Mosquito Repellent Not Working? Here’s What To Do

by Derrick | Last Updated: October 1, 2022

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes pesky mosquitoes. If you’ve been using your usual mosquito repellent but find that the bugs are still biting, don’t worry! There are plenty of other things you can do to keep mosquitoes away.

Check if you’re using the correct concentration of repellent if your mosquito repellent isn’t working. If it’s an aerosol spray, ensure it’s covering your whole body. Additionally, use a repellent with DEET for extended protection. Also, consider using citronella candles or electronic bug killers.

In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to repel mosquitoes so that you can enjoy your summer without being bothered by these pests. Keep reading.

What To Do if Your Mosquito Repellent Isn’t Working

Choose a Natural Mosquito Repellent

If you live in a mosquito-infested area, it’s best to use a natural mosquito repellent instead of a commercial one. Chemical-based repellents can be dangerous to your health. They can cause allergic reactions and also have been linked to cancer.

There are many natural mosquito repellent alternatives on the market that are very effective and don’t contain harsh chemicals. One such example is lemon eucalyptus oil, which is excellent for repelling mosquitoes and ticks.

The Correct Way of Applying Mosquito Repellent

It’s important to apply mosquito repellent correctly to ensure that your body is fully protected from mosquitoes. The following discusses the correct way of applying mosquito repellent:

Spray in a Slow Sweeping Motion

Some people have a hard time with mosquito repellents. That’s because they don’t use it correctly, and as a result, mosquitoes swarm around them.

The best way to apply the product is in a slow, sweeping motion. That way, you cover more area, and you don’t miss any spots with the spray.

Spraying in short bursts or small circular motions isn’t as effective because you don’t cover as much surface area. If you don’t do this correctly, you could be exposing yourself to mosquito-borne diseases.

Spread the Repellent Evenly on Exposed Skin

People’s most common mistake when applying mosquito repellents is applying them unevenly to their bodies. Doing so leads to unprotected areas where bugs can bite you. You need to spread the repellent evenly on your skin to get the best protection against insects.

Apply an even coat of mosquito repellent when out in the field. If you miss a spot, it won’t be long before a mosquito bites your skin. Applying an even coat also enables the repellent to work more effectively.

Apply the Repellent to Your Face

Apply mosquito repellent to your face, especially during peak mosquito season. Make sure to apply it evenly around your eyes, nose, and mouth. Also, make sure to use it in a thin layer so that it’s effective and avoid getting the repellent in your eyes or mouth.

Wash your hands after applying mosquito repellent and reapply as necessary throughout the day.

Use Repellent on Clothing Items, Not Underneath Them

People often apply mosquito repellent to their skin underneath their clothes. Using it this way doesn’t offer much protection because mosquitoes can bite through clothing. In order to protect yourself from these insects, you should apply mosquito repellent on your clothes instead of your skin underneath.

How Often Should You Reapply Mosquito Repellent?

It’s essential to apply mosquito repellent before heading out into the wilderness or to your favorite picnic spot. However, how often should you reapply mosquito repellent?

You should reapply mosquito repellent once if you’re going out for a short time. However, you should reapply repellent every 2 hours if you spend the whole day outside in mosquito-infested terrain. If you happen to be sweating a lot or getting wet, then you should also reapply your repellent.

Consider Using Mosquito Repellents With DEET

Mosquito repellent is an essential part of outdoor activities, but the effectiveness of the repellent varies depending on the type and brand you use. To avoid mosquito bites, find a repellent that works for you.

While there are many products on the market, some work better than others. One of the most effective mosquito repellents contains DEET. This odorless synthetic compound has been proven to be one of the most effective repellents against mosquitoes.

Tips for Applying Mosquito Repellent

Below are some useful tips on how to apply mosquito repellent correctly:

Know the active ingredients in mosquito repellent and their purpose.
Choose the right product for your needs—there are many options available.

Apply repellent properly to ensure maximum protection.
Reapply the mosquito repellent as needed, especially if you’re sweating or going in and out of water.
Use caution when using repellent on children.

Store the mosquito repellent safely and dispose of it properly when finished.
Make sure to apply mosquito repellent to all exposed skin.
Bring along a can of repellent spray if you’re going to be in an area with many mosquitoes.

Try using a natural mosquito repellent such as Lavender oil or lemon eucalyptus oil.

Alternatives for Mosquito Repellent

Applying Mosquito repellent is one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitos away from you, but insect repellents can be hazardous to your health. Here are some alternatives for mosquito repellents:

Cover Yourself Properly

In recent times, studies have shown that the harmful effects of mosquito repellents outweigh the benefits. That’s why it’s essential to find an alternative to mosquito repellent.

All you need is a thick covering of clothes, not forgetting your hands, ears, and neck. Use long sleeves to cover your arms and long jeans to cover your legs.

Use Citronella Candles for Indoors

An excellent alternative to mosquito repellent is keeping the mosquito away with citronella candles. These candles are the best way to keep mosquitoes away without using any harmful chemicals in the process. They also have a pleasant smell and don’t harm humans.

Consider Using Electronic Bug Killers

Electronic mosquito killers are among the safest and most effective alternatives to regular bug sprays. They’re safe for use around people and pets, and they offer a long-term solution. Electronic bug zappers repel mosquitoes with ultraviolet light and voltage, eliminating them without harming you in any way.

Get Rid of Standing Water

The best way to avoid mosquitos is to make sure they can’t breed. You can get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard by finding all the standing water you can.

Mosquitoes breed in just about any water that sits for more than a few days—flower pot saucers, birdbaths, kiddie pools, puddles, and so on. Drain these sources, and you’ll have fewer mosquitoes.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes are annoying, but there are ways to deal with them. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of what repellents to use and how best to apply them so that the mosquitoes will go away.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get through the summer without any pesky bug problems!