They say don’t itch, but it’s simply too satisfying.
There’s nothing quite like making a little ‘X’ on a painfully sensitive mosquito bite to provide an inkling of relief. The very best way to relieve the pain of an insect bite, however, is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
This is commonly achieved with the help of mosquito-repellent bracelets, sprays, creams and patches infused with insect-busting ingredients such as DEET and/or citronella – the former being a chemical solution, and the latter a plant-based one. Many individuals with sensitive skin react badly to the chemicals in some insect repellents, leading them to choose kinder-to-skin yet less effective vegan options.
Provided you don’t have any allergies to the ingredients in some chemical repellents, another way to enjoy the potent mosquito-repelling power of DEET and Prallethrin is through the use of plug-in vaporisers.
How do plug-in mosquito repellents work?
Most plug-in mosquito repellents work with the help of a liquid or tablet which is heated to slowly emit an insect deterrent. Often, the vapour is odourless and undetectable by humans. Since the vast majority of mosquito species are active at night, it is recommended that plug-in repellents be used while sleeping.
Prallethrin is the most common synthetic pesticide found in plug-in mosquito repellent and is also effective in deterring wasps and hornets. It’s safe for humans in low concentrations, but can cause adverse effects if directly inhaled.
We’ve rounded-up a selection of the most effective plug-in mosquito repellents for effortless protection.
Zero In Knockdown Plug-In Mosquito Killer Plug-In
Unassuming on the outside but incredibly potent on the inside, Zero In’s plug-in mosquito repellent is a discreet diffuser which delivers odour-free mosquito control day and night. It can cover areas up to 12m2 and lasts up to 360 hours, or 45 nights. It contains a powerful insecticide called Prallethrin, so limit its use to inside and avoid direct contact with the skin.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Jungle Formula Plug-In Mosquito repellent
A tried and true favourite, for those who don’t like the scent of Jungle Formula on their skin but adore how effective it is, look no further than the brand’s best-selling plug-in repellent. It contains 0.9 per cent Prallethrin and Jungle Formula recommends turning it on approximately two hours before bed. The diffuser lasts up to 45 nights, with a recommended usage time of between 8-10 hours each night. The diffuser can also be rotated to suit both horizontal and vertical plug-sockets.
Buy now £10.99, Boots
Boots Repel Mosquito Killer 3-Pin Plug-In
Compatible with a range of global plug sockets, the Boots plug-in mosquito repellent vaporiser is effective against mosquitoes, tiger mosquitoes and yellow fever mosquitoes. It’s another potent chemical solution that we wouldn’t recommend using long-term, but makes a brilliant travel companion in countries such as Gambia, Hong Kong, Malawi, Malta and Saudi Arabia.
Buy now £9.35, Boots
2 Packs Upgraded Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
This innovative chemical-free device uses ultrasonic sound waves to deter pests of all shapes and sizes – from mice to spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes and ants. Creepy crawlies are proven to be kept at bay with this cost-effective and long-lasting plug-in alternative. Simply pop into your plug socket and enjoy the odourless, non-toxic and sleep-friendly effects of ultrasonic science.
Buy now £24.95, Amazon
Insect-O-Cutor Nomad
For a more technological approach to repelling mosquitoes both inside and outside your home, try the Inesct-O-Cutor from Nomad.
The device uses dual green and blue UV LED technology to attract a wide range of flying insects and zap them away with a quick shock.
Due to the fact that this is powered solely by LED and electric grid technology, the Insect-O-Cutor doesn’t carry any overwhelming smell of repellent, making it a suitable alternative for those with sensitive olfactory nerves. What’s more, the devices catch the insects in a tub as they fall, which means you won’t be left with a patio full of mess.
Buy now £33.11, Amazon
Lakeland Mosquito & Midge Repeller
Small but mighty, this unique device from Lakeland offers a two-for-one solution to the insects that bite. Rather than immediately killing mosquitoes, which can leave some with a sense of guilt, this machine merely keeps the mozzies off your back – repelling them away from your general vicinity.
The device creates a 20m squared protection zone to ward off buzzing insects via a mat which has been saturated with insect-repelling allethrin, and subsequently heated up to spread the repellent through the air as it evaporates. The mini marvel measures just 10 x 11 x 23.5cm, making it a fantastic, portable solution for all your summer camping and picnic woes.
Buy now £24.99, Lakeland
SUPERSUN Citronella Candles Outdoors Large x3
Whether you’re spending an evening a deux with your loved one or have the whole family over for a BBQ, don’t let bites ruin your fun by employing a citronella candle to ward away pesky mosquitoes. This three-wick citronella candle from Amazon puts a decorative twist on the traditional scent with its brightly coloured container. It’s a powerful scent and makes a great gift to bring along to summer soirees, camping trips and backyard hangs. Each wick has a burn time of up to 80 hours.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
