What smells keep mosquitoes away
A Look at The 10 Things Mosquitoes Hate Most
While most people don’t want to be hated by others, most of us wouldn’t mind being absolutely loathed by mosquitoes. Mosquito prevention is tricky, but when you know the pesky little insects’ secrets, it’s easier to get rid of mosquitoes and enjoy the outdoors again!
1. Mosquito Repellent
Evidence shows that mosquito repellents can help keep mosquitoes away from you for a certain amount of time. DEET, IR3535, Picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil are all used in various bug sprays and have all been found to be effective, with picaridin proving to be even more effective (and less oily) than DEET. Some natural, DEET-Free insect repellents have also been found to be effective in protecting against insect bites such as mosquitoes.
2. Certain Natural Scents
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
3. Wind – Artificial or Natural
Surprisingly, mosquitoes aren’t very good at flying. That’s good for us humans because it means all we need to do is create a bit of wind to keep mosquitoes from coming near. While you can’t control the elements, you can bring a fan outside and turn it on high. The mosquitoes won’t be able to get close enough to bother you.
4. Garlic
Bring on the garlic! Lucky for us, mosquitoes hate the delicious vegetable. If you happen to be one of the few who doesn’t like garlic, you can sprinkle minced garlic a few feet from your porch for a similar repelling effect.
5. Certain Styles of Clothing
Mosquitoes don’t really care if your clothing is in style or not, but they do care a whole lot about getting to your skin. Loose clothing makes it harder for the nasty bugs to get a good grip for a tasty bite of you.
6. Sober Individuals
Add this to the list of merits for being the designated driver – mosquitoes might skip over you to feast upon your inebriated buddies instead.
Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to people drinking beer, possibly because of the smell. In addition, mosquitoes like clammy, sweaty skin. Alcohol can make people warmer which can cause them to sweat more.
7. Light Clothes
Mosquitoes like things they can see easily, and dark clothing makes you far more visible to a hungry mosquito. Light clothing allows you to blend into the background, making you harder to spot. Mosquitoes hate it when they can’t find you.
8. Smoke
Chances are you didn’t bring enough marshmallows to share, and that’s a good thing because mosquitoes probably won’t show up to your campfire anyway, since they don’t like smoke. Not having a campfire? Light the corner of an egg carton on fire, and set it somewhere safe (like on top of your barbecue). It will continue to smoke for a long time keeping mosquitoes out of sight.
9. Dry Areas
Mosquitoes are attracted to moist places. In fact, they need standing water to breed. Stay away from marshes (especially at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active), keep standing water out of your yard, and put on plenty of bug spray if you’re going to be somewhere near the water.
10. Scent-Free Lotion
Mosquitoes really hate when you don’t wear a flowery or sweet smelling lotion. They love sweet smells and can more easily find you when you’re wearing them. Keep mosquitoes away by foregoing your sweet perfumes when you’re going to be outside.
The Best Mosquito Prevention
While these tips can help you keep mosquitoes at bay temporarily, they can be a hassle and may not always work with your outdoor plans. For the best long term mosquito prevention, contact the pros at Barefoot Mosquito .
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odors these pests hate |
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Mosquitoes may be best associated with summer – but in some cases – this pest can still pose problems when the sunny season concludes.
If you live in a particularly sunny climate, it is unlikely that you will see the end of the notorious fly any time soon – so knowing how to get rid of mosquitoes will never go out of date.
Some of the most impactful prevention methods involve tedious tidying routines and pesticide sprays that can feel rigorous and expensive. However, not all anti-mosquito tactics are a chore. Instead, there are some flowers and oils that deter the pest from your home – while filling your space with sweet scents and (in some cases) vibrant color.
(Image credit: GettyImages)
8 scents that deter mosquitoes – for aromatic relief from the pest
You may know about the colors that attract or repel mosquitoes, but what about the impact of scent? Here are the eight mosquito-repellent plants, oils, and foods that make repelling mosquitos more pleasurable.
1. Marigolds
(Image credit: GettyImages)
'Believe it or not, marigolds (yes, the beautiful flowers) are actually one of the most effective scents that deter mosquitoes,' says the Mosquito Magician .
The expert referred to a study by researchers in the 90s that suggests this flower omits insecticides that are toxic to mosquitoes.
'Because it’s just a flower, it’s perfectly safe to have around family and pets, but highly toxic to mosquitoes,' they say. And while it can help to introduce this flower into your garden ideas, it is even better to use a marigold essential oil (such as this one on Amazon ) that could be more effective.
2. Eucalyptus
(Image credit: GettyImages)
Eucalyptus is one of the most hated smells among mosquitoes, according to Melanie Rose from Nationwide Pest Control .
'The reason these smells deter mosquitoes is because they produce chemicals that mosquitoes don't like, namely linalool and geraniol.' This is why you often find scents like eucalyptus are used in soaps and candles that are used that keep bugs away from your home.
