Ditch Traditional String Lights For A Stylish Find From Amazon That Repels Mosquitoes

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Spending evenings outdoors with friends and family is a simple joy that's difficult to rival — unless, of course, your gathering is bombarded by mosquitoes. These blood-sucking pests are often drawn to similar conditions as humans. They thrive in warm weather, and become particularly active at dusk and even after dark. If you've been relying on citronella candles, tiki torches, and sticky sprays to keep them away, there's a cuter way to repel mosquitoes on Amazon: the Tiki BiteFighter Outdoor LED Mosquito Repellent String Lights.

Normally retailing for $159.99 but currently priced at $76.49, the Tiki BiteFighter String Lights aren't cheap, but their thoughtful design could make them a good investment for your outdoor living space. The strand has 14 shatter-resistant 2200K bulbs with built-in hanging loops to easily suspend the lights wherever you want, whether that's directly over your patio, surrounding the deck, or spanning a portion of your yard. The total length of each string light set is 36 feet. The lights are useful, but the real magic comes from the attached diffusers. Each string has three diffuser ports that hold replaceable BiteFighter fluid pods. According to the manufacturer, these pods can create a repellent shield that covers up to 330 square feet and lasts up to 200 hours. Unlike citronella candles that have to be lit and therefore pose the risk of fire or burns, the pods stay out of reach. The string lights have a separate power switch for the pods, allowing you to decide if you want to diffuse the repellent or just enjoy ambient lighting. Customer reviews praise the quality and appearance of the lights, also stating that they work well to keep your outdoor space free from these biting bugs.

At the time of writing, the Tiki BiteFighter String Lights had a 4.3-star average from more than 260 reviews. About 83% gave it a 4 or 5-star rating, and most reviewers found the lights easy to set up and bright enough to illuminate their yard all night — a good thing for those who prefer well-lit evenings, but maybe not for those seeking a soft, subtle effect. Some reviews were mixed on the product's repellent ability, but the majority of buyers were very pleased to find that the odorless bulbs banished mosquitoes from their backyards, especially users who experience allergic reactions to mosquito bites.

These string lights' cute appearance is undeniable, but their price is significant, which may deter buyers who are on a budget. One 2-star review on Amazon , "I wish I had spent $20 on a strand of string lights rather than $150. The BiteFighter cartridges may reduce the mosquito presence a little, but not nearly enough that I would recommend these to someone at their price point." This sentiment is echoed by other customers who also felt that the product is overpriced. 

Additionally, it's worth noting that while the lightbulbs for the Tiki BiteFighter system may be advertised as long-lasting, the mosquito-repelling function requires that you purchase replacement pods periodically. A 2-pack of Tiki Plug & Repel Repellent Pods, for example, costs $20, with each pod only operating for 48 hours. Because the pods can be short-lived and pricey to replace, these repellent string lights may be best reserved for special occasions like a summer barbecue, graduation party, or backyard wedding. For more affordable everyday solutions, check out these 8 clever ways to keep mosquitoes away from your home (and methods to avoid).