Latest news with #bugrepellent
CNET
5 hours ago
- CNET
I Found the Best Way to Stop Mosquitos This Summer, and It's Not a Spray or Candle
Longer, hotter summers mean one thing: longer, itchier, angrier mosquito seasons. And if June's sizzling heat waves are any preview of summer's dog days, you're gonna need more than good vibes and a flickering citronella candle to make it through. I was playing it fast and loose with the usual bug defenses: sprays that smell bad and taste even worse and candles that burn out faster than your will to be outside. Then I met my new summer MVP: the Thermacell. It's a compact, affordable, bug-repelling gadget that's kept my backyard hangouts and balcony beers almost entirely bite-free. Made by Massachusetts-based company Thermacell, this line of mosquito defense devices works by diffusing a scentless, invisible mosquito repellent into the air. The magic? It doesn't smell, doesn't stick to your skin and it actually works. I've been testing the smallest in the lineup, the Thermacell E-Series, with a fast charging dock. For around $40 (or less -- it's currently on sale for $25 at Target), this little puck creates a 20-foot bubble of bug-free bliss. It's available at REI, Amazon and other retailers, and it might just be the best $40 you spend this summer (that isn't on frozen margarita mix). How does Thermacell work? The rechargeable device releases a trickle of vapor, similar to an oil diffuser, that contains a synthetic version of a chemical found in the chrysanthemum flower. According to Griffin Dill, an integrated pest management professional at the University of Maine I spoke to, these compounds excite insects' neuroreceptors, which dissuades them from feeding. Because of this, you might still see bugs flying around but they're far less likely to bite you. Thermacell's formula is effective in deterring dozens of species of mosquitos, black flies and biting gnats. Thermacell I also spoke with Thermacell's Senior Product Director Adam Goess, who performs research and testing in the company's sprawling laboratory in the swamps of Florida -- the mosquito capital of America. As of our speaking, they've found the device to be effective in deterring dozens of species of mosquitos and even black flies and biting gnats. In my testing, it worked just as advertised. I ran the Thermacell around my outdoor dining table and lounge setup on five evenings during twilight when bugs are particularly ravenous. My yard has a pool, so you can only imagine the sort of swarms that descend on the space during summer. Read more: Add These Bug-Repelling Plants to Your Kitchen Today Each time, friends and I waited until we felt the first bites and broke out the Thermacell, placing it in the middle. In all five instances, the bug bites stopped as the mist made its way out of the softball-sized device. While bites were neutralized, we could still see the occasional mosquito darting about. A few drawbacks Pods last for about 36 hours and each one costs $20. David Watsky/CNET Thermacells are fueled by small pods. Those last for about 36 hours when run continuously before you'll need a refill. Refill pods cost about $20, but I found a two-pack, good for 72 hours of repelling, for $22 on QVC. Needless to say I jumped on the deal. Considering the buggiest parts of the evening only last an hour or so, you can stretch a single pod for a month or more if you remember to turn it off when you're done or the bug hour is over. And only use it when you need it, not every time you hang outside. Also, the Thermacell only works when it's charged and not while charging on the dock. So if you've forgotten to charge it before the bugs come, there's no recourse or backup plan and you'll have to wait until it regains some juice. A Thermacell won't work while on its charging dock, so be sure that it's charged before the bug hour begins. David Watsky/CNET Though he hadn't tried the Thermacell himself, Dill said that he had heard good things from colleagues. He steered us away from a few other popular anti-mosquito products:
CNET
6 days ago
- Science
- CNET
I'm Done With Citronella. This $35 Device Keeps Mosquitos at Bay Without the Odor
Longer, hotter summers means a longer mosquito season. If June's heat waves are any indication of what's to come, you better have a plan for bugs. I was winging it with fickle citronella and stinky bug spray until I discovered the Thermacell -- an affordable bug repellent diffuser that has kept my evenings almost completely bite-free since I started using it. The Thermacell works better than any mosquito repellant I've tried. David Watsky/CNET Massachusetts-based Thermacell makes a line of devices designed to keep mosquitoes at bay by misting the air around with an odorless chemical that keeps bugs from biting. I tested the smallest of its devices, the Thermacell Radius E-series with fast charging dock, which defends pests in a 20-foot radius and costs just $40 on Amazon (currently on sale for $35), REI and other retailers. How does the Thermacell work? The rechargeable device releases a trickle of vapor, similar to an oil diffuser, that contains a synthetic version of a chemical found in the chrysanthemum flower. (The rechargeable Radius model uses