Spray to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Spray-on mosquito repellents appeared to be the most effective type, according to a new study.

And wearable repellent bracelets and sonic repellers appeared to be mostly ineffective, according to the New Mexico State University researchers behind this study.

"These findings are extremely important for consumers because they need to be aware that there are mosquito repellent products available that are ineffective," said study author Stacy Rodriguez, a laboratory manager at the Molecular Vector Physiology Laboratory at NMSU, in a press release. "While the labels of many products make strong claims, some products simply don't work."

These researchers tested mosquito repellent sprays and wearable devices in a controlled environment.

The sprays that appeared to be most effective contained chemicals like DEET and PMD, this study found. 

Only one bracelet, which contained a nebulizer to vaporize the mosquito repellent, performed well. The study authors said the bracelets likely didn't emit enough of the repellent chemicals to be effective.

Mosquitoes can carry and spread viruses like Zika, chikungunya and West Nile. The study authors said consumers should have access to effective, safe mosquito repellents.

This study was published in the Journal of Insect Science.

The study authors disclosed no outside funding sources or potential conflicts of interest.