Scents That Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally

Using Smells and Scents to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can be one of the most annoying and frustrating pests during the warm summer months. Their bites can leave itchy, irritating welts on your skin. Even worse, some mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases like Zika, West Nile, malaria, and more.

When enjoying time outdoors, it's important to find ways to prevent mosquito bites. While DEET and other chemical bug sprays are effective, they can also be toxic and irritating to your skin.

The good news is there are many natural scents that can help repel mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Certain smells deter mosquitoes or mask smells that attract them. In this article, well explore the science behind mosquito repelling scents and how to use them.

How Smells Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes locate hosts through different sensory cues like your body heat, carbon dioxide exhaled from your breathe, and certain skin odors. Smells play a key role in whether theyre attracted to you or not.

Powerful aromatic compounds in certain plants can effectively mask attractive human odors or overwhelm mosquitoes' sense of smell. This causes confusion and deters them from landing on you.

Additionally, some volatile plant oils may be irritating or toxic to mosquitoes when inhaled in concentrated forms. Even just small amounts of these scents on your skin can trigger them to buzz off and find an easier victim.

Best Natural Scents to Repel Mosquitoes

Here are some of the most powerful smells and essential oils proven to repel mosquitoes:

Citronella

Citronella oil is one of the most famous natural mosquito repellants. Derived from lemongrass, its strong lemon-like aroma masks human scent. Citronella also contains geraniol, citronellol, and citronellal that are bug-repelling and insecticidal.

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass contains geranial, neral, limonene, and other compounds that effectively drive mosquitoes away. Lemongrass essential oil or burned leaves work well.

Peppermint

One study found that peppermint essential oil repelled mosquitoes more effectively than DEET. Its believed that menthol in peppermint confuses mosquitoes' sensing systems. Grow peppermint plants around your yard or apply peppermint oil.

Basil

Sweet basil contains eugenol, citronellol, and linalool that are poisonous to mosquitoes when inhaled in high doses. Rubbing basil leaves on your skin or burning leaves works well. Basil plants also look beautiful in gardens.

Lavender

Lavender oil contains potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant compounds like linalyl acetate and linalool that drive mosquitoes away. The pleasant floral scent is also relaxing for humans.

Catnip

The nepetalactone in catnip leaves and oil is 10x more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes, according to studies by Iowa State University. Catnip is non-toxic to humans but disorients mosquitoes.

Thyme

Thyme contains thymol, a volatile compound that is highly irritating to mosquitoes and insects. Burning thyme leaves or rubbing thyme oil will discourage mosquitoes from biting.

Patchouli

The earthy, musky fragrance of patchouli leaves and oil masks human scents that attract mosquitoes. Some also suggest that patchouli may interfere with mosquitoes ability to reproduce.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood essential oil contains potent insecticidal and antiviral compounds like cedrol. The strong woody aroma repels mosquitoes. Use cedarwood chips, incense, or oil in a diffuser.

Rosemary

Rosemary repels insects with its camphoraceous odor as well as insecticidal properties from compounds like -pinene, borneol, and 1,8-cineole. Burn rosemary leaves in your yard or wear rosemary oil.

Sage

Like its close botanical relatives mint, basil, and lavender, sage contains camphor and thujone that work as mosquito repellants. The woody herbal fragrance also masks human scents.

Garlic

Mosquitoes dislike garlic, a member of the allium family. Eat more garlic, rub garlic oil on your skin, or place garlic cloves around outdoors to protect an area.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a mint family herb containing pulegone, a potent compound toxic to mosquitoes when inhaled. Growing pennyroyal or rubbing pennyroyal oil will discourage mosquitoes.

Lemon Eucalyptus

Oil derived from lemon eucalyptus leaves contains citronellal that is highly effective against mosquitoes. Apply diluted lemon eucalyptus oil or look for it in natural repellents.

Tea Tree

Tea tree or melaleuca oil has been proven in lab studies to kill mosquito larvae and repel adult mosquitoes due to its high content of terpinen-4-ol and other antimicrobial compounds.

Neem

Extracts from neem leaves and oil contain azadirachtin and other insecticidal limonoids that are toxic to mosquitoes. Neem is commonly used in organic pest control methods.

Tips for Using Natural Mosquito Repellent Scents

Here are some tips for using plant oils and natural scents to repel mosquitoes:

• Apply diluted essential oils directly to exposed skin.
• Use 5-10 drops of oils in carrier oils like coconut or jojoba oil.
• Place repellent plants like citronella and catnip around outdoor living spaces.
• Burn dried leaves and oils in candles, torches, or incense.
• Wear scented bracelets infused with mosquito-repelling oils.
• Use a diffuser to disperse essential oils in the air.
• Spray repellent oils around your yard or patio area.
• Plant scented flowers and herbs in your garden beds and planters.

For best protection, reapply oils and replenish scent sources frequently. Combining multiple scents together works better than just one.

Other Ways to Deter Mosquitoes

Natural scents are one of the most effective and safe ways to repel mosquitoes, but there are a few other strategies you can use as well:

• Install protective screens on doors and windows.
• Use fans to disrupt mosquitoes' flight patterns.
• Get rid of standing water sources around your home.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Avoid going outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply permethrin to clothing for extra protection.
• Use CO2 traps to attract and zap mosquitoes.
• Try zapping devices and bug zappers.

Enjoy the Outdoors Mosquito-Free

Now that you know what scents mosquitoes hate, you can enjoy spending time outdoors without getting bothered. No need to use harsh DEET sprays.

Simple strategies like citronella candles, essential oils, and mosquito repelling plants are affordable and effective ways to naturally deter these annoying pests.

Experiment with different scents alone or in combinations to find your perfect mosquito repellent. The smells may take some getting used to, but they sure beat itchy mosquito bites!

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.