and candles. They can be some of the best natural mosquito repellents. Some folks even use them in homemade mosquito repellents.

Coverage Area and Longevity

Be sure to check the coverage for any product you are considering. Mosquito repellents are all effective within a certain range, which is typically just a few hundred square feet. Some patios might be larger, requiring you to purchase several devices or candles for total mosquito repellency.

It’s also worth noting how long each product will last. A candle may offer 24 hours of burning time, while an insecticide spray may work for up to 3 months. Electronic repellents may need to be refilled every few hours. All products have a limit, but knowing how long they last will keep you prepared.

Ease of Use 

How easy a product is to use may determine how likely a patio user is to break it out. For example, candles are very easy to light, so buyers are more likely to use them. However, pulling out an extension cord, plugging in a fan, hanging it in the yard somewhere, and then waiting for it to start attracting mosquitoes might not be so appealing. Be sure to consider how easy one of these products is to use before deciding if it’s the best fit for a given outdoor space.

Tips for Repelling Mosquitoes from Patios

If you’re using a bug lantern or trap, boost its effectiveness by dimming the other lights in the area or changing the fixture bulbs from white to yellow. This will ensure more mosquitoes fly toward the trap’s light. 

Make sure to remove any standing water in buckets, puddles, and other areas around the patio. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so pools of water can quickly make the mosquito population larger.

Consider using multiple methods, such as candles, sprays, and traps, to keep mosquitoes from ruining the party. 

• Change white bulbs to yellow and dim the lights altogether to boost the effectiveness of a trap or lantern.
• Remove any standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs and cause more issues.
• Consider using several of these products for a multipronged attack against mosquitoes, midges, and other flying insects. 

FAQs 

Even with all of this information about the best mosquito repellent for patio spaces, you may still have questions. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about these products. 

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin is a Florida-based product tester who reviews outdoor gear with a straightforward, hands-on approach to help readers find reliable mosquito repellents.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi

 

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