It is important to invest in a good Mosquito Plug In Repellent because of the harm that mosquitoes have in causing harm by spreading diseases such as Zika, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and West Nile Virus.
With more than 3,000 species of mosquito around the world, safeguarding children from their bites can be difficult. That is why it is vital to have a mosquito plug in repellent ready before your little ones play. Professional advice is accessible for utilizing mosquito repeller, healing bites, and evading mosquitoes while playing.
In this article, we will share expert advice on how to protect your family especially children from mosquitoes, including tips on clothing and mosquito repeller application to keep mosquitoes at bay.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MOSQUITOES
The lifespan of mosquitoes varies based on species, as well as environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and time of year. Generally, females live for a few weeks while males only live for about one week.
If you think your kids grow up too fast, think of this: the Aedes mosquito can lay around 100 eggs at once, and the mosquito larvae can reach adulthood in just 7-10 days.
Mosquitoes are drawn to perspiration, body heat, and the carbon dioxide emitted from one’s breath when seeking a blood meal.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING MOSQUITO BITES AND PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY.
PICK THE RIGHT CLOTHING
Protective clothing such as loose-fitting clothing can provide better protection against mosquito bites than tight-fitting clothes. Covering up with protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts and pants can also help protect your family.
ELIMINATE STANDING WATER
A mosquito only needs a single teaspoon of stagnant water to lay their eggs, an amount that can be collected in an old tire, child’s pool, bird bath, and even a bottle cap. Empty any items that can hold water once a week.
It is also recommended to regularly remove any items that may collect water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and trash containers as these are the preferred breeding grounds of mosquitos. Alternatively, covering or drilling holes in these items can help to allow water to flow freely and not accumulate.
For those who own fishponds, it is important to ensure that the filter is functioning properly in order to maintain water circulation.
BE SMART ABOUT PLAY TIME
Mosquitoes have the ability to bite at any time, depending on the species. They are usually more active in the early morning, late afternoon, and early evening, increasing the likelihood of biting your children. To prevent mosquito bites, it’s advisable to keep your kids indoors during these times.
AVOID MOSQUITO HANGOUT PLACES
To minimize the presence of mosquitoes around children, it is advised to steer clear of areas where they congregate, including densely forested or unkempt regions with stagnant water which are preferred breeding grounds of mosquitos. Trimming vegetation can help decrease shaded areas near your home, which are preferred hiding spots for mosquitoes seeking shelter from direct sunlight. Make sure to wear protective clothing before venturing into such areas.
CREATE BARRIERS FOR MOSQUITOES
To prevent mosquitoes from entering your home, it is recommended to keep doors and windows closed and fix any gaps that could allow them to enter. If you need to open windows for ventilation, it’s advised to use screens.
To keep mosquitoes at bay, it is recommended that you use mosquito nets over strollers, beds, and cribs for children’s safety.
GUIDELINES FOR USING EFFECTIVE METHODS OF MOSQUITO CONTROL ON CHILDREN.
Follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when applying insect repellents on kids:
1. Look out for label instructions, before applying insect repellent to infants and young children for mosquito protection.
2. It is advised to avoid using mosquito repeller that contain active ingredient oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) on children under the age of three.
3. Before applying the repellent on babies, it is recommended to apply it to the hands of an adult and then transfer it onto the baby.
4. Apply sunscreen products first. Then apply the insect repellent for mosquito protection.
5. Do not apply repellents around the mouth and eyes of children.
6. It is also recommended to use repellents for mosquito protection sparingly around the ears.
7. It is recommended to avoid applying repellents to children’s hands due to the common behavior of putting their hands in their mouths.
8. Never apply mosquito repeller on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
9. It is not recommended to use a combined product of insect repellent and sunscreen as sunscreen may require more frequent reapplication than repellents used alone.
10. Apply insect repellent on their exposed skin and on the outside of their clothing for mosquito protection.
The Best Mosquito plug in repellent of 2023
For those looking for a solution to mosquito problems for mosquito protection on their deck or mosquito-free patio without using skin repellent, the Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent may be worth considering.
E90 stands out by actually being effective with its rechargeable nine-hour battery that lasts long enough to odorlessly keep a bedroom-size area mosquito-free for an entire evening.
