These 3 Popular Mosquito Products Won’t Protect Your Kids According to Consumer Reports

Even products with 4 + star reviews were scientifically proven not to work

And these are products you’ll find on the first page of Amazon when you search “mosquito”.

Myth #1 – Citronella Candles

Citronella Candle For Mosquitoes

Citronella candles were found to be ineffective against mosquitoes.

Citronella Candles don’t stop mosquitoes from biting.

While oil of citronella is known to help repel mosquitoes… the concentration put off by candles, isn’t enough to protect you from them. 

Consumers think that just because a product is out there, it will protect you. That’s just not true. It’s buyer beware when it comes to these things. Especially with Zika around.

Source: Anti-Mosquito Candles Totally Don’t Work, Gizmodo.

Stacy Rodriguez New Mexico State University Entomologist

New Mexico State University Logo photo from Flickr.

Tiki torches also fall under this myth…

Myth #2 – Mosquito “Repellent” Bands

Mosquito Repellent Wrist Bands

Mosquito repellent wrist bands haven’t been found to help prevent mosquito bites.

Mosquito Repellent Wristbands had a similar result to the citronella candles. Some studies have shown that bites can be less frequent right next to the wristband… but they did not provide you very good protection.

The FTC even charged a company selling mosquito wristbands with deceptive marketing tactics. Their products lacked any proven results.

The defendants said that their wristbands would protect you from mosquito bites, but their claims weren’t backed up by scientific evidence.

Jessica Rich 

Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection

FTC Building photo from Flickr.

Myth #3 – Bug Zappers

A study conducted by University of Delaware found that less than 0.3% of insects found in bug zappers were biting gnats or mosquitoes.

The sounds of bugs being zapped can be satisfying, but most of them won’t bite you.

[The Bug Zapper] is a totally useless device.

Source: New York Times.  

Dr. Douglas Tallamy

University of Delaware

So… What Works?

If You Have Trees and Shrubs in Your Yard…

Mosquito control treatments can be extremely effective at eliminating mosquitoes in your yard.

Mosquito treatments work by:

  • Preventing mosquitoes from being able to breed in your yard
  • Setting up traps where mosquitoes hide to minimize the adult, biting population

Mosquito treatments require trees and shrubs to be effective.

No More Mosquito Bites

With up to a 90% reduction in mosquitoes, your kids can enjoy the yard virtually bite free

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My kids were bit up by mosquitoes no matter what I tried

My kids were bit up by mosquitoes no matter what I tried… sprays from the hardware store, mixes from Pinterest, candles – even a bat house! It was not until CloverWall assessed my home and yard… that I found relief!

Diana AkersA mosquito resting on a leaf

A mosquito resting on a leaf. By Gerald Yuvallos.

Mosquitoes rest on the  underside of leaves during the day. Mosquito control treatments are applied to the underside of leaves – setting up traps for mosquitoes where they hang out.

CloverWall Mosquito Control Treatment

Treating areas where mosquitoes hide during the day.

30 Days Without Spraying Your Kids

Stop worrying about having to remember to spray your kids down with bug spray every time they go out. Treatments last up to 30 days.

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I was skeptical, but it really worked

This service is AMAZING! I was skeptical, but it really worked. They are also very responsive and have great customer service

Suzanne McIver

No Risk to Try With Money Back Guarantee Policy

Mosquito Free Guarantee

While no treatment will remove all outdoor mosquitoes, we promise a 60 – 90% reduction of your mosquitoes. 

If you aren’t satisfied with the results, we’ll give your money back, no questions asked.

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Treatments took care of a major mosquito problem we were having

Great customer service and the treatments took care of a major mosquito problem we were having. They also send super helpful info about how to prevent mosquitos. Highly recommend this company if you’re looking to enjoy your outside space more!

Kelly Johnston

If You Have Muddy, Wet, Or Puddling Areas in Your Yard…

Mosquito control treatments prevent those mosquito breeding hot spots from turning your yard into a mosquito hatchery.

Mosquito larvae

Mosquito eggs can hide in dry areas until moisture returns

Just a bottle cap of water can breed several hundred mosquitoes in a little under a week in the warm summer months.

