… If you've been spending some time outside at night lately, you've also likely been scratching a lot of mosquito bites, because it's summer and the bloodsuckers are out in force. Researchers are always studying these annoying pests and a recent report from a group of scientists at the University of New Mexico is clearing up the truth about some of the most common repellents -- primarily which ones work and which do nothing at all.
First, the ones that are 100% ineffective. These include citronella wristbands, Ultrasonic repellent devices, dietary supplements like vitamin B and garlic, and even colored light bulbs. Experts say these bug lights keep moths and beetles away but have no effect on mosquitoes. Now for the repellents that work. These include products containing Deet, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Picaridin -- which is a synthetic chemical commonly used as a DEET alternative -- and some essential oils like clove oil, cinnamon oil, and geranoil oil.