The Best Mosquito Repellents

If your backyard is full of pesky mosquitoes, you don't have to spend the summer inside. Instead apply an effective mosquito repellent to keep mosquitoes away and prevent itchy mosquito bites. Consult a doctor before using store-bought or homemade mosquito repellent on yourself or your children, particularly if you have allergies or health concerns.

DEET, also known as "N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide" is a powerful and effective insecticide recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to repel mosquitoes and prevent West Nile Virus, a disease that is spread by mosquitoes. According to the CDC, the higher the concentration of DEET, the longer the product will provide protection from mosquitoes. A product that contains 23.8 percent DEET will give you approximately five hours of mosquito protection. DEET may be toxic, so do not apply it to the hands of young children who may stick their fingers in their mouth. Do not apply a mosquito repellent that contains DEET to children under the age of two months old. Products that contain DEET may have a strong chemical smell.

Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023, is an odorless mosquito repellent that provides similar protection as DEET but is odorless. Outside of the U.S., picaridin is known as "bayrepel." Like DEET, picaridin may be toxic if swallowed and should not be used on infants under the age of two months. Wash the repellent from your child's skin after she comes back inside.

If you do not want to expose your skin to harsh chemicals, eucalyptus oil is a natural alternative to harsh insect repellents. To make your own natural repellent that may be effective in keeping mosquitoes away, combine 2 oz. of vegetable oil, 1/4 tsp. of eucalyptus oil, 1/4 tsp. of citronella oil, 1/8 tsp. of rose geranium oil, 1/8 tsp. of pennyroyal oil and 1/8 tsp. of cedar oil, recommends Kathi Keville in her book, "Herbs for Health and Healing." Rub the solution on your skin to keep mosquitoes away.