Bug-proof your summer: 9 products that actually keep the pests out

Many Canadians endure summer by swatting at mosquitoes and lighting citronella candles, often complaining about the severity of the bug season. However, a few smart tools can significantly improve the experience.

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The good news is that bug season is one of those problems where a few smart tools beat a lot of effort.

One effective method is to prevent mosquitoes from hatching by treating standing water with Mosquito Dunks. These contain Bti, a bacterium safe for pets, fish, birds, and bees, which kills larvae for about a month. The dunks can be broken into smaller pieces for various water sources.

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Did you know that the mosquitoes ruining your evening hatched last week, in standing water you didn’t know you had (think: a plant saucer, the kids’ sand-and-water table, a clogged gutter, the rain barrel).

For immediate protection, the Thermacell repeller creates a 20-foot scent-free and DEET-free zone. It's recommended to turn it on 15 minutes before sitting down to allow the zone to establish.

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So the smartest move is to treat the standing water so those larvae don’t have a chance.

For flying insects that get indoors, the STEM Flying Insect Light Trap uses a blue light and sticky cartridge to capture pests without zapping or sprays. Its cordless counterpart, the STEM Flying Insect Zapper, is designed for outdoor use, working best after dark.

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The active ingredient is Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium that targets only mosquito and black fly larvae, meaning it’s safe around pets, fish, birds, and bees.