Do Mosquitoes Like Lemon Scent? Using Citrus as a Natural Repellent

Do Mosquitoes Like the Smell of Lemons?

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and pesky insects, especially in the warmer summer months. Their bites can leave itchy, irritating welts on your skin. Mosquitoes also carry diseases like Zika, West Nile Virus, malaria and more. Finding ways to deter mosquitoes is a priority for many.

But do mosquitoes like the scent of lemons? And can lemon scent repel mosquitoes or attract them? Understanding how mosquitoes interact with different scents can help you reduce mosquito bites.

Research shows that mosquitoes are very attracted to certain smells produced by humans. They also dislike and avoid other types of odors. The strong, citrusy aroma of lemons is one scent that can help deter mosquitoes when used strategically.

How Mosquitoes Use Scent to Find Humans

Mosquitoes have an incredible sense of smell driven by receptors on their antennas and palps. They use their ability to detect scents over long distances to zero in on hosts to bite like humans, birds and other animals.

Scientists have identified certain compounds produced by human skin, breath and sweat that attract mosquitoes. Some of the smells that lure mosquitoes include:

• Carbon dioxide released in breath
• Octenol from sweat
• Lactic acid also found in sweat
• Ammonia emitted from skin

Mosquitoes can detect these human scents from over 100 feet away. They fly upwind following the smell until they locate the person and bite them. The female mosquitoes need blood to develop their eggs.

Smells That Repel Mosquitoes

While mosquitoes hone in on smells like carbon dioxide to find hosts, other types of strong odors can deter them and mask the scents that attract them.

Certain botanical extracts, essential oils and fragrances containing volatile plant compounds seem to repel mosquitoes or block their scent receptors. Smells they dislike and avoid include:

• Citronella
• Cinnamon
• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Clove
• Eucalyptus
• Catnip
• Lemon Thyme
• Lemons

Burning candles containing these scents, applying the essential oils directly to skin, or diffusing them into the air can create a barrier to keep mosquitoes away from an area or person.

Do Mosquitoes Like the Smell of Lemons?

Now specifically looking at lemons - do mosquitoes like the strong citrusy scent? Several studies suggest lemon aroma is effective at deterring mosquitoes.

Research from the Journal of Travel Medicine found that rubbing lemon eucalyptus essential oil on the skin reduced mosquito bites by 75% compared to unprotected skin. The natural lemon chemicals provide a protective barrier.

Another study published in Malaria Journal showed placing lemon and lime peels around an outdoor gathering space decreased the number of mosquitoes caught in traps by up to 80%. The researchers concluded that citrus fruits show promise as an affordable, natural insect repellent.

The strong lemon fragrance masks scents that normally attract mosquitoes to humans while also potentially overwhelming the mosquito’s scent receptors so they have trouble locating their target. Plant-based terpenes called limonoids found in lemon peels are thought to provide the deterrent effects against mosquitoes.

Using Lemons as a Mosquito Repellent

There are a few ways to harness the mosquito-repelling power of lemons:

• Squeeze lemon juice directly onto exposed skin as a homemade, natural repellent.
• Rub lemon peel over your arms and legs before going outside.
• Place cut lemons or limes around patios, decks and entryways.
• Burn lemon-scented candles or citronella torches outdoors.
• Spray lemon essential oil on clothing and tent mesh.
• Diffuse lemon essential oil indoors near windows and doors.

For optimal protection, reapply lemon juice and essential oil frequently and replace cut lemons daily.

Other Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites

Using lemon scent is one great way to repel mosquitoes, but there are some additional tactics you can try:

• Wear loose, light colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Avoid going outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are very active.
• Use an effective DEET or plant-based repellent like lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good repair.
• Use fans indoors to disrupt mosquito flight paths.
• Remove any standing water sources around your home where mosquitoes breed.
• Try mosquito-repelling plants like lavender, marigolds, catnip or rosemary in your garden.
• Consider mosquito traps to reduce populations near your home.

Risks of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance - they can transmit serious diseases that pose risks to human health and even life in some cases.

Some of the most concerning mosquito-borne illnesses include:

• Malaria - Caused by a parasite, malaria leads to high fever, chills, body aches and more. It kills over 400,000 people per year globally.
• Zika Virus - Causes fever, rash, joint pain and birth defects. Spread rapidly through Americas in last decade.
• Dengue Fever - Flu-like illness that can become hemorrhagic dengue leading to dangerous bleeding.
• West Nile Virus - Causes fever, headache, fatigue and can lead to fatal brain infection.
• Yellow Fever - Results in fever, chills, nausea and can lead to liver failure and hemorrhaging.
• Chikungunya - Leads to severe joint pain that can linger for months or years.

These diseases occur more often in tropical and subtropical regions. But increasing global travel and climate change has allowed mosquitoes that carry these illnesses to expand into new territories.

Effective mosquito control and prevention measures like eliminating breeding sites, public education and use of repellents is key to limiting the spread of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.

Should You Be Concerned about Mosquitoes?

For most people in the U.S., mosquitoes are primarily a nuisance rather than a major health threat. Annoying bites can still negatively impact your quality of life and outdoor enjoyment.

However, certain groups are at greater risk for severe complications from mosquito-transmitted diseases like West Nile Virus and should take particular caution:

• Young children
• Elderly adults
• Pregnant women
• Those with weakened immune systems
• People with chronic diseases like diabetes
• Individuals with outdoor occupations
• Residents of states bordering Mexico and the Gulf Coast

Travelers to tropical regions where mosquito-borne illnesses are endemic also need to take safety measures to prevent infection and disease.

Being proactive about mosquito deterrence, especially in summer, can help reduce risks. Protect yourself and your family from nuisance bites and potentially serious illnesses.

Using Lemon Scent to Stop Mosquitoes Biting

Do mosquitoes like lemon scent? Not at all! The strong citrusy aroma of lemons makes an excellent natural mosquito repellent.

Research shows rubbing lemon peel on skin, placing peels in gathering areas, and diffusing lemon essential oil can effectively deter mosquitoes from biting. The limonoids in lemons help mask human scents and overwhelm mosquito odor receptors.

Combine lemon aroma with other scents like lavender, eucalyptus, catnip and peppermint to create an irritating barrier against mosquitoes in your backyard or campsite. Add protective clothing, smart timing, fans and eliminating breeding grounds to further avoid mosquito bites and potential diseases.

Keep mosquitoes and their annoying bites at bay this summer with the fresh, uplifting scent of lemons. Harness the power of citrus to enjoy the outdoors pest-free.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.