Our pick for the best mosquito control
Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent
One of the popular options, E90, the rechargeable mosquito repellent for mosquito protection stands out from other products with its rechargeable battery. It also comes with a durable supply of repellent, and a user-friendly interface.
The Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent is an effective spatial repellent that is easy to use and refill. It is comparable to spray repellents in preventing mosquito bites and is safer to use than some other options. Additionally, it has a longer lifespan and is more convenient to live with compared to other similar designs.
The E90 spatial rechargeable mosquito repellent has a limited coverage area and may not protect against every mosquito. It is also less effective in windy conditions.
The E90 rechargeable mosquito repellent functions by producing heat to evaporate a vial of liquid repellent, which gradually spreads out of the device to repel mosquitoes and protect an area. During operation, the E90 emits no noise or scent, and a small amount of visible vapor exits from the top before dissipating rapidly. The device bears a close resemblance to an essential oil diffuser.
The E90 rechargeable mosquito repellent has a unique feature where its heat source is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for approximately nine hours, which is 4.5 hours longer than its predecessor E55. Additionally, it can operate while charging with the provided USB/outlet adapter cable.
Thermacell’s non-battery models vaporize repellent using a butane cartridge or the fuel tank of a camp stove, which requires monitoring both the repellent and the fuel source supply. With the E90 rechargeable battery powered mosquito killer, you’re all set as long as it’s charged up, and you have a repellent refill cartridge handy.
With refill cartridges that are interchangeable with the E90, E55 and older Radius models from Thermacell, Thermacell reports that the E90 mosquito repeller has a protected area of slightly more than 300 square feet, equivalent to a circle with a 20-foot diameter.
When purchasing Thermacell mosquito repellent refills, it’s recommended to avoid the ones labeled “Radius” and opt for those labeled Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Refill. The E90 and E55 mosquito repeller are designed to have a higher concentration of repellent, providing better protection.
Radius owners can purchase E90 cartridges for mosquito protection to increase their unit’s effectiveness; there is no need to upgrade the unit as a whole. Replacement cartridges for the E90 are only available in 40-hour cartridge version. It’s unfortunate that the 12-hour refill cartridge is not available separately.
The clear cartridges with liquid repellent make it easy to monitor the amount left. With the E90 rechargeable mosquito repellent for mosquito protection, simply set it out and it will work fine. This saves time and eliminates worry about running out or if it’s already out.
The E90 rechargeable battery powered mosquito killer has a single-button interface that is easy to use. Pressing the button activates the unit and starts warming it up. Four indicator lights show a chasing pattern during the warm-up process, and once the unit is heated and emitting repellent, the four lights stay on.
The Thermacell spatial repellent has a three-light scale that displays battery charge and a long press of the single button to shut down the unit. The older Radius-series models have an automatic timer and shutdown feature, but it is challenging to manage with the single-button interface and difficult to track the unit’s location during the allotted time.
The E90 rechargeable battery powered mosquito killer has a small and sleek design that blends well with stylish essential oil diffusers. However, it’s not suitable for rough outdoor activities. For camping or outdoor games, the Thermacell EX90 or MR450 is a better option.
Flaws but not dealbreakers of the Thermacell E90
The Thermacell E90’s efficacy is reduced in windy conditions, as is typical for similar spatial repellents. Mosquitoes are similarly affected by wind. Our tests showed that the E90’s performance was consistent with what our sources had predicted, indicating that there may be room for improvement.
During a test of the E90’s effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes, it was observed that even after 25 to 30 minutes of use, mosquitoes would occasionally land on individuals and bite them. The conditions were mostly still with occasional breezes. This observation says that there is no universal solution for controlling mosquitoes.
The E90 spatial mosquito repellent is formulated for targeting mosquitoes and may have limited effectiveness on other types of flying insects. According to Thermacell, larger bugs such as horseflies may be impacted by the repellent, but there is still a possibility they could enter the protected area and bite before being repelled. This could be seen as a downside, but it also shows that the repellent doesn’t release much into the air, which may reassure those concerned about health risks.
In comparison with other options we tested, the E90 rechargeable battery powered mosquito killer has limited usefulness. Its cartridge sits loosely inside and the top is held on by magnets, making it suitable for tabletop use only.
For outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and attending sporting events, it’s suggested that you use the stronger Thermacell EX90 and MR450 models. The E90 spatial mosquito repellent takes a few minutes before it starts working, like most spatial repellents. As it takes 10-15 minutes for the scent of the repellent to saturate an area, we make it a routine of placing the E90 to control mosquito for a mosquito-free patio a few minutes before going outside.
When using spatial mosquito repellents, such as the E90, it is important to factor in long-term costs, including the need to purchase Thermacell mosquito repellent refills cartridges. There is a possibility that you will need a new 40-hour cartridge every month. This is in situation of using the E90 approximately two hours per session, three times a week, and with additional five hours on weekends.
The cost of Thermacell mosquito repellent refills cartridges for effective spatial repellents, which are around $20 each, is relatively high. Although they are not as convenient to use, the Thermacell models that use butane require 48-hour refill packs and repellent cartridges that typically have a similar cost.
Next Best Alternative
The Thermacell E90 is a great repeller to keep on your patio table, but if you want something you can throw in a backpack or toss next to a cornhole board or horseshoe pit for rugged camping, the Thermacell EX90 Mosquito Repellent with a rechargeable battery is a better fit.
Both the E90 and EX90 mosquito repellent share the same internal features. They have a nine-hour battery life and compatibility with the same repellent cartridges. However, they differ in their external body. The EX90 mosquito repellent comes with a more compact design and rubbery grip areas on the sides. It also comes with a lanyard and carabiner for hanging when you go for your rugged camping, and a locking lid, while the EX90 mosquito repellent’s lid is held in place with magnets.
There is no price difference between the EX90 and EX90 mosquito repellent, making it a matter of personal preference. If you are looking for another version of EX90 mosquito repellent with a slightly cheaper price, you should consider the Thermacell EX55 with a 5½-hour battery life. If you’re an adventure seeker who enjoys rugged camping, the EX series repellers are your perfect match. And we have to admit, the EX90’s longer battery life has won our hearts!
Tiki BiteFighter LED String Lights; A festive spatial repellent
The Tiki BiteFighter lights are equipped with both bulbs and repellers, providing an effective solution for a mosquito-free patio or porch while adding a festive touch.
For those interested in a spatial repellent with more variety, the Tiki BiteFighter LED String Lights may be of interest. These string lights include spatial repellent diffusers along with regular bulbs.
Each strand measures 36 feet and contains three repellers. This setup can protect a 12-by-12-foot patio completely. If you wish to protect more than a 12-by-12-foot patio, just add more strands. Tiki lights use a lower concentration of repellent in comparison to Thermacells, covering a smaller area. Nonetheless, these lights are a fun way to protect against mosquitoes.
The Tiki lights are easy to use. The package already contains LED bulbs and repellent vials. With a solid, rubbery feel at the cord and sockets, this indicates they’re made for outdoor use. Setting them up is as simple as setting up any string lights.
The toggle switch at the plug end of the line is meant to control the repellent diffusers, not the lights, meaning you can turn off the repellers if it’s too windy, while still enjoying the lights. The toggle switch will light up green when the diffusers are active and if you add more strands, each one needs to be turned on to activate its diffusers. It would be helpful to have a separate switch for the lights if you use the repellers during the day.
The repellents hang like light bulbs and are filled with liquid repellents. They have little green balls that show the remaining amount. Tiki’s Thermacell mosquito repellent refills don’t work with Thermacells and have a lower concentration of active ingredient metofluthrin at 4% versus Thermacell’s 5.5%, which means Tiki lights is only able to cover a smaller area of about a 12-foot diameter circle for each diffuser, or roughly 110 square feet. The diffusers can’t be moved and are spaced for a slightly overlapping shield of coverage.
Tiki claims that one repellent vial can provide protection for up to 200 hours or a full season, based on three months of usage at approximately 2.5 hours per day. A refill set for one strand costs around $75.
The Tiki BiteFighter lights are a way to combat mosquitoes, but they have issues. Setting up the lights can be difficult because each strand is 36 feet. We tested them on a patio that needed 45 feet of lights. This left us with a dilemma of not having enough or having too much leftover. The 36-foot strand may not fit your space perfectly. We suggest using them with other, less pricy lights and placing the diffusers in the best location possible.