metofluthrin; the other models use allethrin.) According to Griffin Dill, an integrated pest management professional at the University of Maine I spoke to, these compounds excite insects' neuroreceptors, which dissuades them from feeding. Because of this, you might still see bugs flying around but they're far less likely to bite you. Thermacell I also spoke with Thermacell's Senior Product Director Adam Goess, who performs research and testing in the company's sprawling laboratory in the swamps of Florida -- the mosquito capital of America. As of our speaking, they've found the device to be effective in deterring dozens of species of mosquitos and even black flies and biting gnats. In my testing, it worked just as advertised. I ran the Thermacell around my outdoor dining table and lounge setup on five evenings during twilight when bugs are particularly ravenous. My yard has a pool, so you can only imagine the sort of swarms that descend on the space during summer. Read more: Add These Bug-Repelling Plants to Your Kitchen Today Each time, friends and I waited until we felt the first bites and broke out the Thermacell, placing it in the middle. In all five instances, the bug bites stopped as the mist made its way out of the softball-sized device. While bites were neutralized, we could still see the occasional mosquito darting about. A few drawbacks Pods last for about 36 hours and each one costs $20. David Watsky/CNET Thermacells are fueled by small pods. Those last for about 36 hours when run continuously before you'll need a refill. Refill pods cost about $20, but I found a two-pack, good for 72 hours of repelling, for $22 on QVC. Needless to say I jumped on the deal. Considering the buggiest parts of the evening only last an hour or so, you can stretch a single pod for a month or more if you remember to turn it off when you're done or the bug hour is over. And only use it when you need it, not every time you hang outside. Also, the Thermacell only works when it's charged and not while charging on the dock. So if you've forgotten to charge it before the bugs come, there's no recourse or backup plan and you'll have to wait until it regains some juice. A Thermacell won't work while on its charging dock, so be sure that it's charged before the bug hour begins. David Watsky/CNET Though he hadn't tried the Thermacell himself, Dill said that he had heard good things from colleagues. He steered us away from a few other popular anti-mosquito products: Those mosquito-repellent bracelets that look like old-fashioned telephone cords: They don't work. Citronella candles: Those don't work. Those organic essential oils favored by hippies like my wife: Dill wasn't willing to say they don't work, but he did point to the dearth of research about their efficacy and safety. Amazon includes a Proposition 65 warning for California residents that discloses that Thermacell's repellent contains chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects. Allethrin and metofluthrin are also toxic to some animals including birds, fish, bees and cats. Dill said that "though the potential for harm to humans is there, it's probably low," but he cautioned to use these devices in moderation and never indoors.
CNET
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNET
Add These Bug-Repelling Plants to Your Kitchen Today
As temperatures climb, bugs start showing up in all the places you don't want them -- especially in the kitchen. From ants trailing across the counter to fruit flies buzzing near the sink, pests have a way of sneaking indoors as soon as summer begins. But before you reach for chemical sprays, there's a more natural way to keep them out. Certain houseplants don't just look good -- they can also help repel common bugs. With the right plants in the right spots, you can protect your home while making it feel fresher and more inviting. If you're looking for a low-maintenance solution to summer pests, these houseplants are a smart place to start. You may not have considered using houseplants to rid your home of bugs, but some common herbs and other plants can act as natural repellents. As a bonus, these plants add visual charm to your home and some can be used to add flavor to your cooking or cocktails. Below you'll find six houseplants known to deter insects naturally. Read more: This Houseplant Cleans Air 30 Times Better Than a Typical Plant For more, see the best plants for cooling the air in your home, find out which plants are easiest to keep alive and peruse our list of the best places to buy plants online. Best plants to repel bugs Herbs Herbs can do double duty as flavor enhancers and bug repellents. Kay Fochtmann/EyeEm Potent herbs like basil, mint, sage and rosemary are great for topping spaghetti or making mojitos, but their scent stops insects like house and fruit flies from coming near. Consider lining a sunny kitchen window with a few of your favorite food and drink garnishes. Not only will the bugs stay away, but you'll enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs year-round and without the hefty price tags found in most supermarkets. Pro tip: Lemongrass contains citronella oil, which is often used in candles and sprays to repel mosquitos. Marigold Marigolds