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Fight mosquitos with the best repellent tech for summer
Thermacell, Mosquito Magnet
Whether you’re hiking, barbecuing in your backyard, relaxing in your favorite hammock, camping, gardening, entertaining in your yard, or walking your dog, one of the most annoying things about being outside are the mosquitos. While most humans hate mosquitos, they play an important role in our ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean you need to accept being bitten by them every time you go outdoors this summer.
Here are some tech-oriented solutions that’ll help keep those pesky bugs away from you.
Best anti-mosquito tech in 2024
Our in-house team of outdoor and tech experts have curated this roundup of easy-to-use, technology-based tools and gadgets that can help control mosquitos.
Best for small outdoor areas: Thermacell Patio Shield
Thermacell
This handy device provides hours of scent-free, mess-free defense against mosquitoes. No batteries or cords are needed. This makes the Patio Shield a convenient and portable outdoor option for mosquito protection.
Available in four colors, the Thermacell Patio Shield creates a 15-foot zone of mosquito protection. It’s powered by a safe and compact 12-hour fuel cartridge. This device is a great alternative to applying sprays or lotions on your skin.
Thermacell uses a synthetic allethrin formula that’s inspired by repellent extracts found in plants. It’s been independently tested and EPA-reviewed for safety and effectiveness. It’s both people- and pet-friendly.
The package include one repeller, one 12-hour fuel cartridge and three 4-hour repellent mats. Replacements are sold separately from Thermacell.
Best for personal use: Themacell MR450 Armored
Thermacell
Ideal for hiking, fishing or spending time outdoors, this personal MR450 mosquito repeller is easy to use and provides hours of scent-free, mess-free mosquito defense. It fact, it creates a mosquito-free barrrier around you that covers up to a 15-foot diameter.
The unit comes equipped with an easy-to-grip rubber coating and belt clip for transport when not in use. It offers quiet ignition and an accessory mounting system combined with a re-engineered grill and switch. The MR450 Armored is powered by a safe and compact fuel cartridge. It emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes without having to apply sprays or lotions on your skin.
The MR450 includes one repeller, one 12-hour fuel cartridge, three 4-hour repellent mats and one belt clip. Replacement cartridges and repellent mats (required) are available from the Thermacell website.
Best wearable mosquito repellent: Radarcan R-100 Plus
Walmart
Designed to be worn around your wrist (like a watch) or placed near your body, the Radarcan R-100 Plus is a portable mosquito repeller that uses ultrasonic sound to drive those pesky bugs away.
The wristband comes in several colors and is made from silicone that’s durable and hypoallergenic. It’s designed for outdoor use. The unit relies on ultrasonic tech that emits sound that repels mosquitoes without chemicals or traps. It’s battery operated. One CR2023 battery is designed to provide up to 10 months of power (assuming you use the device for up to four hours per day).
On the face of the R-100 is a small LED status indicator that lets you know when it’s working. There’s also a small on/off button. When turned on, the R-100 Plus offers about a six foot barrier of protection against mosquitos.
Best for camping: Thermacell Backpacker
Thermacell
Perfect for backpackers and camping, this portable Backpacker mosquito repeller from Thermacell is easy to use and provides hours of scent-free, mess-free mosquito defense within up to a 15-foot radius.
It requires no batteries or cords. Instead, the device utilizes the same camping gas canisters (not included) that backpackers and campers likely already use.
This unit has a lightweight design (weighing about 4.0 ounces) and offers a compact size. It’s designed to provide dependable performance up to an elevation of 7,000 feet. Using one four-ounce gas canister, the device operates for up to 90 hours. You’ll get up to 360 hours using a 16-ounce canister.
Keep in mind, the Backpacker is only compatible with valves designed to the EN417 specification. In addition to the gas canisters, the Backpacker requires unscented repellent mats that last up to 4 hours each and change color when time to replace them. These mats use a synthetic allethrin formula that’s inspired by repellent extracts found in plants.
The Backpacker is designed for outdoor use only. It includes one repeller, four 4-hour repellent mats and one water-resistant travel bag. Replacement repellent mats are available from Thermacell.
Best for indoor/outdoor spaces: Sequoia Mosquito Warden MW
Lowe’s
The Mosquito Warden MW is designed for use indoors or outdoors. It will help control mosquitos without using any harsh chemicals. It generates no unpleasant fumes. Instead, this unit relies on CO² scent, combined with a light that attracts mosquitoes.
Each Mosquito Warden MW unit covers an area up to 1,100 square feet, although you can use multiple units (spaced apart) to cover larger areas. What we like about this device is that it works to rid your space of mosquitos, gnats, gophers, Japanese beetles, moles, moths, roaches, scorpions, slugs, snails, stick bugs, wasps, yellow jackets and other creatures. However, it’s safe for people, plants and pets.
It operates silently and comes with a limited five year warranty. The included LED bulb has a working life of 50,000 hours (up to six years). To function, the unit must be plugged into electrical power. It does not work using a propane tank like many competitors.
