Protect Your Backyard from Mosquitoes and Ticks: Safe Solutions for Kids and Pets
/This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Shopping through these links is one small way of supporting this blog, and for that - I thank you! For more information, see my disclosures here.
Summer means long days in the backyard, but it also means mosquitoes—and this year, we've been hearing ticks are worse than usual too. Last summer, the mosquito situation in our shaded backyard was no joke, and I tried just about everything to make it bearable for our kids and pup. After a friend recently asked for bug-fighting tips on Facebook, I realized it was the perfect time to share what has really worked for us. These are my go-to mosquito and tick products that are safe for both kids and pets—and that actually help make our backyard fun again.
Keep Mosquitoes and Ticks Out of Your Yard with These Safe Picks
No one wants to spend summer swatting bugs—especially when little ones and pets are running around. After testing quite a few options in our own shaded backyard, I’ve rounded up the bug solutions that have actually worked for us. All of these are safe for kids and pets, and perfect for making your outdoor space more enjoyable this season.
Sunday Mosquito Deleto Yard Spray
A Powerful, Family-Safe Mosquito Yard Spray That Works
I’ve tried a lot of backyard sprays, and this is one of the only ones that’s truly made a difference in our shaded yard. We use Sunday Lawn Care for our fertilizer and love that their bug spray is made with lemongrass and cedar oils—and is safe around pets and kids.
Summit Mosquito Bits + Dunks
Target Mosquito Larvae Before They Hatch
These are a game-changer for standing water around your yard. You can toss the pellets or dunk rings in hidden spots to safely kill mosquito larvae. They’re safe for people and pets, but I still keep them out of the kids’ play area.
NATPAT BuzzPatch Mosquito & Tick Stickers
Plant-Based Stickers for Easy, Kid-Friendly Bug Protection
These citronella-based stickers are my favorite for the kids in summer. They’re a quick, spray-free way to protect clothing when we’re out back or at the park. NATPAT also makes tick repellent patches—and even itch relief patches for bites!
Shop Mosquito Patch Stickers for Kids
Shop Mosquito Patch Stickers for Adults
Shop Tick Repellent Stickers for Kids
Shop Itch Relief Stickers
Grand Tongo DEET-Free Bug Spray
A Gentle, Effective Bug Spray with a Light Scent
I love this for everyday use—especially with the kids. It’s DEET-free but still gives up to 12 hours of protection using picaridin. The citrus + sandalwood scent is light and fades quickly (but other scents and fragrance-free versions are available too!).
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Easy, DEET-Free Wristbands for Kids on the Go
These bug-repellent bracelets are perfect for quick backyard play or outings. I keep a few in a sealed bag to reuse if they weren’t worn long. They come individually wrapped—so easy to toss in your diaper bag or car!
Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent
Invisible, Scent-Free Mosquito Protection for the Patio
This is one of my favorite ways to keep mosquitoes off our patio. Just turn it on and it creates a scent-free, invisible barrier around you—no sprays, no flames. We love that it’s people- and pet-safe, too.
Bug Bite Thing Suction + Tick Removal Tools
Relief + Removal Tools for When Bug Bites Happen
As much as we try to repel mosquitoes and avoid ticks, sometimes bites still happen. These two tools are must-haves in our summer kit. The Bug Bite Thing suction tool helps draw out the irritants that cause itching and swelling—great for mosquito bites and even bee stings. The Tick Remover Tool is designed to safely and cleanly remove ticks from both people and pets, including the head, to help avoid infections.
Whether you're planning park playdates, backyard dinners, or beach trips this summer, bug bites shouldn't be part of the memories. These are the products that have worked for our family—without dousing the kids or the dog in strong chemicals. I hope this roundup gives you some helpful ideas to keep your summer a little more peaceful (and bite-free)!
