Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Mosquito-repelling wristbands are marketed as an alternative to sprays.

Mosquito repellent bracelets are one option when shopping for ways to avoid bites from these insects -- which can carry diseases like malaria and the West Nile virus. Many contain ingredients the Centers for Disease Control endorses as effective.

Active Ingredients

Many mosquito-repelling bracelets contain the active ingredients DEET and citronella. Certain citronella products have been proven effective in studies like those conducted by the University of Florida's IFAS Extension, and DEET-containing repellents intended for skin applications are endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control as effective against mosquitoes.

Wristband Efficacy

The University of Florida's IFAS Extension tested mosquito-repelling bracelets containing the active ingredients DEET and citronella. Neither bracelets with 9 percent DEET nor those with 25 percent citronella effectively repelled mosquitoes for any length of time.

Importance of Labels

The Centers for Disease Control recommends thoroughly reading labels before purchasing insect-repelling products, including wristbands. These products should have an EPA-approved label and registration number, as well as specifically state which insects they are proven to repel.

References

• Centers for Disease Control: Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Mosquito Repellents