We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we believe in. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
I’m a mosquito magnet, and I swear by this reusable bracelet for keeping them away
Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
I love the warmer weather. But when summer rolls around, I also dread going outside at night for one reason: mosquitos.
I’ve frequently come home after nights out with friends to find upwards of 15 or 20 mosquito bites on my legs and ankles. I get terrible reactions to mosquito bites, too. I once had to see a dermatologist because the swelling was so bad that I could hardly put my shoes on.
It’s fair to say that mosquitos love me, but I don’t love them. But I’m not a huge fan of traditional bug sprays, either. For one, they have a strong scent, leaving you smelling like a citronella candle even when you go back inside. After wearing bug sprays, you also probably want to shower before bed and wash all of your laundry more frequently to remove any of the bug spray chemicals.
I was excited when I found out about reusable mosquito repellant bracelets. Now, I don’t go anywhere — outdoor dining, jogging through the park or even running errands after 5 p.m. — without wearing one.
The brand I use is called PARA’KITO, and it makes a lightweight, fabric wristband with a pocket for a refillable essential oil pellet to keep mosquitos at bay. The pellet contains natural citronella, rosemary, geranium, mint, clove, peppermint and cinnamon oils, and is effective for up to 15 days after opening.
PARA’KITO Mosquito Insect & Bug Repellent Wristband, $19.50
The bracelet and the pellet are both waterproof and can be worn for almost any activity. Thanks to the Velcro strap, it’s also adjustable, and you can wear it around your wrist or ankle.
While the PARA’KITO pellets still smell strong — they need to to keep mosquitos away, after all — but I like that the scent is not sprayed directly onto your body. I’ve worn mine around my ankle at outdoor restaurants (it’s more discreet that way), and always take it off once I walk inside somewhere. No matter how I’ve worn it, it’s always worked for me!
You can get PARA’KITO wristbands on Amazon for about $20, and each band comes with two bug-repelling pellets. They come in nearly 40 colors and designs, and can be worn by both kids and adults. I have a few: black, white, pink and camouflage.
You can buy more pellets as you need them, too. A two-pack of replacement pellets is $13 on Amazon. Personally, I’ve found that the pellets last a little longer than 15 days. When I’m not using them, I put them in a plastic bag in the fridge to try and prolong the smell — and it seems to work. (You gotta do what you gotta do.)
PARA’KITO Natural Mosquito Repellent Clip, $19.50
If you’re not a fan of wearing an accessory, PARA’KITO also makes a mosquito repellent clip for the same price that you can attach to your bag or on your belt loop.
If you’re also a mosquito magnet or just get terrible allergic reactions to the bites, I swear by this reusable mosquito repellent bracelet. You can use it to go camping, swimming at the beach, biking through the park, or be like me, and wear it on a walk to the grocery store once the sun sets in the warmer weather.
If you liked this story, check out this article on EcoTok, the creative collective helping environmentalism go viral on TikTok.
More from In The Know:
The $5 DEET-free bug spray to switch to now, not later
This collapsable, reusable cup is meant to last “forever”
This reusable paper towel sheet lasts for an entire week
Social distancing may be the perfect time to switch to natural deodorant
The post I’m a mosquito magnet, and I swear by this reusable bracelet for keeping them at bay appeared first on In The Know.
