There are some compelling reasons why mosquitoes are the pest I hate the most – way above ka zhuas (cockroaches) and lizards. They feast on your blood and give you a heap of itchy bites. As if that’s not enough, mozzies spread diseases such as dengue and Zika. That’s why you’d want to stay away from them as much as possible. However, with Singapore right smack in the tropics, mosquitoes are aplenty – especially with the warmer months upon us. To ward them off, equip yourselves with an effective mosquito repellent. From patches, incense to devices, we’ve compiled a list of the best mosquito repellents in Singapore to keep them at bay.
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How do you mosquito-proof your home?
With surges in dengue cases year after year, you’ve probably already seen the “Five Step Mozzie Wipeout Routine” by the National Environment Agency (NEA). For a recap, here are some essential steps you should do to keep your home free from the aedes mosquito.
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Change water in vases and any other containers
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water (a 20 cent sized puddle is all it needs), and it takes about seven to 10 days for the eggs to hatch. Avoid this by changing water in your vase on alternate days, as well as other potential breeding grounds like air cooler units or even your humidifier. Those with furkids should also be mindful of your pet’s water bowls and keep them clean and dry when not in use.
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Cover bamboo pole holders and flip pails over
If you use bamboo poles for hanging clothes, cover them after use to prevent rainwater from accumulating. For pails, do remember to turn them over and wipe its rims when not in use and store them under shelter.
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Break up hardened soil
In the same vein, those with indoor plants should look out for hardened soil as stagnant water can accumulate above when watering them. Use gardening tools like a spade to break them up and loosen the soil.
What prevents mosquito bites when sleeping?
If you’re wondering if mosquitoes have brains because of how they hide in the day and launch their merciless attacks at night when we’re at our most vulnerable state – they do. To prevent them from even getting in, install mosquito nets for windows or mosquito nets for beds as a defensive shield. Also, be sure to shower before bed so you’re at tip-top hygiene as mosquitoes are attracted to sweat, which has lactic acid in it. It’ll also be good to wear long sleeved pyjamas to minimise exposed skin!
Types of mosquito repellents
| Type of mosquito repellent | How it works | Pros | Cons | Best for |
| Patches | Contain ingredients that release scents that mosquitoes hate into the air, which forms a protective barrier between you and the mosquitoes. | Portable, mess-free, and easy to use | Can lead to sticky residues if left on for too long | Babies, kids, and those with sensitive skin |
| Topical sprays | Sprays evaporate on your skin and create a protective barrier. | Most effective and protects skin directly from bites | Can be greasy or cause irritation (especially chemical repellents) | Outdoor usage or bedtime protection |
| Incense and fragrances | Releases scents that mosquitoes hate. These scents mask the odour from the human body, making it harder for mosquitoes to locate you and thereby keep them away. | Natural and affordable |
Incense: can be a potential fire hazard Fragrances: smell may be off-putting for some |
Indoor usage |
| Electronic devices | Uses ultrasonic waves to repel mosquitoes. | Odourless and easy to use | No scientific proof that ultrasonic waves are an effective mosquito repellent | Indoor usage |
Best mosquito repellent patches in Singapore
1. Tiger Balm Mosquito Patch
Tiger Balm is an OG brand that’s no stranger to Singaporeans – every household probably has some Tiger Balm ointments in their stash, which works wonders for soothing itchy bites. Its mosquito repellents pack a punch too. The Tiger Balm Mosquito Mos Rep Patch (available on Watsons Singapore Official Store) is one of the best insect repellents in Singapore. It contains natural active ingredients such as citronella oil, which has a scent that mosquitoes hate! This fragrance makes it harder for mosquitoes to locate you, thereby keeping them at bay.
We also love how each Tiger Balm mosquito repellent patch is individually packaged, keeping it fresh and effective. Simply paste it on your clothes, bag, baby stroller, or indoor surfaces for home use. Do note to not stick mosquito patches on your skin directly.
