We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. An indoor/outdoor bug zapper so effective, it’ll both amaze and perhaps mildly disgust you (but in a good way!). With instructions as simple as “plug it in and wait,” this handy device will attract and then irradicate any buggy pests on your deck, in your backyard, on your patio, and even inside your house. Plus, it’s shaped like a cute lil' lantern, so, hey, bonus!
2. A Shark Tank-famous Bug Bite Thing, because summer is great, but summer mosquitos are not. This suction tool works by literally sucking out the insect saliva or venom from the bite, eliminating — or at least greatly reducing — the cause of the itching. It’s good for a huge array of insect bites, too — not just those from mosquitoes, but also wasps, bees, biting flies, and more.
3. A ceramic citronella and thyme candle to provide nighttime ambiance and keep the mosquitos from feasting on your delicious, delicious blood. A good bug repellent is a must if you like to hang out on your porch or in your backyard after the sun goes down — and this five-wick candle is a big hit even with reviewers who say they don’t generally like the scent of citronella.
4. Or, a pack of mosquito-repellent incense sticks that’ll keep those pesky bugs away for up to two and a half hours. Fueled by citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood, and peppermint oils, these powerful little sticks carry a scent that’s as delightful as it is effective.
5. A set of fast-acting fruit fly traps because no one should have to share their favorite summer snacks with uninvited guests. Each trap lasts up to 45 days for continual pest relief — and the design is unobtrusive and discrete, too, so you won’t, uh, have to stare at dead bugs every time you pass by your fruit bowl.
6. A Zap It! bug zapping racket for those times when a plain fly swatter isn’t enough. It takes two double-A batteries — but once you’ve got those installed and you turn the racket on, all you have to do is bat it at any mosquitoes or flies nearby, and they’ll meet a quick and quiet end. It’s a tennis match you can’t lose!
7. A removable insect screen, so you can make sure no blood-suckers weasel their way inside your home all summer long. This easily-installed screen sticks right onto your window frame and can be cut down to the precise size you need. Open those windows and breathe in the great outdoors, bug-free!
8. A big ol’ mosquito net enclosure that fits right over your patio umbrella, so you can stay sun-free and bite-free at any time of day or night. The bottom of this pick is weighted, making sure it’ll stay put even if it’s a little bit window out. And it’s compatible with market umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas, table umbrellas… just about any kind of outdoor umbrella you can think of, really. What’s not to love?
9. A bottle or two of DEET-free, plant-based insect repellent, because sometimes, you just need a good old-fashioned bug spray to keep yourself from becoming a literal snack. This spray works for up to six hours to ward off mosquitoes — and it smells delightful, thanks to its main ingredient: Lemon eucalyptus oil.
10. Or, some insect-repelling wristbands, if you’re not a fan of sprays. Infused with geraniol, lemongrass, and citronella oils, these bands make for an easy, wearable way to ward off bugs (and bites!) — and they’re super colorful and fun to wear, too.
11. A bug repellent lotion bar that’s both travel-friendly and (of course!) effective. This lotion bar is formulated using sunflower oil, beeswax, and mango butter, along with cedarwood, peppermint, geranium, lemongrass, and citronella essential oils to keep away mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas — and since it’s all packed in a handy little tin, you can easily toss it in a bag and take it on the go.
12. A 12-pack of colorful sticky traps for houseplants, because your green babies deserve to be shielded from the grossness of summer bug problems, too. These cheerful yellow traps will help remove any plant-destroying insects from your environment — and they come in adorable shapes, so they look super cute doing it, to boot. Just pop a couple into your plants’ pots and you’re good to go.
13. A hammock bug net that’ll help even the, uh… tastiest of outdoor campers snooze like a champ. With a simple set-up and zipper that lets you close it up from both inside and outside your sleeping hammock, this pick is a must-have accessory for folks who love camping in mosquito-ridden areas. It also packs down into a teeny tiny storage bag for easy transportation — proof that good things really do come in small packages!
14. An after-bite balm stick, because sometimes, bites happen despite your best efforts. The colloidal oatmeal in this useful little stick helps soothe the itch while your bites heal — and thanks to its compact and mess-free packaging, it tucks quickly and easily into any bag for maximum portability.
15. Some clear sticky traps perfect for windows — aka most flying insects’ favorite way to invade your home. Repeatedly described by reviewers as “disgustingly effective,” they’ll make quick work of mosquitoes, gnats, and other pests without totally blocking your view.
16. A combination moisturizing lotion/bug repellent, so you can hydrate your skin and keep it bite-free at the same time. Shea butter and argan oil provide deep hydration while peppermint, lemon grass, citronella, and clove oils battle mosquitoes and other pests.
17. A bottle of gentle yet effective flea and tick spray that’ll protect you and your furry pet pals from buggy pests whenever you venture outside to enjoy the summer weather. Thanks to the peppermint oil and clove plant-derived eugenol used in the formula, this spray kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on contact — and because it’s so gentle, it’s also safe to spritz everywhere from upholstery and pet beds to, y'know, you and your actual pets.
18. A Thermacell rechargeable insect repeller reviewers say is a true miracle worker for silently and scentlessly waving away buzzing, biting buggies. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, this doohickey doesn’t use any sprays or smoke, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to scents and such. Just pop in a repellent cartridge, turn the thing on, and enjoy a blissfully bug-free environment for up to 12 hours.
19. Some OFF! Botanicals towelettes that’ll make sure you’re protected from bug bites wherever you go. Since these DEET-free wipes are individually wrapped, they can go with you anywhere a big ol’ bottle of liquid can’t — meaning you’ll be able to reapply your insect repellent anywhere, at any time. How’s that for convenient?
20. And some simple yet effective disposable outdoor fly traps, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? All you have to do is cut open the top along the dotted line, add the hanger, and then fill ‘em up with water. Hang the bag outside — ideally at least 20 feet away from your patio or any living spaces — and then just… wait. The next time you check, it’ll be full of flies. Dead ones. Ones that can no longer bother you while you enjoy your backyard this summer. Heck yes.
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