Mosquito-proof your summer

USDA research shows mosquitoes are becoming resistant to the most common repellents—DEET and picaridin. The good news? Pest pros say there are all-natural options that can keep you bite-free!

On an adventure? Try lemon eucalyptus

“Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the only natural repellent recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, American Mosquito Control Association

and Centers for Disease Control,” says Sydney Crawley, Ph.D., a public health entomologist and pest expert for Scotts gardening products. Not to be confused with lemon-eucalyptus essential oil, it’s predominately composed of an organic compound known as PMD. Be sure to spray thoroughly on the skin—leaving big gaps in application could lead to bites—and frequently, as it tends to wear off more quickly than DEET- or picaridin-based sprays. One to try: Repel PlantBased Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent ($6, Target.com).

Love to entertain? Opt for geraniol

Enjoying a night out on your porch? Skip citronella candles. “Citronella isn’t an effective mosquito repellent,” says Dr. Crawley. “Oil of citronella does work to some extent, but the amount put out by candles is typically not enough for an observable effect.” The better bet? Geraniol, which was shown to be superior to citronella candles and 97% effective at repelling mosquitoes in a Journal of Vector Ecology study. “Geraniol is an alcohol found in plants like lemongrass and rose and can be used in a diffuser, which releases higher concentrations than candles.” One to try: Patio Egg, $26, Walmart.com.

Also smart: Experts advise pointing a fan toward your gathering—it blows away scents that attract mosquitoes, plus makes it difficult for them to sustain flight, so you’re less likely to get bit.

Water in the yard? Use a floating bacterium

The number-one way to eradicate mosquitoes from your backyard: “Empty and clean pots and other items that hold water weekly since this is where mosquitoes lay eggs,” says Dr. Crawley. And if your space has a pond or other standing water that can’t be drained, protect it with mosquito dunks containing Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), she says. “Bti occurs naturally and targets and destroys mosquito larvae. Dunks are very safe and won’t impact plants or other animals, only mosquitoes. Just let them float along the surface and they release into the water.”