2. MyLO Mosquito Repellent Patch
While chemical mosquito repellents may be the most effective and long-lasting, it is not recommended for kids and pregnant women. Instead, turn to natural options like the MyLO Mosquito Repellent Patch (available on Adertek Baby & Kids Official Store). This is one of the best options in Singapore for those with the young’uns. It is made of 100% natural ingredients that have been well-researched to be effective insect repellents.
Apart from citronella, it also contains mugwort (also known as wormwood), an ingredient commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine that was used by Mongols to fend off mozzies. The MyLO mosquito repellent patch also claims to last up to 12 hours – one of the longest lasting on this list!
3. Cloversoft Mosquito and Garden Insect Repellent Patch
Cloversoft is known for wallet-friendly organic household cleaning products like laundry detergents and baby wipes. Another highly popular product of theirs is the Cloversoft Mosquito and Garden Insect Repellent Patch (available on Shopee Supermarket). As with all things Cloversoft, it is formulated with safe and all-natural ingredients. This includes lavender oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil.
Apart from mosquitoes, the Cloversoft Mosquito Repellent Patch is also one of the best insect repellents in Singapore that wards off garden insects like bees and flies! It also provides long-lasting protection up to 12 hours. At just $7.90 for 10 patches, it is also one of the most affordable options in the market.
Best mosquito repellent sprays in Singapore
4. V-STOP Mosquito Repellent
I’ve always dreaded applying mosquito repellents on my skin because of how sticky and greasy they can get – especially in this humid weather. That’s why the V-STOP Mosquitoes Insect Repellent (available on Biocomm Official Store) hit the spot with its non-greasy formula. It is also deet-free and does not contain alcohol or artificial fragrances, which means it is less harsh on your skin. Promising to last up to eight hours, you can go out and about without having to reapply it throughout the day!
5. Ollie Mosquito Repellent Spray
If you’re a fan of essential oils, the Ollie Mosquito Repellent Spray (available on Ollie Official Store) will be right up your alley. It is made with a blend of 10 different essential oils, with lemon eucalyptus oil being its main ingredient. According to HealthLine, studies have shown that lemon eucalyptus can provide more than 95% protection against mozzies for up to three hours. Simply shake well before use and apply them evenly on your skin and go about your day without worry of getting bitten!
6. Maxi Deet
DEET (the common name for N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide) was developed by the US army in 1946. It is a strong insect repellent that can fight commando mosquitoes of the highest rank by interfering with neurons and receptors on their antennae. For days when you’re exploring the great outdoors, cue the MAXI DEET Insect Repellent Spray (available on Radius Safety Ltd (online)) that’s formulated with 100% DEET.
This best mosquito repellent in Singapore will be your trusty bodyguard and ward off not just mozzies, but also fleas, gnats, ticks, and chiggers. That said, it is not recommended for regular use as it is harsh and can potentially cause irritation. Make sure not to apply it on your face or any cuts, wounds and sensitive areas!
Pro Tip: According to NEA, studies have shown that repellents containing DEET, picardin, or IR3535 are more effective and longer lasting than natural repellents that contain plant-based extracts like citronella and essential oils.
7. Fumakilla Vape One Push Mosquito Repellent
If you’re looking to effectively get rid of mosquitoes that are constantly buzzing around you, fret no more. Fumakilla is crowned as the leading insecticide brand in Japan. Their Fumakilla Vape One Push Mosquito Repellent (available on Lobang Market SG) is one of their best sellers for good reason. This aerosol spray is said to make use of breakthrough Japanese technology with the ability to get rid of mozzies for 12 hours with just a single spray. You can get this best mosquito spray in multiple fragrances on Shopee Singapore so you can switch things up once in a while!