A bottle cap worth of water can wreak havoc on your yard

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We live in a heavily wooded area… mosquitoes love it here.

We live in a heavily wooded area, near a dry Creek that occasionally puddles and mosquitoes love it here. His service made gardening and being outside fun again!

Rebecca Farris

All Natural Options

All natural treatment options are available​

Botanical active ingredients that are National Organics Program compliant

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I actually haven’t been bit since.

We couldn’t walk outside our house without being bit by mosquitos within minutes… we’re now fully enjoying the season outdoors! I actually haven’t been bit since.

Jessica Hedgesprofile-pic

We didn’t know it was possible to get rid of mosquitoes

Very happy with our experience… We didn’t know it was possible to get rid of mosquitoes…. would definitely recommend.

Abby Kowalik

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the treatment completely eliminate mosquitoes?

Mosquito control treatments should reduce your home’s mosquitoes 60 – 90%. No outdoor pest control will be 100% effective, but it will dramatically reduce your mosquito bites. If you are not satisfied with the results, we offer a 100% money back guarantee.

Will the treatment work for ticks?

The treatment is effective at controlling tick populations, however treating the entire lawn is not recommended. We give tips on how to reduce tick populations with the inspection report that is completed after the initial treatment. The Center for Disease Control has some great information on how to create a tick-safe zone through landscaping.

How long does the treatment last?

Synthetic treatments last 3 – 4 weeks.

All-natural treatments last 2 – 3 weeks.

The government has a mosquito truck come through and spray. What makes CloverWall different?

Many municipalities have a vector control program to knock down existing  adult mosquitoes.

If that occurs in your area, you likely have a mosquito issue around your home still…

Mosquito treatment uses a residual product to reduce mosquitoes inside your yard and eliminate possible breeding sites by treating and identifying standing water issues.

Do I need to be home for a mosquito treatment?

You do not need to be home for your mosquito control treatment. 

Access to the entire yard is required and we ask all windows and doors to be closed.

We’ll email you after the treatment is complete so you know your treatment is complete and can start the timer on waiting to re-enter the yard (if you had the synthetic treatment).

What if it rains?  Will it wash off the treatment?

While treatments can not be performed during the rain, we can treat around it.

Rain will not wash off a treatment as long as there is a 30 minute dry time after treatment.

What do you treat?

Mosquito treatments are focused on areas where mosquitoes rest during the day:

  • Leaves of trees and shrubs
  • Shady areas around the yard and near the home
  • Tall grass is not maintained on the edges of yards

Is mosquito control safe?

The key to safe mosquito control is applying the EPA approved products appropriately. Following the label and having a certified pest professional apply pesticides is important to having the work done safely and effectively.

For synthetic treatments, we ask for family and pets to stay inside for a 30 minute dry time before re-entering the yard.

Can my family and pets go back into the yard immediately?

For the synthetic treatment, we ask that all family and pets wait 30 minutes before re-entering your yard.

For the all-natural treatment, you and your family can re-enter the yard as soon as your treatment is complete.

What products do you use?

The synthetic mosquito treatment uses a product with a pyrethroid active ingredient. Pyrethroids are derived from the chrysanthemum flower.

The all-natural mosquito treatment uses a product with botanical active ingredients rosemary, geraniol (found in many essential oils ), and peppermint oil.

If you’re interested in learning more check out our product label and safety data sheet page.

Does your treatment impact bees or other pollinators?

When applied appropriately, the treatment will have little to no impact to bees.

We avoid treating flowering plants to prevent bee or pollinator exposure and only focuses on areas where mosquitoes are active.

The EPA only registers products that are known to be harmful to bees if the approved uses involve potential bee exposures below their level of concern. By reducing or eliminating the possibility for exposure, the EPA allows users to realize the benefits of responsible use while avoiding exposure to bees.

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No more mosquitoes

Love, love, love CloverWall. What a top-notch company! They have surpassed all of my expectations. No more mosquitoes anymore, and Nick, the owner, is so diligent and easy to work with. Thank you!!!

Rachelle Dellprofile-pic

I would highly recommend using them

We have used CloverWall twice now, and it has worked really well this far. We will use again in the next few weeks. I would highly recommend using them for a spray especially prior to a family gathering!

Lizzy Donahower

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