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These 26 Products Will Help You Fight Off The Mosquitoes, Ticks, And Other Pests That Like To Invade Your Backyard And Home During The Warmer Months

Because your 2026 summer theme is no uninvited guests.

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by Sally Elshorafa BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

I’m the Home and Garden Editor at BuzzFeed, where I write articles that connect readers with the products, ideas, and trends that help make a house feel like home.

Warm weather has a lovely little habit of bringing everyone outside, including the local pest population that can wreak havoc on your life.

Whether you're trying to enjoy burgers and beers at the picnic table, relax with a good book in your favorite Adirondack chair without donating your ankles to the mosquito population, or keep your kitchen from turning into a fruit fly convention, these pest-fighting finds can help make your home and outdoor space a lot less buggy. 

1. A Thermacell rechargeable mosquito repellerfor claiming your corner of the patio without smoke, scent, sprays, or sticky traps. This'll create a 20-foot zone of protection, has a 12-hour battery life, and keeps the setup blissfully mess-free, which is exactly the energy you want when you're spending a copious amount of time outside. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As a mom with kids always running around outside, I needed something that actually worked without spraying everyone down with bug spray every five minutes. This has honestly been a game changer for backyard evenings, sports practice, and sitting outside while the kids play. It's super easy to use, quiet, and I love that there is no strong smell. After letting it warm up for a few minutes, we noticed way fewer mosquitoes around us. The rechargeable feature is also really convenient and cute because I do not have to keep buying batteries. Definitely worth it if you have kids and want a more comfortable outdoor setup without constantly fighting mosquitoes." —Happy shopper 2012

Get it from Amazon for $43.99.

2. A set of two retractable fly swatters, because sometimes the easiest way to control the local flying nuisance population is to swat 'em yourself. This is an especially good get if you have a home where a few flies here and there find their way in, like when the windows are often open or the backyard door swings open and shut all day and night. Reviewers also say they're great at swatting the very invasive spotted lanternfly if you live in a state with those. 

www.amazon.com

An odd thing keeps happening in my bedroom during the warmer months. For whatever reason, and about once a month, a rogue wasp will find itself in my bedroom. They like to nest in the eaves of my house, so I suspect that's why. ANYWAY, so it comes in — and I don't know how it gets in, but it does — and then it just aggressively buzzes around and scares me, because they are very territorial and their stings really hurt. Enter: the fly swatter! When the wasp lands on something, I gather up all my courage, and I swat it dead. I've never missed! And it's not toxic or loud or scary. We keep the swatter on top of an armoire so it's not a visual eyesore or anything when it's not in use. J'adore! 

Promising review: "The spotted lanternflies have returned, so I needed some good swatters to take them down. These swatters are retractable, just like my previous ones, so you can smash flies (or lanternflies) from long distances. So far, they're very durable even after swatting on hard tree bark for days. So yeah, these are really good fly swatters; they're durable, sturdy, and last longer than normal swatters! Definitely recommended for your bug problems." —Fryzilla: King of the Monsters

Get it from Amazon for $6.39.

3. Some TIKI BiteFighter mosquito repellent string lights that are, quite literally, just so genius. Adding string lights to your outdoor space is one of the easiest ways to create ambience, and the fact that these come with three mosquito-repelling cartridges that screw right into the lightbulb socket is smart as heck. It'll blend in seamlessly; you and your guests will probably not even realize they're up above you, doing such hard and important work. 

Amazon

This set comes with three replacement pods, though reviewers suggest stocking up on more replacement pods before you run out. 

Promising review: "We love spending time on our patio outside, but mosquitoes tend to attack my husband and daughter no matter how often we have the yard sprayed or how much bug spray I slather them in. These are expensive, but I figured if they worked, they'd be well worth the price! They look great in our yard, are very sturdy, and actually keep the bugs away. We're really enjoying spending nights outside now without hearing complaints of being eaten alive or having to call it a night early because my sweet-blooded family can't take the mosquito onslaught anymore!" —Tracy

Get it from Amazon for $89.99.