3. Grapefruit
(Image credit: GettyImages)
'Grapefruit is a refreshing summertime treat packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
But when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, a compound called nootkatone is a hero,' explains Scot Hodges, the vice president of professional development for Arrow Exterminators .
You can use the nootkatone in your grapefruit to deter misquotes from your home or garden, but it's even more than a pest deterrent. 'Not only can you snack on grapefruit, but you can use grapefruit oil on your skin, too,' Scot adds.
4. Mint
(Image credit: GettyImages)
Mint may be a staple kitchen garden idea, but it has its uses against mosquitoes, too.
'If you have mint plants in your garden, you may have noticed that they attract lots of bees—but not mosquitoes,' says Melody Estes from The Project Girl . This is because mosquitoes don't like minty smells.
'If you have some mint growing nearby, maybe consider putting some in pots outside to keep those pesky bugs out of your backyard.'
5. Lemongrass
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Lemongrass contains citronella oil – perhaps the most famous of mosquito repellent scents.
But how can you introduce this plant into your scheme? You can start by knowing how to grow lemongrass in your garden, or, for a delectable solution, you can bring the kitchen.
'Swap your summer glass of lemonade for a chilled glass of lemongrass tea, or carefully use lemongrass oil on your skin for a quick mosquito repellent,' Scott suggests.
6. Lavender
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Lavender is one of the most famous mosquito repellents, but it's easy to see its appeal. Melanie explains that, while the pest dislikes its distinctive scent, the same smell has a calming effect on humans – which is why it's often used as an essential oil for aromatherapy and meditation.
Knowing how to grow lavender in your yard or arranging it in a vase is one way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Or you can choose one of the best candles on the market, many of which are infused with this powerful scent.
7. Pine oil
(Image credit: GettyImages)
With its pleasantly woody aroma, it can be hard not to take joy in pine oil.
However, while this scent will always have a place amongst the best-selling essential oils, it should have an equal spot amid your decorating ideas too.
Zackary DeAngelis from Pest Pointers LLC explains that the scent of the pine oil 'will overpower and confuse a mosquito's senses, limiting its ability to detect you' and keeping you safe from bites.
'To use pine oil as a mosquito repellent, one great way is to place rags with pine oil outside of your windows, porch, or doors,' the expert suggests. 'You'll have to refresh the rags every few days, but you could also use this method specifically on days where you're more likely to have mosquitoes for easier application.'
8. Chili peppers
(Image credit: Future/Camilla Reynolds)
If you can stand a healthy amount of spice, it may be worth incorporating chilies into your diet, especially over summer when mosquito activity is at a high. 'These peppers are known to repel mosquitoes thanks to capsaicin, a heat-producing compound that the fly doesn’t like,' Scot says.
So, while this kitchen idea is not for every palette, it is worth considering adding a kick to your dishes to keep the pest away.
What smells do mosquitoes hate?
Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary.
They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York.
Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
What smells do not like mosquitoes: 10 main fragrances
Mosquito season is in full swing. If mosquito nets on windows and special equipment in sockets do not help, try filling the room with a natural and very pleasant aroma, which will also scare away small squeaking bloodsuckers.
Alexandra Petrukhina
1. No wonder we burned fir branches and cones on school trips to keep mosquitoes away from the fire. They cannot stand the smell of pine needles. It is not necessary to make a fire - you can use essential oils of cypress, juniper, spruce and other conifers - whichever you prefer. Add a drop or two of fragrance to the water when you mop your floors. You can also mix the oil with baby cream and spread on the skin.
2. Mosquitoes are bad for the smell of vanilla. You can use its pods, as well as essential oils and even ordinary vanillin. Treat your skin, clothes, furniture with a sweet aroma.
3. Flowers with a pronounced smell are disgusting to mosquitoes and midges. Dilute geraniums on the windows, light a scented candle with the scent of lavender, put chrysanthemums in a vase.
4. Mint and lemon balm against mosquitoes can be used as herbal pillows. Put one of these nearby - ensure yourself a restful healthy sleep and scare away annoying insects.
5. Legends say that vampires cannot stand the smell of garlic. Mosquitoes also drink blood... If you yourself are not embarrassed by harsh aromas, go ahead. Lay the peeled cloves side by side. The smell, by the way, will not only protect against itchy bites, but will also be an excellent prevention of colds.
6. Dislikes mosquitoes and citrus fruits. Lemon, orange, lime. The brighter the aroma, the less mosquitoes around. You can put a container with grated zest next to it, you can use the "grandmother's" life hack. At a time when special chemistry against insects had not yet been invented, our grandmothers cut a lemon in half and stuck "cloves" of cloves into it. The resulting spicy-citrus aroma perfectly repelled mosquitoes.
