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Mosquito problem? Don't use citronella candles

Plus: The best noise-cancelling headphones, new sports bra picks, and more

Stop buying citronella candles

Don’t let mosquitoes stop you from enjoying the last barbecues and picnics of the summer. There are many mosquito deterrents on the market, but a lot of them—like citronella candles—are ineffective. There’s no indication that a citronella candle provides more protection than any other candle. Here are the mosquito repellents that are simply gimmicks—and the ones that actually work.

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A note from our editor-in-chief

Wirecutter was founded 10 years ago this month. Over the course of our first decade, we tested tens of thousands of products to help you find the best of everything. As we enter our second decade, we’re committed to building on that mission, expanding our coverage, and continuing to help you find exactly what you need. To that end, we’re introducing a subscription through which you can support our work.


We know the important role our reviews play in helping you decide what to buy (or not to buy). And there are so many exciting things on the horizon that we hope to bring to you as a subscriber. 


But we also understand if this isn’t for you. That’s why our homepage will remain open to everyone, and registered users can keep reading several free articles each month.


We remain dedicated to bringing you the most trusted, rigorous, and helpful reviews and recommendations, and we hope you’ll continue to support us by becoming a subscriber in the future.


Sincerely, 

Ben Frumin, editor-in-chief

More this week

How to choose the right storage containers

These are the best boxes, bins, and baskets to organize almost every space in your home.

Wirecutter’s 100 most popular picks in August

From bug repellents to outdoor office gear, here’s what our readers shopped for the most over the past month.

The best noise-cancelling headphones

In our latest round of testing, we tried out more than a dozen new headphones, but our original picks remain the best options available.

The best sports bras

A well-fitting sports bra is essential to making exercise more comfortable. After conducting another round of tests, we’ve updated this guide with a new pick for D/DD cup sizes. 

The week's best deals

Leesa Hybrid Mattress (Queen)

Deal price: $1,365 | Street price: $1,660
Use code WIRECUTTER

This mattress is great for side-, stomach-, and back-sleepers. And it’s especially good for people who rotate positions because the springs make the Leesa Hybrid easy to move around on. This mattress has a medium-firm feel, though we’ve noticed online feedback that describes it as being more firm than medium.
Buy now from Leesa ›

Riley Home Percale Sheet Set w/ Flat Sheet (Queen)

Deal price: $155 | Street price: $200
Use code WIRECUTTER21

The percale sheets in this set are the smoothest we’ve ever tried—they feel like a perfectly crisp button-down. We think the seven solid-color choices and two pinstripe options are more stylish than L.L.Bean’s traditional New England color palette. These sheets also drape without feeling as heavy, so they’re cooler and airier on the skin, but they don’t tangle up like thinner percales tend to.
Buy now from Riley Home ›

Riley Textured Cotton Coverlet

Deal price: $140 | Street price: $180
Use code WIRECUTTER21

This coverlet offers an ideal mix of laid-back style, durability, and breathability. And it looks sharp yet casual on top of the bed. The ribbed texture may resemble stiff corduroy, but this blanket feels relaxed and airy. After a wash, it crinkles up just a bit and looks even fluffier.
Buy now from Riley Home ›

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