4. A set of clear window fly traps to catch the flies, gnats, and fruit flies that always seem to buzz around windows. They stick directly to the glass, use no harsh chemicals, and blend in better than most other traps.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I live on a small farm with many animals — ducks, geese, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits — you name it. There was a perfect storm of lots of rain, record heat, and me being super sick, so I was not as on top of things as I normally am. Let me tell you, the flies exploded practically overnight! I’ve used these strips for years, but I have NEVER seen anything like this. Take a look at the (above) photo — this was just a few hours. I’m not exaggerating when I say this had to be around 1,800 flies. It was shocking, disgusting, and so impressive! 

These things are unbelievably sticky — once a fly lands, it’s done. They do not get off. If you have animals or are dealing with a serious fly problem, these work fast and extremely well. I think 5 stars honestly doesn’t feel like enough." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in four pack sizes).

5. Some Murphy's Naturals mosquito repellent incense for anyone who wants their patio to feel a little more civilized once the mosquitoes clock in. The sticks use plant-based repellent oils to help keep them away from your immediate hangout zone, which is especially handy if you have many spots in your outdoor space where folks tend to linger. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

My backyard has several zones where people like to hangout. Whether it's sitting around the dining table on the deck, rocking in an Adirondack chair by the firepit, checking out the vegetables in our raised garden beds, or participating in water play on the lawn, there's always something going on somewhere. Enter: these incense sticks. I light one where I know people will be spending time, and it works wonders in keeping mosquitoes from bothering people. They also smell really nice — people often ask what the lovely scent is. I don't need to worry about refills, charging batteries, or longevity. You light 'em, they burn for a while, and then they're done. It's an easy, low-effort way to control the winged pests from crashing your shindigs. 

Promising review: "Okay, these Murphy’s Naturals incense sticks are legit. I was tired of smelling like bug spray every time I wanted to sit outside, so I gave these a try — and wow. Not only do they actually keep mosquitoes away (like really), but they also smell kind of amazing?? Earthy, fresh, not overpowering… honestly kind of adds to the chill outdoor vibe. I light a couple near the seating area, and we’re good for the night—no bites, no swatting, no itchy ankles. Just good smells, good company, and zero bugs. Total summer MVP. If you’re trying to enjoy your patio, deck, or yard without becoming a mosquito buffet, grab these. Trust me, you’ll never go back to the spray!" —ENINI

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in packs of 12 or 24).

6. A self-sealing magnetic screen door so kids, pets, and anyone carrying a tray of burgers can go in and out without accidentally inviting every mosquito in the neighborhood along for the ride. The magnetic closure snaps shut behind them, which is especially helpful if your household treats the backyard like an extension of the living room from June through September. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this so my puppies could traverse to/from their backyard pen area...and keep flying insects out. It is AWESOME! The puppies figured out quickly that they could go through the screen — the screen snapped back into a closed state immediately after they got through the opening. If only all things in life could be solved this easily!" —Lynette S Quigley

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in seven sizes).

7. A pack of Cliganic mosquito repellent bracelets safe for adults and kids that'll keep the biters away, all thanks to being infused with citronella, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils. Each bracelet lasts up to four hours. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

I'm a BIG fan of these bracelets, especially for my kids. They're tiny — ages 3 and 4.5 — so I just put one of these on their ankle instead of their wrist, and they really seem to work! Last Fourth of July, we were outside for HOURS when the mosquito population was at its peak, and not a single person in our party got bitten. Not a single one! I've also thrown a couple in a backpack before taking a trek in the woods, and they came in really handy — no bites whatsoever. A real win.

Promising review: "Great product — exactly as described. No off-putting smell (for humans), but we absolutely noticed being less bothered by mosquitoes while wearing." —Michigan Dad

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in microfiber and in packs of 25, 50, and 100).

8. A two-pack of Hot Shot wasp and hornet spray for the kind of nest that turns a porch, deck, or play area into a genuine sting risk. Spray this directly into the nest from a safe distance (the jet spray reaches up to 27 feet) to eliminate it. The formula is also nonstaining to most home siding, depending on age and cleanliness.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

My house, sadly, was in its wasp era last summer, and this spray was a safe, effective way for me to deal with nests that had popped up in spots where they were a real danger to my family. One was directly above our front door, where the hornets stung my mom twice and then chased after my kids because they're so territorial. I knew I had to do something, so I tried this. It worked: I stood about 15 feet away from the nest, sprayed directly into it, and within a few days, there was zero hive activity. I was then able to remove the nest without getting stung. That said, there was a bigger one nearby that I hired a professional to handle, because it didn't feel safe for me to tackle on my own. Use your best judgment on whether a nest is something you can DIY or something best left to the pros. 