Best solar-powered option for yards: Sayneep Solar Bug Zapper
Amazon
Because the Sayneep Solar Bug Zapper is solar-powered, you can set it up on your porch or patio and let it do its job. The solar panel is used to recharge the unit’s internal 4,000 mAh battery. The battery can also be recharged via a USB connection. The unit takes about three hours to fully recharge.
This bug zapper measures 5.1 x 5.1 x 9.4 inches and uses multi-wavelength UV light to attract insects. It offers up to a 2,100-square-foot coverage range. You can adjust the mosquito killer to automatic mode by pressing the light sensor button; the cordless bug zapper will automatically turn on in the dim light and turn off in strong light.
In addition to ridding your outdoor living space of mosquitos, it also works against other flying insects including gnats, flies, moths, wasps and house flies.
The unit itself features a rugged and weatherproof ABS housing. It’s IP66 rated to be waterproof, so it’s resistant to rain or snow. The bug zapper can be placed on a flat surface or hung it up using a hook. Amazon is currently offering a 20% off instant coupon, which brings the price to $35.
Best for up to 1-acre yards: Mosquito Magnet MM3300B Executive
Amazon
The Mosquito Magnet MM3300B Executive uses a propane tank for power and is designed to attract, trap and kill mosquitos and other flying insects. It covers up to an acre of outdoor space.
The unit uses what the company calls “CounterFlow Technology,” which incorporates carbon dioxide, heat and moisture to lure insects to the propane-powered trap. The powerful vacuum then sucks the bugs into the net. Once installed, the unit starts working immediately. You’ll see noticeable results within seven to 10 days of continuous use.
We love that this unit is cordless, so you can position it anywhere in your yard. The required propane tank is not included.
Since mosquitoes only become active when the outdoor temperature is at or above 50 degrees, and they’re most active at dawn, the Mosquito Magnet Executive can automatically adjust to these conditions, ensuring optimal mosquito control, while virtually eliminating propane and attractant waste. For optimal results you’ll want to run the trap 24 hours a day to break the breeding cycle of the mosquitoes.
If you’re looking to give your outdoor living space a makeover, we’ve got you covered with our coverage of 10 ways to upgrade your patio. And since outdoor grilling season is now in full swing, it’s the perfect time up upgrade or replace your grill. Discover the five best propane grills of 2024, the five best charcoal grills in 2024, the six best smart grills for 2024 and five best wood-pellet grills for 2024. For reviews, roundups and more, be sure to read our always-fresh tech and home, kitchen and outdoor coverage.
The number of people killed and/or wounded in shootings over the Fourth of July week in the U.S. dipped this year, making it the fourth year in a row gun violence around July 4 has dropped, according to a tally by the Gun Violence Archive.
From July 1 to July 7, 340 people were killed and 756 were wounded for a total of 1,096 shooting victims across the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive. In 2023, the week of July 4 in the U.S. saw 451 people shot and killed and another 1,130 wounded. These numbers exclude those who died by suicide.
The archive also recorded 20 mass shootings —which it defines as a shooting in which four or more people are shot and/or killed, not including the shooter— over Fourth of July week this year. That was down from 28 a year ago.
Chicago, which saw a spike in gun violence this year, had the most shootings and deaths over the 2024 holiday, with more than 100 shot and 19 killed since Wednesday, according to the Chicago Police Department. That was a 91% increase in shooting victims compared with last year.
In 2022, the Illinois suburb of Highland Park was the site of a devastating mass shooting in which seven people were killed and dozens more were wounded when a gunman opened fire on the city’s Fourth of July parade. That parade returned this year for the first time since the shooting.
Gun violence in Chicago made Illinois have the most individual shooting incidents of any state over the holiday week this year. California also saw a fairly high number of shooting incidents this year, which is unsurprising given that it is the nation’s most populous state.
The number of shooting victims over the Fourth of July week has been dropping every year since 2020, but they still remain above 2019 levels. That year, there were 1,177 total victims, with 318 deaths and another 859 people wounded. The numbers then spiked in 2020, when 536 people were killed and 1,172 were wounded, for a total of 1,708 gunshot victims.
The Gun Violence Archive also recorded 34 mass shootings in 2020, the highest number over the last six years and a leap up from 18 in 2019.
The U.S. has also seen a slight dip in gun violence overall in the first half of 2024 compared with last year. From Jan. 1 through June 30 of last year, 9,683 people were killed and 18,630 people were wounded in shootings. Over that same period this year, 8,539 were killed with another 16,192 were wounded.
— Erin Cauchi and Anna Schechter contributed reporting.
