The 4 Best Mosquito Repellent Devices

• Also available on Thermacell, $25

With a sleek, colorful design and a very affordable price tag, you won't mind setting this Thermacell mosquito repellant device out on your back patio or taking it with you on a picnic. The cylindrical unit uses DEET- and fragrance-free allethrin to keep mosquitos away. A butane fuel cartridge inside the device heats up small pads infused with the repellent. In the box, you'll get one butane cartridge, which will last up to 12 hours, and three blue repellent mats, which are effective for up to four hours and will conveniently turn white once they've stopped working. Fuel cartridges and mat refills are available in affordable bundles, offering 12-300 hours of protection. The stylish device comes in tons of colors and has almost 40,000 reviews.

One reviewer wrote: “this works GREAT!! it keeps the mosquitos away. I use this often and it hasn't let me down. whether I'm on the back porch at dusk or in my garage working out. I had my doubts about how affective the Thermacell would be, but they definitely work.”

Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 6.5 inches | Zone of protection: 15 feet |

• Also available on Walmart, $36

Though it's more expensive than the pick above, the more compact Thermacell Radius device is unique in that it works with an included rechargeable (via a micro USB port) lithium-ion battery as its power source to heat the repellent, so you won't need to buy any fuel refills. Once fully juiced up, the Radius device will keep your area protected for up to six-and-a-half hours (though it can remain on while it's charging, too). This is the only model on this list with an optional auto-off function that when selected, will turn the device off after 120 minutes, ensuring your repellent is never wasted.

Keep in mind that this is the only Thermocell device that uses a special liquid-based Metofluthrin cartridge (instead of a pad) as its form of repellant, which you click into a slot at the top. To avoid any potential leaks, it may be best to keep this unit on flat surfaces only instead of toting it on a backpacking expedition. With your purchase, you get one 12-hour repellent cartridge, but you can also grab longer-life refills, which offer up to 40 hours of bug security. Get it in black or vibrant blue.

One reviewer wrote: “This product works fantastic. We were outside at night and there was no wind, no light, no fire no smoke. When one was within 15 feet or so from the device there were no mosquitos. When walking 30 or 40 feet away we were getting eaten alive.”

Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.9 x 3.3 inches | Zone of protection: 15 feet |

• Also available on Thermacell, $35

This extra-portable Thermacell mosquito repellent can be clipped to your belt for hands-free protection that goes where you go. A butane fuel cartridge (one included) heats up and disperses the allethrin in a small mat, creating a mosquito-free zone. Each cartridge lasts up to 12 hours and the device comes with three mats, each working for up to four hours. This gadget also has a notable ZoneCheck function, which gives a visual indication to let you know when a zone of protection has been created around you.

Just like all the other fuel-powered devices on this list, standard refills for both the cartridges and color-fading mats are available in bundles, offering 12-300 hours of protection.

One reviewer wrote: "We use these constantly for hunting the swamps and marshes of southeast La and they help big time. You'll learn just how much when the bugs are bad and you forgot to bring it. Just as the instructions say, use fresh pads (you don't need a new pad if it still has dark color to it), don't expect it to work in high wind, and give it a few minutes to give off that barrier of protection and it really will cut down on the bugs.”

Dimensions: 7.8 x 2.9 x 1.8 inches | Zone of protection: 15 square feet |

• Also available on Thermacell, $25

In addition to a bug shield, this Thermacell lantern also emits a soothing, LED-powered glow. The device uses allethrin to deter bugs and is fueled by a butane cartridge. As with other similar devices above, this pick comes with the standard 12-hour fuel cartridge and three repellent color-fading mats, each lasting approximately four hours (and you can buy refills in bundles, offering 12-300 hours of protection). Tip: You can use on the battery-powered light (three AAA batteries are not included) with or without the repellent function.

One reviewer wrote: “I was skeptical because I have tried other things, but this thing works. There is no smell. It's easy to use. Mosquitoes don't like it. I like the handle on it because I often carry it with me when I'm walking the dog, and it doubles as a good light source.”

Dimensions: 4.75 x 4.75 x 8 inches | Zone of protection: 15 feet |

• Also available on ExOfficio, $33

Made with permethrin, another synthesized chrysanthemum extract similar to allethrin, this ExOfficio hoodie provides a way to wear your protection from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other bugs. The ultra-lightweight, cotton-blend hoodie is machine-washable and the repellent is effective through 70 washes. It's available in ten colors and comes in sizes XX-Small - XX-Large.

One reviewer wrote: “I throw this hoodie (and there are other colors) on over a shirt when hiking or dog walking during mosquito season. Definitely works to keep the bites down. On particularly buggy days, the hood is really helpful.”

These DEET-free Mosquito Guard bracelets are infused with essential oils, like citronella, lemongrass, and geraniol that are most commonly used in natural mosquito repellents. They're great for kids, but also stretchy enough for adults to use comfortably. Though the research on band-type mosquito repellents has found them to be less effective than lotions and sprays, because they concentrate repellant in one small area, Amazon reviewers have found creative ways to try to make them more potent by wearing them around ankles, upper arms, or even around a cup to keep bugs at bay.

One reviewer wrote: “My 2 year old gets eaten alive by mosquitos and has sensitive skin so spraying her down with bug spray every time she wants to go outside gives her a rash. Used these today outside and she didn’t get hit once! Super happy to have them.”