Promising review: "Not the first time I have purchased this, it's great stuff. Very effective on wasps. It kinda makes a mess because of the distance it shoots, but it does dry relatively clear and is super easy to use. I recommend following the instructions and wearing safety glasses." —Mike Sigmundi 

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.69.

9. A pack of plant-based Natpat mosquito patch stickers for kids, because slathering little arms and legs with bug lotion is nobody's favorite summer activity. Just stick one on the back of their shirt, another on the front, and one on the leg of their shorts or pants. I may overdo it with three at a time, but they've worked every time I've used them on my kids. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We purchased these for my daughter, who does not like bug spray. They come in many designs that look like stickers. We have her put one on her shirt and pants, and they work." —Kerri

Get a 48-pack from Amazon for $14.90.

10. A My Critter Catcher for humane bug removal without the squishing and guilty conscience. Squeeze the handle to open the bristles, place it over scary little guys like spiders or any other uninvited houseguest, and then release them gently when you are outside. 

www.amazon.com

My Critter Catcher is a small business ensuring you have an easy and nontoxic way to rid your home of pests.

Promising review: "I love this thing. I live in a forest area and we got some mammoth spiders who like to come inside, especially in the fall. I've caught tons of those critters with this catcher. Sometimes it takes a minute and they escape, depending on the spider, but I have usually triumphed and escorted their little butts right out the door. It's also good for catching those big mosquitoes. Highly recommend!" —Maggie T

Get it from Amazon for $26.95 (also available in pink and camo).

11. A citronella candle with notes of lemongrass and lemon peel that looks just as much like decor as it acts as defense. These plant-based scents will help make it harder for mosquitoes to track down the human smells they're looking for, which is why citronella is the unofficial smell of summer.

Anchored Northwest

Anchored Northwest is a family-owned small business based in Spokane, Washington, that makes wood-wick soy candles.

Promising review: "Great scent and good quality candle, and I really like the container it’s in. Highly recommend!" —Etsy Buyer

Get it from Anchored Northwest on Etsy for $16.97.

12. A plug-in fruit fly and gnat trap to handle the tiny indoor pests that somehow turn one overly ripe banana into a winged insect family reunion. It uses UV light, bait, and sticky refills to help catch flying nuisances around product bowls, trash cans, and houseplants, all while looking way more tidy than a strip of sticky paper dangling from the ceiling. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This absolutely works! Just insert the sticky part facing towards the wall, plug it into the outlet, and you're set. They swivel to accommodate sideways, too. Easy to put together, the light is a nice shade of blue and acts as a dim night light for small areas. It definitely attracts the little buggers. I have one kit in the kitchen, one in the bathroom, and one in the living area." —Ahclarice

Get one device and one refill from Amazon for $19.97+ (available with more devices and refills).

13. An Insect Shield lightweight throw blanket for anyone who wants to curl up outside without donating every exposed inch of skin to the local mosquito population. The recycled fabric has EPA-registered repellent technology built into the fibers, and it stays effective through up to 70 washes. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

My backyard doubles as a pollinator garden, so I'm careful about how I handle nuisance pests. I try to avoid pesticide sprays whenever I can, which is why I love this blanket so much. I've draped it over my shoulders or laid it across my lap and legs more times than I can count, and I haven't been bitten once. It helps protect my kids and me without harming the insects around us, which feels like the right kind of compromise: peaceful coexistence, just from a distance. It's also genuinely nice-looking, which is a bonus. I leave it out when we're hosting, and people always assume it's just a pretty throw until I tell them it also repels mosquitoes. 

Insect Shield is a small business that introduced the first EPA-registered insect-repellent apparel. Its apparel technology provides effective, invisible, and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) for up to 70 launderings. 

Get it from Amazon for $99 (available in six patterns and two sizes).