The diffusers could use a clearer indication that they’re on. The toggle switch light helps, but it’s sometimes out of sight, causing forgetfulness. We once left the diffuser on for hours before realizing that we needed to turn it off. Despite these faults, BiteFight Lights are a unique way to enhance your porch or patio’s atmosphere.
Upgrade pick
Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System; A holistic home option
The Thermacell LIV is a mosquito protection system designed for use in large areas.
This Smart Mosquito Repellent System offers a comprehensive and easy-to-control solution for mosquito protection. The scalable system includes diffusers connected to a hub, allowing for wider coverage without the need for additional fuel or charging. These diffusers can be placed around a yard or patio.
You can activate the repellers through an app. The app allows you to turn them on or off, schedule them, or put them on a timer. Do you know that it can also send notifications when the repellent is low or when the diffusers have been on too long? The repellers have a landscape light look and feel sturdy. This system’s abilities are greater than our other picks, and the cost is higher.
The LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System is made up of several components: a hub, wiring, repeller units, and an app. The hub is similar in size and shape to a white noise machine and is plugged into an exterior outlet. The repeller units are controlled by hardwired connections, with cords that are 24 feet in length. Each of the repeller units are connected in series, with only one unit directly linked to the hub.
With three repellers and 20-foot diameter coverage, the cost of this smallest kit is around $700 and goes up from there. While not suitable for everyone, the additional control and convenience may be valuable to some.
The units resemble high-end landscape lights and have LEDs that can be activated through the app to shine in various colors and provide a little illumination. The top of the repeller can be twisted off to access the repellents.
With narrow bottom, you may face a hard time balancing the repellers except on flat ground. LIV kits include ground stakes that attach to the diffusers and can be used to secure them in the ground. The hardscape bases can be purchased separately for approximately $20 each. They enable the diffusers to be positioned on impenetrable surfaces like patios or stone walkways.
The components are well-designed and easy to set up. The repeller units feel heavy and high-quality, with no imperfections. The cords are made of thick rubber and can be buried for protection. The system looks polished and doesn’t require any hiding. Setting up the LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System is as easy as ABC: position the repellers and hub, then wire everything together. A three-diffuser setup took us about half an hour.
This app is minimalist and provides more control than other spatial repellents. It allows users to schedule or set a timer for the repellers to shut down after a specific period. These safeguards prevent wasting repellent when not using the outdoor space. The system ensures that the repellent won’t be left on for hours after going inside, avoiding inconvenience.
The app provides notifications for different events. This includes the system warming up, low repellent levels, and scheduled timing. It also offers the option of scheduling repellers for morning activation and the ability of turning them off when it’s raining, which helps avoid repellent loss.
The LIV anti mosquito insect device control mosquito primarily by operating through its app, however, there is one button on the hub that serves as the system’s sole manual control for turning it on and off.
While the vials of LIV, E90, and EX90 anti mosquito insect devices are not interchangeable despite containing the same concentration of metofluthrin (5.5%), the LIV has larger pods that last up to 40 hours. Each repeller covers a 20-foot area. Refill vials cost around $20, but using the app’s scheduling and timers can reduce usage.
We found the LIV mosquito repellent lamp to be effective in protecting our patio. It was programmed to turn on daily from 4 to 6 p.m., coinciding with our usual dinner time on the patio. Once set up, we didn’t have to worry about it.
Initially, the notifications were not being utilized, meaning that the LIV mosquito pest repeller would operate regardless of whether we were present, weather conditions were unfavorable for the spatial repellent, or if we decided to dine indoors during rainy weather. With the help of notification alerts, we will receive alerts that the diffusers had been left activated. They could be turned off with a simple tap on the screen.
While evaluating the LIV mosquito repellent lamp, we observed a few minor drawbacks. The ground stakes were larger than necessary and we had issues in rocky soil. We found the hardscape bases to be a suitable alternative, but they were not included in the base kit and required a separate order. Additionally, the cost was a consideration, which we will address shortly.
If the stakes in the setup do not work as expected, additional expenses may be incurred. For example, each hardscape base could cost around $20, and if the setup requires a five-repeller unit, it could result in a $100 expense and delay in the setup until the unit arrives.
While we acknowledge the stability provided by the oversize stakes, we do find them to be somewhat excessive. Additionally, it would have been preferable for there to be a way for the hardscape bases and stakes to be included in the base kit, or for customers to have the choice at checkout.
