Pest Strategies

Mosquito repellent bracelets are a convenient and natural way to ward off swarming mosquitoes. Discover our top picks here.

Though effective, mosquito sprays containing DEET or other insecticides are cumbersome for many. Even if exposure to chemicals isn’t a concern, these sprays leave a slimy or sticky residue and require continuous reapplication. That’s why repellent bracelets exist as another pest control option.

Mosquito repellent bracelets are a natural alternative, containing various essential oils that mosquitoes don’t like. To help you find a bracelet for your needs, Pest Strategies researched the best mosquito repellent bracelets on Amazon. Keep reading to learn more about our top recommendations.

 

Buying Guide

In recent years, insect repellent products have started being made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients as a safer alternative to conventional pesticides. Wearable products, such as mosquito repellent bracelets, offer additional convenience. To help you sift through the myriad of bracelet options available to you on Amazon, we created this guide to explain some product features to think about.

• Ingredients: Mosquito repellent bands contain a mixture of essential oils. Though uncommon, some bracelets also have light concentrations of insecticides, such as 0.5% permethrin, coated on the exterior. 

• Durability: Find a mosquito repellent wristband that won’t get damaged by prolonged sun or water exposure. If it’s accidentally dropped on the ground or stretched to fit the wearer’s wrist, these bracelets shouldn’t snap or break. 

• Quantity: Most mosquito repellent bracelets are sold in packs ranging anywhere from five to 50 or more. You can also find single bracelets, which are generally made with thicker materials. Singular bracelets are usually intended to be reusable or offer a much longer lifespan. 

• Effectiveness: Mosquito repellent bracelets repel mosquitoes, but only to a certain percentage. Each plant is different, so the essential oils extracted from them — even those processed in the same factory — will be slightly different, resulting in varying potencies. The higher quality the manufacturer’s extraction process is, the stronger and more effective the bracelet will be. 

• Sizing: Most mosquito repellent wristbands are designed to be one-size-fits-all. Certain reusable wristbands sold in single quantities may be available in multiple sizes or use an adjustable strap to fit wrists of all sizes. 

 

How Do Mosquito Repellent Bracelets Work? 

These bracelets release natural chemicals into the air that are designed to block a mosquito’s ability to smell or detect hosts. In short, this means that you’re no longer an appealing target to a mosquito. 

The length of time that mosquito repellent wristbands work varies depending on the oils in your bracelet and the mosquitoes in your area. Even though bracelets like these won’t outright kill mosquitoes, they’re worth using for some level of protection if you’re opposed to putting chemicals, such as DEET, on your body. To combat extreme mosquito populations, a combination of mosquito repellent bracelets and skin coverings, such as mosquito nets, is recommended. 

 

Additional Ways To Avoid Mosquitoes (or Mosquito Bites)

Mosquitoes are an unfortunate reality of life. Depending on your location, the time of year, and your occupation or recreational habits, you may find yourself covered in numerous bites after an outing. Here are some additional pointers that will help you avoid this:

• Dump out standing water around you. 
• Repair holes in window or door screens. 
• Wear light-colored clothing, especially outdoors. 
• Use air conditioning, if available, or run a fan.
• Wear multiple layers of clothing. A single, relatively thick layer will also suffice.

 

 

FAQs

• How do I use mosquito repellent bracelets? 

Wear one or two bracelets. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines on how long the bracelets last once they’re opened, and replace them accordingly. 

• Are mosquito repellent bracelets safe around pets and children? 

These products are generally safer around pets and children compared to conventional forms of mosquito repellent that contain DEET and various toxic insecticides. However, the concentrated essential oils found in mosquito repellent bracelets may irritate the skin of children or users of any age. Additionally, dogs and cats may suffer from an allergic reaction or poisoning if they accidentally ingest a mosquito repellent bracelet.

• What essential oils are commonly used in mosquito repellent wristbands? 

Geraniol oil, lemongrass oil, and citronella oil are the most common types of essential oils found in mosquito repellent bands. They’re also found in other natural pest control products. 

• Can mosquito repellent bracelets get wet? 

Many mosquito repellent bracelets continue functioning after getting wet, making them useful for time spent near lakes or rivers. However, when they’re used near or in water, their lifespan may decrease. As long as you can continue to smell the active essential oils in your bracelet, it should continue to effectively repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. 

• Do mosquito repellent bracelets expire? 

As long as the bracelet is sealed in its original packaging, it should last many years. When they’re opened and worn, however, mosquito repellent bracelets usually have a lifespan between 50 and 240 hours. To get the most out of each mosquito wristband, only open the packaging when you’re ready to use one.

 

 

Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.