14. A Stem Kills bug spraythat targets ants, roaches, and flies when they show up somewhere where they aren't wanted, like near trash cans or your garage door. It uses a plant-based active ingredient and is made for both indoors and out, so it's a good option for the pests that thrive in an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I left for the gym for an hour and came back to a MASSIVE ant takeover of my kitchen. Probably the largest ant infestation I’ve seen in my 36 years on this earth. I stayed up ’til 2 a.m. cleaning them, and they’d just come right back. They were coming out of light sockets, cracks, you name it. I got on Amazon and ordered this, since it had great reviews, and I wanted something besides Raid, since it was in my kitchen. It arrived the next morning, and I instantly used it. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! As soon as I sprayed it, the ants started retreating. I sprayed it, then took a damp washcloth and kind of wiped it down. I saw maybe one or two ants the rest of the day, and woke up this morning to NOTHING! This spray saved me a $165 pest control bill, and I am so happy I ordered it. If you have ants, order this!" —Veronica C.

Get it from Amazon for $7.28.

15. Some Combat Max roach bait stations, because let's face it: roaches are gross and NOT invited to any of your shindigs. These child-resistant stations have no vapor, fumes, or odor, and the bait is designed to help take out small roaches at the nest instead of sending you around the house with a spray bottle and a dream. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Cockroaches are so ugh! These traps work, and they last about three months. Really solved my problem. I hide them in places like under the refrigerator." —Sue E Litalien

Get it from Amazon for $15.39.

16. A pack of citronella mosquito coils that'll help make your outdoor space less appealing to mosquitoes, since the scented smoke can make it harder for them to track you down — they don't even bother coming to the area where the smoke is present. Each coil burns for up to eight hours, so you can get through dinner, drinks, and lingering outside without constant ankle-slapping. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Use them with plenty of ventilation and keep them away from kids, pets, food, and anyone sensitive to smoke.

Promising review: "I attract mosquitoes like I'm their own personal buffet. People actually sit next to me, so the mosquitoes come bite me and not them. So when I got these coils, I had zero expectations. Let me tell you something. These things actually work! They aren’t super smoky or stinky. It burns forever, and if I’m going to be outside for only a short amount of time, I can break a small part off and just burn that. I am very impressed with these!" —Lavender

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $16.99+ (also available in a 60-pack).

17. A bottle ofDEET-Free face and body insect repellent, because sometimes you want bug protection without smelling like you just wandered out of a chemical fog. This DEET alternative uses 20% picaridin to help repel mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours, plus flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand flies for up to eight, and the quick-dry, non-staining formula is made for faces, bodies, clothing, and gear. It also has a citrus-and-sandalwood scent, which is a nice little bonus for anyone who wants serious coverage without the heavy bug-spray funk. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My toddler is allergic to mosquitoes. The good old skeeter syndrome. This is the only nontoxic spray that has worked so well for him this season. And the mosquitoes have been absolutely terrible in our yard. When I spray him down with this, no more bites!! I’m so grateful!" —Ayannah

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two scents or fragrance-free).

18. A bag of diatomaceous earth for dealing with ants, roaches, fleas, and other crawling pests that keep showing up to parties where they weren't invited. Sprinkle it in dry, targeted areas like garage edges, patio cracks, and entry points around your foundation, and let the powder do its dehydration work without breaking out a harsher perimeter spray. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have this bird feeder with a camera. I had such an issue with ants in the birdseed at night that the bugs were triggering the camera alerts. I sprinkled this at the base of the feeder post, and within a day, there were no more ants and bugs triggering the camera. The birds and squirrels who have come into contact with this have been fine. This bag is much better priced than some similar-sized bags are, and because it is safe for pets and animals, it makes me feel ok about having it in my yard." —Unicorn Pines

Get it from Amazon for $13.98.

19. A bottle of Tiki BiteFighter mosquito repellent torch fuel that you put into your torches to fight off mosquitoes. This uses a blend of citronella and cedar oils to keep the bad bugs away, and since it's such a big bottle (128 ounces, aka a whole gallon!), it'll likely last you all summer. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Used this fuel for the first time at a bridal party we hosted at our house, and our 25+ guests were bug free all evening! Mosquitoes don't bother me, but they love my wife and kids, so now we've got two tiki torches by the front porch and two by the back deck for hours of bug-free enjoyment!! It's literally like we got our yard back!" —NCBirdman

Get a 128-ounce bottle from Amazon for$19.30. I recommend using this with this four-pack of tiki torches.

