NewsLos Angeles TimesNovember 4, 2026Los Angeles County
Experts question effectiveness of popular mosquito repellent patches
Photo: Los Angeles Times
Experts warn that plant-based mosquito repellent stickers worn on clothing fail to deliver sufficient active ingredients to protect users from mosquito bites. While manufacturers market the DEET-free patches as a convenient alternative for children and adults, entomologists recommend EPA-registered sprays for reliable protection against mosquito-borne diseases.
Read the full story at Los Angeles TimesWhy It Matters
Residents spending $10 to $20 per box on repellent patches may lack adequate protection against mosquitoes transmitting West Nile virus in areas experiencing high humidity and record case numbers.
Key Facts
- Los Angeles County is experiencing the highest number of West Nile virus cases in more than a decade due to El Niño conditions and unprecedented humidity.
- Mosquito repellent patches typically cost between $10 and $20 per box on Amazon.
- Leading brands like Cliganic, NATPAT, and BugMD use essential oils such as citronella and peppermint oil as active ingredients.
- Medical entomologist Immo A. Hansen states that patches cannot deliver enough active ingredient or cover a large enough area to protect users from mosquito bites.
- Vector ecologist Daniel Markowski notes that essential oils have mild repellent properties and patches fail to emit enough repellent beyond the immediate sticker area.
- NATPAT co-founder Gary Tramer acknowledges that BuzzPatch is not a replacement for EPA-registered repellents and recommends registered sprays for heavy mosquito activity or disease concerns.
- BuzzPatch contains 10% citronella oil, amounting to 120 mg per sticker.
- Experts recommend using EPA-registered sprays containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for reliable protection.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationNew Mexico State University“Affiliation of entomologist Immo A. Hansen”locationSouthern California“Region experiencing unprecedented humidity and El Niño conditions”locationLos Angeles County“Experiencing the highest number of West Nile virus cases in more than a decade”PersonDaniel Markowski“Vector ecologist and technical advisor for the AMCA”OrganizationBugMD“Leading brand of mosquito repellent patches”OrganizationNATPAT“Leading brand of mosquito repellent patches”OrganizationAmerican Mosquito Control Assn.“Industry association providing expert commentary on mosquito repellents”PersonImmo A. Hansen“Medical entomologist at New Mexico State University”PersonGary Tramer“Co-founder of NATPAT”OrganizationCliganic“Leading brand of mosquito repellent patches”