Top Reasons Mosquitoes Still Bite With Repellent On
We’ve all been there: you’ve applied bug spray, followed the directions on the label, but stepped outside only to get swarmed by mosquitoes. If you’re wondering why mosquitoes still bite even when you’re wearing repellent, you’re not alone. At Varsity Termite and Pest Control, we frequently hear this complaint, especially during the peak of mosquito season in Arizona.
So, why does this happen? Below, we break down the most common reasons your repellent might not be working and what you can do about it.
1. Not All Repellents Are Created Equal
There are dozens of mosquito repellents on the market, but not all are equally effective. Some products contain low concentrations of active ingredients, while others rely on natural oils that smell nice but don’t provide strong protection. For the best results, look for repellents containing:
DEET (20–30% concentration for most people)
Picaridin
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (a natural alternative backed by science)
These ingredients are proven to deter mosquitoes effectively. Make sure your repellent with DEET or Picaridin is EPA-registered, which means it has been tested for safety and effectiveness. If your current product doesn’t contain one of these ingredients, it might not be up to the job.
2. Improper Application
Even the best repellent can fail if it’s not applied correctly. One of the top reasons people still get bitten is due to common application mistakes, including:
Missing key areas: Mosquitoes often bite around the ankles, behind the knees, wrists, and behind the ears.
Using too little: A light mist or a few dabs isn’t enough. Your skin should be evenly covered.
Not reapplying: Many repellents only last a few hours, especially if you sweat or go swimming.
Applying incorrectly with sunscreen: Sunscreen should go on first, followed by repellent. Mixing them or applying them in reverse can reduce effectiveness.
3. Mosquitoes Are Getting Tougher
In some areas, especially places like Mesa, AZ, mosquitoes have become more resistant to common repellents. Aggressive mosquito species, like the Aedes aegypti, are known to bite during the day and often ignore lower concentrations of repellents.
Over time, mosquito populations can adapt to certain chemicals, making DIY methods less reliable. That’s why mosquito control in Arizona needs to be comprehensive, addressing not just the symptom (the bites) but the root cause (the population).
4. You're Still Attracting Them
Mosquitoes are drawn to more than just scent. Even if you’re wearing repellent, they can still find you based on:
Carbon dioxide in your breath
Body heat and sweat
Dark-colored clothing
Floral or sweet-scented perfumes, lotions, and shampoos
These factors can override or reduce the effectiveness of the repellent. Avoiding perfumes and wearing light-colored clothing while outdoors can help reduce your appeal to these pests.
5. Environmental Conditions Matter
Mosquitoes thrive in certain conditions. If your yard has:
Standing water (like birdbaths, gutters, or flower pots)
Thick vegetation
Shaded, damp areas
...then mosquitoes will stick around no matter how much repellent you wear. These are breeding grounds for mosquito larvae and hiding spots for adults. Arizona’s warm climate allows mosquitoes to breed rapidly after monsoon rains or irrigation, making professional pest control in Mesa, AZ, essential during peak seasons.
6. Repellents Don’t Kill
Here’s an important distinction: repellents are not insecticides. They don’t kill mosquitoes; they make you harder to detect. That’s why people in heavily infested areas find that repellents alone aren’t enough.
When mosquito numbers are high, the pressure is simply too much. Repellents create a barrier, but a determined mosquito might still break through. This is where Varsity Termite and Pest Control comes in with targeted mosquito treatments that kill, not just deter.
How Varsity Termite and Pest Control Can Help
At Varsity Termite and Pest Control, we don’t just spray and walk away. Our comprehensive mosquito control services include:
Property inspections to identify hidden breeding sites
Larvicide applications in standing water sources
Barrier sprays to kill adult mosquitoes on contact
Ongoing treatment plans tailored to your yard and family’s needs
We understand the unique pest challenges Arizona homeowners face. That’s why locals trust us for mosquito control Mesa AZ, as well as general pest control Mesa AZ and expert services from a certified exterminator in Mesa AZ.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of getting mosquito bites even after using repellent, you’re not imagining things. Repellents can fail due to poor application, environmental conditions, resistance, and more. The good news? You don’t have to rely on repellent alone.
Let Varsity Termite and Pest Control help you take back your yard with proven mosquito elimination strategies. Contact Varsity Termite and Pest Control today to schedule your inspection and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