20. A cordless misting fan to help cool down your patio while making it harder for mosquitoes to hover, land, and feast on your body. It works as a floor or tabletop fan, runs cord-free, and will add a welcome mist when summer air starts feeling oppressive. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I LOVE this Fan! We live on the surface of the sun, aka Arizona, so keeping cool is a big deal! Especially for individuals with health issues! (It will also help keep the mosquitoes off you!) Last thing: it isn’t loud either!" —Alicia Hanley

Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (available in three colors).

21. AnInsect Shield neck wrap for draping around your shoulders, neck, or lap when mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting pests are out hunting for their next meal. It's made with EPA-registered insect-repellent technology, and the protection is designed to last up to 70 washes, so it can tag along for backyard dinners, camping trips, hikes, and travel without you needing to use bug spray on your body every time you go outside. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Insect Shield is a small business that introduced the first EPA-registered insect-repellent apparel. Its apparel technology provides effective, invisible, and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) through 70 launderings. 

Promising review: "I’ve had this about a year, and it really works! Just great for a nice evening out with friends when you don’t want bug spray on your neck or top. I get compliments on it all the time because it’s so pretty." —Curly Girl

Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in six colors).

22. A wall-mounted outdoor fan that'll help you beat the heat *and* keep mosquitoes away. It frees up floor space, angles exactly where you want it, and actually makes a difference when the sun's doing the most. Bonus points that it helps keep the bugs away, too. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This weatherproof fan has a fully sealed and permanently lubricated industrial motor to protect it against wetness.

Promising review: "Our patio is surrounded on two sides by a 5000-gallon Black Lagoon-themed Koi pond. So these fans are perfect for keeping the mosquitoes and bugs away, and of course for cooling everyone down when the summer heat comes burning down. They can be tilted or swiveled depending on how you install yours. Ours are placed ideally so we can easily adjust accordingly for our guests' comfort" —Darren M.

Get it from Amazon for $119+ (available in three sizes).

23. A mosquito net for patio umbrellas, because sometimes the most peaceful place to eat dinner is directly under a mesh fortress. It slips over a standard market umbrella and drapes down over the chairs until it hits the floor, giving you a bug-free bubble for eating, reading, or just sitting outside without becoming a pest's dinner. 

www.amazon.com

This fits umbrellas as large as 10 feet. Also, check out a net option for umbrellas up to 15 feet wide.

Promising review: "Overall, very sturdy once you put the water on the bottom, you can fit it to your base size. It protects the whole seating area wonderfully, definitely worth the money. The size is perfect, easy installation." —Christian Delvento

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (also available with built-in lights).

24. A set of pop-up mesh food covers so flies, gnats, and yellowjackets can stop treating your cookout like it's an open buffet. They're lightweight and reusable, so your food will be protected without needing sprays or frantic hand-waving. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These pop-up food covers are a must for outdoor gatherings! They’re lightweight, easy to open, and collapse back flat in seconds. The fine mesh keeps bugs away without blocking airflow or view of the food. Super handy and compact — perfect for picnics, BBQs, or patio parties!" —Rene Davis

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two set sizes).

25. A pack of fruit fly traps because the only thing more annoying than seeing one fruit fly is realizing it brought its entire extended family to your kitchen. Each apple-shaped trap comes ready to use with a long-lasting lure, so you can tuck one near the fruit bowl or sink, or wherever those tiny menaces keep appearing. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: “A miracle worker! I bought at least seven different types of products trying to destroy an army of fruit flies. This is freaking awesome stuff! I seriously am beyond thankful that this product works.” —JMC 

Get four traps from Amazon for $15.99.

26. A roll of window screen tape that'll easily fix holes in your window screen, because it'd get really expensive if you needed to replace the entire screen every time a hole appeared. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This RHO screen repair tape is fabulous and simple to use! Just cut to size, pull off the clear protective film, and press onto the tear or hole in your screen. That's it! There are 15 feet on a roll, and it couldn't be easier. I've patched my screened porch now in five to six spots, and while the tape is visible, it prevents bugs from crawling through, which was my goal. If you don't have the time, money, or inclination to completely replace a screen, this is the perfect solution...and the fastest! Will buy again in a heartbeat if I run out of this roll." —sallywally

Get it from Amazon for $8.79+ (available in two colors).

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