give off a potent scent that not all critters enjoy. Jessica Dolcourt/CNET The yellow and orange flower is so much more than a pretty accent to an oversized pot or home garden -- it's a gnat- and midge-fighting beast that emits a distinct and powerful odor that sends critters scurrying. Perhaps best of all, marigolds are an easy plant to cultivate within your home since they require little maintenance and grow quickly. Lavender Lavender is soothing for us humans, but not so much for certain insects. nevarpp/Getty Images Lavender boasts calming properties that help us drift to sleep at night, but it has the opposite effect on insects like moths and beetles. Snip a few purple stems and incorporate them into an elegant flower bouquet to ward off any unwelcome visitors. You can buy live lavander plants on and other sites. Catnip Alina Bradford/CNET Your feline friend may experience an immediate sense of euphoria when exposed to catnip, but roaches and mosquitoes have the opposite reaction. According to scientists, the plant contains an active component that triggers the chemical receptor in insects that causes pain and itchiness. Like humans, when insects feel the slightest bit of discomfort, they tend to retreat and not return to the source of suffering. Amazon sells a four-pack of catnip plants for $23. Chrysanthemums Try some Chrysanthemum to slow down common kitchen insects. Corbis This popular flower is an insect's worst enemy. In fact, a chrysanthemum's hit list is extensive and includes roaches, ants, silverfish, lice, bed bugs and mites. Keep these away from your pets, though, as they can be toxic when ingested. Carnivorous plants The Venus flytrap is the most famous bug eliminator in the plant kingdom. Joel's Carnivorous Plants Lean into the obvious choice and opt for the endlessly entertaining carnivorous plant. Typically, these hungry wonders, like the Venus flytrap, lure in unsuspecting prey with a scent that mirrors delicious fruits and flowers. Once its hairlike lobes, otherwise known as trichomes, are activated, its leaves snap shut and reopen 10 days after the insect has been completely digested. Of course, you'll need a whole lot of carnivorous plants to tackle swarms, but they make great additions to target the occasional fly or two. No matter your preference, these plants, flowers and herbs make wonderful (and natural!) additions to a kitchen pest management plan. They also happen to be delicious and/or beautiful. If you're still not convinced, consider other all-natural alternatives like coffee grounds, essential oils, banana peels, white vinegar and onions. Each has also been proven to stave off an infestation if left out on kitchen counters.
CTV News
16-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
If You're On The Hunt For Bug Deterrents, Here Are A Few Of The Best You Can Get In Canada Right Now
From sprays and zappers to wearable solutions, here are the top repellents Canadians swear by to keep bugs at bay this summer. Few things ruin an outdoor gathering—or a peaceful summer evening—like a swarm of buzzing, biting insects. Whether you're relaxing on the patio, hiking in the woods, or tending your garden, swatting at uninvited guests and itching afterwards is no way to spend the summer. The good news is that you have loads of options for keeping the peskiest pests away this season. Classic bug sprays still exist and work great, even if you'd prefer to go DEET-free. Alternatively, opt for fans, zappers, or clever gadgets that will protect your personal space from those insect interlopers. Go ahead and plan that picnic or weekend camping trip—these bug-busting essentials have you covered. Here are the absolute best bug deterrents you can get in Canada right now: 14 Alcohol-Free Beers, Spirits, And Pre-Mixed Mocktails That Taste Just As Good As The Real Deal I Deal With Spring Allergies Every Year, And Here Are My Favourite Products That Help 14 Of Our Favourite Tools for Post-Workout Recovery and Flexibility Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
New York Times
23-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
My Whole Family Fights Over This Electric Fly Swatter
For most of my life, I didn't believe in any kind of self-defense against the onslaught of summertime insects. Sure, some methods might work in your backyard, but they're no match for the Ontario wilderness, where I worked as a canoe trip guide for eight years, or the woods of Quebec, where my family decamps each summer. I've seen things you wouldn't believe. In the depths of the Canadian woods, I could take a bath in pure DEET and still be swarmed by ravenous black flies, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes. Just about every bug repellent we tried — repellent coils, spatial diffusers, hypersonic machines, special wristbands — was easily overwhelmed by the sheer number of bugs flying about. Mostly, I grit my teeth and surrendered to the fact that I was in the dominion of the bugs and was gonna get bit. Last summer, my wife and I steeled ourselves for peak bug-biting season. But to my surprise, my family had figured out the bug problem with the most inelegant, brute-force tool possible: The Executioner, an electric fly swatter that has