We conducted a thorough review of the privacy policy for the Thermacell LIV mosquito repellent lamp, which is internet connected. In addition, we contacted Thermacell and requested further information regarding their privacy practices for the LIV. The company assured us that they do not share or sell any customer data to third parties. Besides that, all data transmitted from the LIV to their servers is encrypted during transmission.
Thermacell has the capability to release software updates for the hub, as stated by the company during the three-year warranty period for implementation of advancements. Additionally, security updates will be provided for the product’s lifespan. However, it should be noted that there is no bug bounty program offered by Thermacell for researchers to report security concerns, despite the company’s emphasis on repelling insects in the physical world.
The cost of the LIV mosquito repellent lamp is high. A three-repeller system costs about $700 and a four-repeller system costs around $800. Meanwhile, a five-repeller system is normally $900. Adding more systems requires a new hub and connected repellers.
To achieve repellence for both the front porch and back patio, two complete systems are required, which can be controlled through the same app. Even the most basic three-repeller system requires a significant commitment to fully utilize the capabilities of the LIV mosquito pest repeller.
There are benefits to using a spatial repellent. It offers unmatched convenience compared to other options. You can set a schedule and receive notifications when the repellers have been on past a certain point, conserving repellent. This lowers the long-term investment for replacement vials.
Based on our observations, it has been noted that there may be additional costs associated with the use of spatial repellents. It has been observed that if a spatial repellent is left on after use, it may result in a cost of $10 to $15 per unit for replacement.
We don’t believe that the savings from the LIV will cover its total cost over time. However, there are benefits to consider. The LIV is high-quality and convenient to use. The components are well-designed and durable. The repeller parts fit together well and the wire connections are secure. Overall, the LIV is built to last.
The LIV system provides unique protection for large areas with minimal effort. While three E90s around your patio could offer similar protection for $150 compared to the LIV’s $700 cost, they require individual on/off switching and lack notifications for warming up or low repellent. E90s cannot be scheduled or put on a timer.
Leaving the E90s on will waste repellents until turned off. You cannot communicate with the units. The E90s can protect a large area, but the LIV offers more convenience. The buy-in cost for the LIV may be offset by its convenience.
Next Best option for Outdoor Activities
The Thermacell MR450 Mosquito Repellent runs on butane rather than a battery, making it ideal for longer camping or hunting trips. It uses small pads with repellent, which last for only four hours as opposed to the E90’s 40-hour lifespan. It’s difficult to know how much repellent is left with the pads. While the MR450 Mosquito Repellent is tough and versatile, there are other butane-based options from Thermacell that may suit your needs better. All the options work the same.
The light provides a visual cue that the MR450 Mosquito Repellent unit is on and when the area is fully saturated with repellents, which is a feature absent in other Thermacell portable units. This reduces the likelihood of leaving the unit on by mistake, which can waste a repellent pad and exhaust a butane cartridge.
The MR450 mosquito repellent has a durable design, with a rubber overmold and belt clip. It is portable and heats up slightly when worn on a belt, but not enough to cause burns. These features of the MR450 Mosquito Repellent could be useful for stationary activities such as hunting or fishing.
The MR450 mosquito repellent’s pads start blue and turn white with use. It’s difficult to tell how quickly the pad is fading. It’s important to know when the repellents get low because you don’t want to use an expired pad. The clear liquid vial on the E90 is preferred because it’s easier to determine how much repellents are left.
The MR450’s heat source is a replaceable butane 12-hour refill cartridge. Refill kits for 12-hour fuel cartridge are available with new repellent cartridges and pads, but old repellent cartridges cannot be refilled. Leaving the unit heating after the pad expires can throw off coordination with the four-hour repellent pads. So, to solve this issue, just replace 12-hour fuel cartridge are available. The butane cartridge needs to be on hand in case it runs out, and frequent pad swaps are necessary for extended outdoor activities. The upside is that the butane cartridge is more portable for camping and outdoor activities without outlets.
The MR450 and E90 mosquito repellent, along with other spatial repellents, are limited in their ability to protect areas during windy conditions. The MR450 is generally less expensive than the E90, with slightly lower long-term costs.
So, what did you think about these mosquito repellers? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.