Mosquitoes love me, but I fight back: Shop 10 bug repellents and after-bite fixes

• Mosquitoes are a nuisance, especially during the warmer months and back-to-school season.
• Effective mosquito repellent options include sprays and bracelets.
• After-bite remedies like Benadryl and Quitch patches can provide relief.
• A variety of mosquito control products are available, from candles to bug zappers.

I don't say this lightly, but I am a mosquito's favorite meal and it is one of the worst parts about summer. If I go outside without at least two types of mosquito repellent, I am coming home with no less than 13 bites. My personal record is 52 (curse you, North Carolina!). It is a miserable way to live when the bugs come out in the warmer months. That's why I've had to find the most effective mosquito repellents and the best ways to treat any bites you might encounter.

Memorial Day is around the corner, so celebrate the unofficial start of summer (and, unfortunately, mosquito season) with a backyard BBQ. Here are my recommendations to keep the mosquitoes away from you, your kids and your home and backyard:

First, you need a repellent spray that doesn't leave a greasy residue, and my go-to is to always throw on a Cliganic mosquito repellent bracelet. You can also keep the whole backyard covered with a rechargeable Thermacell, which is on sale now at Amazon! But, if I do get bit, I immediately reach for the extra-strength Benadryl gel, or hydrocolloid patches for bug bites. Regardless of what TikTok may tell you, bubble machines and dryer sheets are not effective mosquito repellent tools.

Luckily for anyone else who suffers from my mosquito curse, Amazon's Memorial Day sale just started and it includes plenty of mosquito repellent deals:

10 best mosquito repellents for summer

Here's a look at my top 10 mosquito repellents and after-bite deals for summer to help keep you safe and bug-free.

1. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable

Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

Protect yourself and anyone within 20 feet of you with this rechargeable mosquito repellent for less than $50! Save 15% at Amazon

2. Cliganic 20-Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Cliganic 20-Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

From April to October (the real summer in Texas) I don't leave my house without at least one Cliganic bracelet on, if not one on my ankle too! Save 15% at Amazon

3. OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle

OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle

It sounds crazy, but I combine a citronella candle with my Thermacell, because I am telling you, there is not enough repellent in the world to make me feel safe outside in the summer. Save 21% at Amazon

4. OFF! Insect Repellent Aerosol for Adults & Kids

OFF! Insect Repellent Aerosol for Adults & Kids, Fragrance-Free Picaridin Bug Spray for Everyday DEET-Free Protection from Mosquitoes and Ticks

Protect the whole family with this non-greasy OFF! repellent that's DEET-free and protects from both mosquitoes and ticks! Shop now at Amazon

5. Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Stickers (90-Pack)

Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Stickers

Speaking of my four-year-old, these Cliganic stickers are a great way to sneak in protection in a way that kids love. Save 17% at Amazon

6. Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate

For a long-lasting backyard solution, grab this Cutter bug control spray before all the summer festivities begin (like this Memorial Day weekend). Save 27% at Amazon

7. Gootop Bug Zapper Outdoor, Mosquito Zapper

Gootop Bug Zapper Outdoor, Mosquito Zapper

Another outdoor must-have, I like to put this beyond the 20-foot Thermacell barrier to get anything lurking in the shadows! Save 50% at Amazon

8. Zevo Flying Insect Trap & Cartridge - Plug in Fly Trap

Zevo Flying Insect Trap and Cartridge

Between two dogs, a young child and my husband, the doors at my house are revolving and this is my backup in case any mosquito tries to torment me in the safety of my own home. Save 10% at Amazon

9. Benadryl Anti-Itch Gel

Benadryl Anti-Itch Gel

If I get bit, despite all of my protections, I reach for this gel, which provides a small sort of barrier that pretty much suffocates any bite. Shop now at Amazon

10. Quitch Mosquito Bite Itch Relief Patch

Quitch Mosquito Bite Itch Relief Patch, After Bite Insect Bite Treatment

Did you know the hydrocolloid patches you use for breakouts can also help reduce the swelling, flatten the bump and dry out excess liquid in a mosquito bite? Shop now at Amazon

When is Amazon's Memorial Day sale?

Amazon has officially launched its Memorial Day Sale—happening now through Monday, May 25. During this epic summer savings event, we spotted tons of great deals on everything from backyard BBQ staples and seasonal essentials to beauty must-haves. With discounts of up to 40% off, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up for the season!

Do you need Amazon Prime to shop Amazon’s Memorial Day sale?

No—you don’t need an Amazon Prime membership to shop most Memorial Day deals.

Unlike Prime Day, which is exclusive to Prime members and now confirmed for June 2026, Amazon’s Memorial Day sale is largely open to all shoppers.

That said, having Prime can still make a difference.

How much does Amazon Prime cost?

Right now, members can try Amazon Prime free for 30 days. After that, Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. The annual plan will save you about $40 total compared to paying monthly.

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