It’s summertime, and you know what that means – mosquitoes and no-see-ums are out for blood. These pesky insects can quickly turn a relaxing evening on the patio into a nightmare of endless swatting and itching. Luckily, there are some great products on the market designed specifically to keep these biters at bay.
In this article, we’ll compare two popular options – No Natz and No Mosquitoz – to help you decide which is best for banishing bugs this summer.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | No Natz | No Mosquitoz |
| Active Ingredient | Essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint | 25-30% DEET |
| Best For | No-see-ums | Mosquitoes |
| Protection Time | 2-4 hours | 5-8 hours |
| Odor | Strong scent from oils | Unscented |
| Feel on Skin | Non-greasy | Can feel sticky |
| Safe for Kids? | Yes | Use caution |
| Safe for Pets? | Yes | Avoid use on cats |
| Fabric Staining | Potential stain risk | Low risk |
| Price | $$ | $ |
What Are No-See-Ums And How Are They Different From Mosquitoes?
Before diving into the repellents, it’s helpful to understand exactly what we’re dealing with. No-see-ums are tiny gnats, usually about 1 mm in size, that get their name from being nearly invisible to the naked eye. However, what they lack in size, they make up for in annoyance – their bites pack a powerful itchy punch for their small stature.
No-see-ums are actually different than mosquitoes, though they are often confused. Mosquitoes are larger, from 3-6 mm, and feed using a long piercing mouthpart. No-see-ums have very small mouthparts and feed by chewing and scraping. They typically only fly short distances and thrive near water sources. Different habits mean different repellent needs for these two pests.
No Natz: Fights No-See-Ums With Essential Oils
No Natz relies on a blend of natural essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint to deter no-see-ums. It’s marketed as a plant-based, DEET-free formula safe for the whole family.
Pros:
- Made from natural ingredients like plant oils – safe for pets and kids when used as directed
- Pleasant scent from essential oils
- Does not feel greasy
- Comes in both spray and towelette form for convenience
- Can also deter some mosquitoes and other flying insects
Cons:
- Shorter protection time than DEET repellents, may need frequent reapplication
- Oils may stain fabrics
- Not as effective in high pest populations
- Strong scent may be off-putting for some users
- More expensive than synthetic repellents
Overall, No Natz is a good DEET-free option for a natural no-see-um repellent. Those with sensitivities to chemicals may find it fits the bill. However, it provides less complete protection than some synthetic options.
Also Read: Differences Between Zevo And Safer Home Fly Trap.
No Mosquitoz: DEET Formula Targets Mosquitoes
No Mosquitoz relies on the chemical DEET to deter mosquitoes and other biting pests. DEET has been widely used since the 1950s as an effective insect repellent.
Pros:
- Contains 25-30% DEET for long-lasting protection
- Repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects
- Provides protection for several hours with one application
- Unscented formula won’t clash with colognes or perfumes
- Inexpensive compared to natural options
Cons:
- Chemical formula may irritate skin for some users
- Avoid applying to plastics, leather, synthetic fabrics
- Can damage varnishes and paints
- Frequent reapplication required if swimming or sweating
- Not safe for cats or other pets
No Mosquitoz offers the time-tested effectiveness of DEET in deterring mosquitoes. It’s an affordable option that provides lasting protection. However, it does contain chemicals, so caution should be used, especially with children. It may also damage gear or fabrics.
Key Differences Between The Two Products
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of each spray, let’s summarize the major differences:
- Active Ingredients – No Natz uses plant oils, while No Mosquitoz uses DEET. The DEET provides longer protection.
- Pest Target – No Natz best for no-see-ums, No Mosquitoz better for mosquitoes.
- Safety – No Natz safer for kids, pets and gear. No Mosquitoz may irritate skin.
- Scent – No Natz has a strong scent from oils. No Mosquitoz is unscented.
- Cost – No Mosquitoz is significantly cheaper than plant-based No Natz.
- Protection Time – No Mosquitoz protects for several hours. No Natz requires frequent reapplication.
How To Choose: Consider Your Needs
So which one is better? In truth, it depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider to make the right choice:
- Where will you be spending time outside? Areas with lots of no-see-ums call for No Natz. Mosquito hot spots warrant No Mosquitoz.
- Will you be around children or pets? No Natz is gentler for sensitive skin. Avoid No Mosquitoz around cats.
- Do you prefer scented or unscented? The plant oils in No Natz have a distinct aroma some dislike.
- Is long protection or frequent application more convenient? No Mosquitoz means applying less often.
- What’s your budget? No Mosquitoz is the more affordable option.
Take stock of when, where and who you’ll be with when outdoors. This can signal which product aligns best with your needs. You may even find having both on hand is useful depending on the situation.
Also Read: Is Mosquito Shield Better Than Mosquito Squad?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Repellents containing the chemical DEET tend to be the most effective and long-lasting mosquito deterrents. Products with 25-30% DEET like No Mosquitoz provide complete protection for several hours. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also good options.
No-see-ums are best repelled by products containing natural plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and geraniol. No Natz utilizes these essential oils to create a formula that deters no-see-ums without DEET chemicals. Reapplication is needed more often than with DEET.
For a non-toxic way to kill mosquitoes, products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) are recommended. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium deadly to mosquito larvae but safe for people, pets and plants. Products containing Bti can be applied to standing water breeding grounds.
No Natz is advertised as safe for use around dogs and cats when applied properly and used as directed. It’s important to avoid getting the oil-based formula in pets’ eyes, nose or mouths. Test a small application on your pet’s skin first to check for irritation before wide use. Monitor pets after application.
Also Read: Choose Between Thermacell Enhanced And Legacy.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both No Natz and No Mosquitoz get the job done against warm weather pests. A few spritzes offer sweet relief when you’re outside trying to enjoy the sunny season without becoming a bug buffet.
As annoying as mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be, don’t let them keep you inside. With the right repellent, you can bite back against bothersome bugs.
