Bye-bye mosquitoes: 12 best bug sprays, zappers, candles, swatters in Canada
Yahoo Lifestyle Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Nothing dampens the great outdoors quite like the buzzing, bugging and bites of insects. Often bothersome and sometimes deadly, communities across the country are reporting "higher than normal" levels of mosquitos this year, thanks to heavy rain and high water levels.
And while some bugs are society's hidden heroes, many of us could do without the pesky mosquitos, gnats, fleas, and biting flies that resurface this time of year.
Whether you're team zap, smoke or spray, scroll down to shop the best bug zappers, electric fly swatters, citronella candles and bug sprays available in Canada.
Best bug zappers to shop in Canada
$: Tompol Indoor/Outdoor Bug Zapper
This fan-favourite bug zapper uses a 15-watt bulb and a 4200-volt electric shock grid to attract bugs, mosquitos, and flies. With more than 2,100 five-star reviews on Amazon, shoppers say the device zaps bugs to "perfection" and is "well worth the money."
$$: Aspectek 20W Electronic Insect Zapper
This "Amazon's Choice" pick for indoor bug zappers has earned nearly 12,000 reviews from shoppers. The device attracts flies, moths, mosquitoes and other flying insects via two UV lightbulbs. According to one shopper, the zapper is a "necessary" device for all homes. "This thing literally vanquished all mosquitoes" from "our yard," they write.
$$$: Black + Decker Electric Bug And Fly Zapper
Black + Decker's electric bug zapper has earned rave reviews from The Home Depot shoppers and an average rating of 4.8 stars. Designed for larger yards, the device offers reliable pest control for spaces up to two acres. It's like "'Fatal Attraction' for bugs," according to one shopper.
Best electric fly swatters
$: Black Flag Portable Handheld Bug Zapper
This handheld bug zapper kills on contact and is effective on all sizes of bugs. With more than 650 reviews, 86 per cent of The Home Depot shoppers would recommend the electric fly swatter.
$$: Ansevo Electric Fly Swatter
This powerful insect killer features a 3,000-volt power grid and a large contact surface. The swatter can last between 20-30 days on a full charge and can be conveniently charged by USB.
$$$: Zap It! Rechargeable Fly Zapper
This "Amazon's Choice" electric bug swatter comes backed by a staggering 19,000 reviews. Featuring a 4,000-volt grid, each pack comes with two zapping rackets. It's the "greatest thing since sliced bread," according to one five-star reviewer.
Best citronella candles
$: Cutter Citronella Outdoor Candle
This vanilla and lavender-scented candle is made with real citronella oil and features a burn time of up to 30 hours. With more than 250 reviews on The Home Depot's website, shoppers say it "smells amazing" and "helps keep bugs away!"
$$: Coleman Scented Citronella Candle
This no.1 best-selling scented candle pack comes with three citronella candles with a total burn time of up to 75 hours. One Amazon shopper says they are "probably the best-scented" candles they have "ever bought." Adding, they have a "nice, strong smell" and "really keep the flies away."
$$$: TIKI BiteFighter Citronella Wax Candle
A top-rated pick among Amazon shoppers, this jumbo citronella candle has a burn time of up to 35 hours and "keeps bugs away," according to reviewers.
Best bug sprays
$: Cutter Skinsations Mosquito and Insect Repellent Pump Spray
This budget-friendly insect repellant contains seven per cent DEET to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, gnats, fleas, and biting flies. With an average rating of 4.4 stars, shoppers say the aloe-infused product has a "pleasant smell" and "does not leave a greasy residue on your skin."
$$: OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray
OFF's powerful bug repellent is formulated with 25 per cent DEET, providing up to eight hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers. The Home Depot shoppers have given the spray a 4.5-star average rating and 91 per cent of users would recommend the product.
$$$: Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent Twin Pack
This best-selling pack of bug spray provides up to 10 hours of protection against mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika or West Nile viruses and other bugs. "I am considered a bug magnet," and "this [bug spray] works the best," according to one shopper.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.