7. The famous Vietnamese "Asterisk" repels mosquitoes as well as known means.
8. Vinegar will help you deal with insects, but if you can withstand such a fragrant attack on wet and stuffy summer nights.
9. Experts offer ammonia for fighting. But this is also a dubious pleasure. It is simply not safe to be in a room smelling of such a scent.
10. Persian or Caucasian chamomile, pyrethrum, is often referred to as a famous ancient mosquito repellent.
Dried flowers affect the nervous system of mosquitoes so that they are afraid to even fly close to a house where these flowers are. Dry and spread a couple of bouquets in different parts of the apartment. They say insects will disappear from the house for a week.
Well, if you are still not saved, wipe the bites with a weak solution of ammonia or apply a kefir or sour cream mask. You will see how quickly the itching and redness will pass.
Odors that repel mosquitoes. Natural repellents available to everyone.
Mosquitoes have a keen sense of smell. In search of a bloody feast, it is this feeling that helps them. These pesky pests just can't resist the smell of carbon dioxide and other human and animal scents. But there are smells that they find unbearable. Moreover, not only synthesized substances have such properties, but also ordinary, it would seem, plants. Below are 10 fragrances that can repel mosquitoes:
1. CITRONELLA
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about natural repellents is citronella oil.
It is extracted from lemongrass (or citronella in other words) and used in sprays and candles. The smell of lemongrass is similar to lemon and annoying as hell for mosquitoes, although it is quite pleasant for people. Citronella can be planted around the house as a beautiful and effective repellant. In addition, lemongrass oil can be applied to the skin for more effective protection.
2. PEPPERMINT
It is very unpleasant for the keen sense of smell of mosquitoes. Even a small amount of these plants can keep bloodsuckers away from your yard. In addition, mint leaves can be crushed and rubbed into the skin. Mint also helps with itching from insect bites.
3. BASIL
This herb is not just a delicious spice for Italian dishes, it is also an effective natural repellant. Basil essential oil emits a very strong aroma that irritates blood-sucking insects. Take full advantage of basil and plant it in your yard or spray it with its oil.
4. GARLIC
This vegetable has been used for many years as a repellent that works by ingestion.
When ingested, the active ingredient in garlic (allicin) interacts with our body odor and camouflages us from mosquitoes. But it is not necessary to eat this vegetable; it is enough to chop it finely and scatter it around the house. You can also mix garlic with something liquid and spray on the area, and if you use its oil, you can make an excellent body repellant. Bloodsuckers simply can not stand such a mixture.
5. LEMON MELISSA
Melissa has a lemon flavor. It has a calming effect on people, but is very unpleasant for insects. Although bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects love this smell. Plant this plant in areas you want to keep mosquitoes away, or rub the crushed leaves on your skin. In addition to the fact that lemon balm is an excellent repellent, it can also be added to tea. It is great for helping with stress.
6. LAVENDER
Many people like the smell of lavender, but not mosquitoes. The latter simply hate the pungent aroma of purple flowers and stay as far away from them as possible.
Like most of the plants on this list, lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin or made into a body spray. You can also plant lavender in your garden. This is a beautiful flower that can enliven the landscape.
7. MARIGOLD
This flower is known for its intense fragrance. Some people find the smell unbearable, and so do mosquitoes. Plant this plant in different places on the site to keep bloodsuckers away. And you can also put these flowers in vases on the windows so that blood-sucking insects do not fly into the house. In addition, calendula is edible and can decorate your garden.
8. CATNIP
In recent years, this herb has become a popular mosquito repellent. There are even publications on the scientific website Science Daily that claim that nepetalactone (catnip essential oil) is 10 times more effective than repellents containing DEET. Moreover, unlike DEET, a very small amount of this substance is enough. Catnip can be planted in the garden, and bloodsuckers will fly around your yard, unlike cats.
So it's probably better to just apply nepetalactone to your skin. Some people add catnip to their tea, and your cats will love it if you bring them some of the leaves.
9. ROSEMARY
Another multifunctional spice is rosemary. This fragrant shrub is an excellent mosquito repellent when planted in the yard. He can even stop a small invasion. While barbecue, you can add a few sprigs of rosemary directly to the fire to spread the smell throughout the yard. In addition, rosemary oil can be added to lotions and sprays to make a simple and natural repellant.
10. EUCALYPTUS
Like citronella, eucalyptus has a very strong odor that prevents sensitive mosquitoes from locating their prey. The smell of these trees also repels other insects such as mites, midges and mosquitoes. The plant itself can protect the yard, and its essential oil can be applied directly to the skin, but it needs to be applied regularly for optimal effectiveness.
Have you already tried these natural repellents but did not feel any effect? However, you do not want to use synthetic insecticides? There is a solution for you! The Mosquito Magnet Bloodsucking Insect Traps are a scientifically proven effective solution to the problem of bloodsuckers.