Best mosquito repellent incense and diffusers in Singapore
8. Antimos Mosquito and Cockroach Control Repellent
Kill two birds with one stone with the Antimos Mosquito and Cockroach Control Repellent (available on Shopee Supermarket), which get rids of both mozzies and roaches. If the sight of cockroaches scares the life out of you, this will definitely come in handy in keeping them out of your crib. No need to worry about nasty smells! The Antimos mosquito repellent uses natural ingredients that emits a citrusy and fresh pine fragrance that leaves your room smelling like a garden!
9. Kokubo Yugao Natural Mosquito Coil
Using mosquito aroma coils to keep pests away is a method that dates back to the 19th century. It is typically made using a dried paste of pyrethrum powder, and works like an incense. When burnt, it releases a mosquito-repellent smoke that drives mozzies away, or even kills them (if it contains insecticide). While there are health concerns regarding this method, the Kokubo Yugao Natural Mosquito Coil (available on Shopee Supermarket) is a safe option as it uses natural ingredients and is additive-free and fragrance-free.
That said, do practice caution when using it as fire is involved. Light the incense carefully and place it in a well ventilated area, keeping it away from flammable materials. Do not leave it unattended.
10. Lemongrass House Mosquito Repellent Reed Diffuser
If you prefer not to have anything burning, enter the Lemongrass House Mosquito Repellent Reed Diffuser (available on Lemongrass House Official Store) instead. This reed diffuser stands out from its contenders as it is fresh, natural and handmade! It is one of the best mosquito repellents in Singapore that uses ingredients such as citronella, lavender, geranium, and orange peel to fill the air with a scent that mozzies hate.
11. Sawaday Mos-bye
Hailing from Japan, the Sawaday Mos Bye (available on Aurigamart Official Store) is a solid option to pick. It uses herbal fragrances to repel mosquitoes. At the same time, the Sawaday Mos Bye is one of the best mosquito repellents in Singapore! It keeps your home smelling fresh with pleasant scents like chamomile, lavender, and lemongrass, doubling up as a deodorising air freshener for your abode. Simply place it in your living room or bedroom and that’s it!
Best mosquito repellent devices in Singapore
12. PowerPac Ultrasonic Insect Repellent
The PowerPac Ultrasonic Insect Repellent (available on PowerPac Official Store) may be small, but it boasts impressive insect repelling capabilities using ultrasonic waves. It promises to keep off mosquitoes, house flies, bugs, and crickets that are within 200 square meters – which is about the size of a regular tennis court. That’s why it is one of the best electronic mosquito repellent devices in Singapore! It is recommended to place it in an area where pests tend to reside. Install it at the most central location of your home once they’ve been eliminated!
13. Kindee Electric Mosquito Repellent Liquid Vapouriser
How adorable is this mosquito repellent vapourizer? If you’re a Hello Kitty fan (or if your little one is), you’ve got to get your hands on the Kindee Electric Mosquito Repellent Liquid Vapourizer (available on Organic7days official store)! It comes with a device that works like an aroma diffuser, vapourising liquid mosquito repellent to protect the area. The Kindee Electric Mosquito Repellent is also one of the best insect repellent devices in Singapore that comes with its own liquid repellent which is made of a deet-free, natural formula that is safe for both babies and adults alike.
14. VAPE Portable Mosquito Repellent
The VAPE Electronic Portable Mosquito Repellent (available on Osakakuma SG (Ready Stock Official Store) uses metofluthrin pyrethroid, an insect repellent that is capable of repelling up to 97% of mosquitoes when vaporised. This best mosquito repellent device in Singapore can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, do note that it is not recommended to get skin contact with its vapours. If you encounter any skin irritation, wash the area immediately with soap.
Bid mozzies goodbye with the best mosquito repellents in Singapore
Whether you’re a homebody or an adrenaline junkie who loves exploring nature, protect yourself from creepy crawlies with the best insect repellents in Singapore! Staying cool and sweat-free in this humid climate helps to keep them away too. Beat the heat with the best air coolers in Singapore or best portable air cons in Singapore!