CBS News
The best Apple AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day 2024 offer great audio at record low prices
Apple
When it comes to headphones, Apple AirPods are massively popular. These crowd-pleasing earbuds pair easily with Apple devices (like your iPhone) and sound great, too. If you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about, you can save some serious cash on each model of the customer-loved earbuds right now, thanks to some must-see early Amazon Prime Day deals.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium earbuds, with excellent noise cancellation, spatial audio, and waterproofing that makes them ideal candidates for wearing at the gym. There are also the more affordable AirPods that are great for casual listening. For Apple users wanting high-end over-ear headphones, AirPods Max are great for immersive sound.
Not sure which type of AirPods will work best for you? Be sure to check out our in-depth AirPods buyer’s guide for all the info you need to make a purchasing decision before these pre-Prime Day deals go away.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: $169 ($80 off)
Apple
With up to 30 hours of battery life via their charging case, the sleek Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation wireless earbuds deliver exceptional listening time.
These upgraded earbuds surpass the original AirPods Pro in every way. An improved wireless chip and enhanced active noise cancellation give you an immersive listening experience, and their attractive curves make them even more pleasing to the eye.
For anyone who appreciates lengthy battery life and the very best sound quality, these are a fantastic choice. With all the upgrades over the previous model, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation represent Apple’s most advanced earbuds yet.
This version of the AirPods now comes with a USB Type-C charging case that also supports wireless charging. Another feature we love: the touch controls built into the stems.
Regularly $249, you can score Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $169 at the Walmart Deals sale or at Amazon as an early Prime Day deal.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation): $69 ($60 off)
Apple
Though not the newest model, the second-generation Apple AirPods are still a popular choice when it comes to earbuds. Keep in mind, these are not the Pro model, but they’re still worth grabbing.
For Apple users, these are the most seamless earbuds around. They connect effortlessly whenever you need them. While they work with any Bluetooth device that generates audio, they function at their best when they’re paired with an Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iMac or MacBook.
With a wireless charging case providing more than 24 hours of battery life, one-tap setup for Apple devices, and a low-latency wireless connection for immersive entertainment, it’s easy to see why these earbuds are a hit and continue to sell out.
If you want an affordable option with broad appeal, this version of the AirPods make an excellent everyday wireless earbud option.
Right now, you can grab a pair of AirPods (2nd Generation) for just $69, one of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
Apple AirPods (3rd generation): $129 ($74 off)
Apple
If you don’t need the fanciest AirPods, but still want something new, check out the third generation of the original AirPods. These are perfect for staying current and for everyday use — without breaking the bank.
These AirPods come packed with features like spatial audio, dynamic head tracking and longer battery life. You can get about 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case. They’re not as advanced at the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, but they generate really impressive audio.
These AirPods still receive regular Apple updates, so you’ll still get most of the new goodies the other newer models get.
Apple AirPods Max (Pink): $450 ($99 off)
Amazon
If you want to indulge in a luxurious pair of premium quality headphones and you’re already an Apple user, look no further than the AirPods Max. These headphones look just as good as they sound. And in our coverage of the 11 best spatial audio headphones and earbuds for 2024, these were a top pick.
With lavish cushioned ear cups, booming audio, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and absolutely fantastic active noise cancellation, the AirPods Max make a bold statement. Everyone will know what you’re wearing — and they’ll probably be jealous, because these things absolutely bump.
Plus, transparency mode lets you tune into your surroundings when needed. And at 15 hours of playtime, these headphones keep your music flowing all day. Beyond performance, the AirPods Max make a fashion statement with a range of stylish color options.
These are the perfect option for anyone looking for a pair of excellent over-the-ear headphones who also wants something stylish.
Currently, only the Pink AirPods Max colorway is on sale at Amazon for $450, so keep an eye out for the other models if you’re hoping to get another kind.
Target tells its customers to expect more while paying less — but soon, its shoppers won’t be able to purchase anything at all with a once-popular form of payment.
The retail giant said in a statement that it will stop accepting personal checks as payment starting July 15. The change, which was earlier reported by Minneapolis TV station KARE, will take place after Target’s Red Circle week, a sales event that ends on July 13.
The change comes amid waning use of personal checks, a form of payment that 9 in 10 consumers used at least once a year as recently as 2009, according to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. But today, only about half of Americans write checks at least once a year, with many shifting to digital payments such as Venmo, Zelle or PayPal, GoBankingRates found.
Target pointed to the shift in consumer preferences as its reason to stop accepting personal checks as payment.
“Due to extremely low volumes, we’ll no longer accept personal checks starting July 15,” a Target spokesperson said in an email. “We have taken several measures to notify guests in advance to aid an easy and efficient checkout experience.”
Target will continue to accept cash; digital wallets; buy now, pay later services; and credit and debit cards as well as SNAP/EBT cards, it said.
A few other retailers don’t accept personal checks, including Aldi’s and Whole Foods, with the latter saying it doesn’t allow checks in order to speed up the checkout process.
Even though fewer Americans are writing checks today, they remain popular with older consumers, GoBankingRates found in its survey. About 1 in 5 people over 66 write several checks each month, while about half of people under 55 don’t write a single check the entire year.