cured my bug-defense skepticism. It cuts through swarms of mosquitoes and black flies with ease, making your next hike in the woods or your next outdoor meal during bug season a bit more pleasant. The swatter looks like a metal-stringed tennis racket. To activate its electrical current, you press a button on the side of the handle. You can see where this is going: Bug meets strings, bug gets zapped. For hunting one single bug, like any flyswatter, it isn't super effective — you have to guess the insect's flight path and hope to connect with it somewhere in the middle. But it shines when you're faced with a swarm: Just hold the button and take a swing around yourself, and you're sure to get at least one bug. The mesh on the racket is fine enough to collect bugs of all sizes, so one swing by a seasoned Executioner can get you a deer fly, two mosquitoes, and four black flies — seven in one blow, like you're the brave little tailor. You can easily knock your conquests off the strings and make your own miniature trophy room, the envy of all bug-addled folks near you. And compared with a regular fly swatter, the mess is minimal: no blood, no guts, all the glory. In my family, the Executioner has become a much sought-after possession for any summertime outdoor activity. Because it's so effective, wielding it is a highly esteemed badge of honor. My wife felt like she had entered into a new inner circle of the family when my dad handed her the Executioner before we ventured outside. As long as I stuck by my wife's side, I knew I'd be protected in the haze of bugs by her new favorite tool; the next best thing to wielding the Executioner yourself is sitting by someone who is. The swatter is shaped like a tennis racket, with tight wires that can wack bugs of various sizes. Evan Dent/NYT Wirecutter My family isn't alone in coveting the Executioner; writer Alexander Aciman told me that over the past couple of summers, he and his brothers have fought over using the Executioner 'the way we might have fought over possession of a single toy 30 years ago.' He, too, feels all-powerful when wielding it; while I might feel like the brave little tailor, Alexander feels more like Watchmen' s 'Doctor Manhattan zapping things out of the sky.' (I am tired of this world — these flies.) Most of all, Alexander appreciates the Executioner's 'one-and-done' efficiency, which stops him and his family from 'neck-breaking maneuvers' while frantically and repeatedly trying to swat an attacker. Tolstoy once wrote that every happy family is alike; that's definitely the case when they have an Executioner on their side. The Executioner isn't perfect; it's just a simple solution for a simple problem. You can make an outdoor meal during black-fly season tolerable with some intermittent charged passes between bites. If you're on a hike and end up in a swampy bit of forest, your group leader can clear the air of mosquitoes for those behind them. And if you want to hit a special fishing spot, you can extend your time by buzzing away some flies between casts. Looks-wise, it's about as pretty as its name implies, but at least a range of colorways and sizes are available. (My wife picked out a pink one.) It's made out of a sturdy plastic, and mine has held up well over the course of a couple summers; I imagine hitting it against a wall or table might chip it with enough bashes, but the beauty of it is catching bugs mid-air and not having to thwap them. The device requires AA batteries (not included). There's also the risk of electrical shock. The electric current turns off instantly if you let go of the power button. Some models feature a safety switch, but it's still possible to give yourself a little jolt with a mistimed touch. (If you're morbidly curious like myself, you'll do it on purpose — it's not so bad.) And if you abhor violence, well, a product called the Executioner is not for you. (Maybe the catch-and-release BugZooka is more your speed.) It's at least better than those high-voltage bug zappers, which indiscriminately kill every flying invertebrate that comes near them — you can be a little more selective with the Executioner. The Executioner is a simple solution to a simple problem, but it does its job well. Evan Dent/NYT Wirecutter I loved the Executioner enough to get one of my own for home use back in New York, where the mosquitoes are tamer than those in the Canadian wilderness, but still bothersome. If I want to read, grill, or just lounge in my backyard, I'll take it along. Compared with using it in the woods, it's like cutting vegetables with a machete — overpowered for the job, but immensely satisfying. And if some poor fly does make its way into my house, that bug doesn't know that it's just entered the Thunderdome. While other households in the city might fruitlessly chase flies with a rolled up magazine, in this apartment, a pink, sparkly Executioner reigns; abandon all hope, ye flies who enter here. This article was edited by Katie Okamoto and Maxine Builder. Here's the best gear for killing flies and other common household pests. Our repellent recommendations are EPA approved, backed by experts, and tested by us. Create a bug-free bubble outdoors with these spatial insect repellents.
