Scents That Naturally Repel Mosquitos, Flies, Ants, and Other Annoying Bugs

Bugs Don't Like Certain Scents

Many people dread the arrival of bug season. No one wants to deal with bothersome bugs like mosquitos, flies, ants, and more buzzing around. These unwanted pests not only cause irritating bites, but some can even spread dangerous diseases. Luckily, there are ways to naturally repel insects without resorting to harsh chemical bug sprays.

Using Scents to Your Advantage

Certain scents actually deter various types of insects. Rather than covering yourself in sticky, smelly insect repellent, you can use these natural scents to keep bugs at bay. Studies show some of the most effective scents against common home and garden insects include:

• Citronella
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Cedar
• Patchouli
• Cloves
• Catnip
• Garlic
• Lavender
• Rosemary

Why These Scents Repel Bugs

You might wonder why these particular scents are so bothersome to insects. Well, their strong aromas overwhelm bugs' scent receptors so they have trouble locating things like food, mates, and places to lay eggs. The smells essentially confuse and disorient them.

Some botanical oils like peppermint, cloves, and patchouli contain compounds that bugs find irritating or toxic when applied topically. Other herbs like garlic and chrysanthemum alter insects' taste receptors and make them uninterested in biting.

Scents That Keep Mosquitos Away

Mosquitos track down humans and animals by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat, lactic acid, and other attractive scents. Masking those odors with unpleasant fragrances can throw the blood-suckers off your trail.

The Power of Essential Oils

Numerous lab and field studies have analyzed essential oils and their effects on annoying mosquitos. Oils from lemon eucalyptus, catnip, lemon, lavender, thyme, geranium, and rosemary plants are often effective. But two stand out as exceptional mosquito repellents:

• Citronella oil – Derived from lemongrass plants, this lemon-scented oil is despised by mosquitos. It's commonly used in commercial bug sprays, wristbands, torches, and candles because it effectively keeps the pests away for hours.
• Peppermint oil – The strong minty aroma of this oil overwhelms mosquitos' smell receptors. Applying a mix of peppermint oil and vanilla extract directly to your skin can prevent bites for up to two hours.

Other Mosquito-Deterring Scents

While many essential oils deter mosquitos, these botanical scents also repel them:

• Garlic – Mosquitos hate garlic, likely because the sulfur compounds it contains are toxic to them. Rubbing crushed garlic over your skin or eating lots of garlic before going outside can make you less appealing.
• Lavender – Flowery lavender aroma confuses mosquitos' senses so they have a harder time finding prey. Light lavender-scented candles or incense sticks to keep them at bay.
• Rosemary – This herb’s strong, woodsy fragrance masks other scents that attract mosquitos. Burn rosemary leaves or brush them onto your clothes and hair for protection.

Scents That Repel Flies

Flies locate decomposing matter to lay their eggs on via scent receptors on their antennae and feet. Interfering with those receptors using aromatic oils makes flies steer clear.

Essential Oils Fatal to Flies

Extensive research demonstrates a wide variety of essential oils repel or even kill pesky flies. Some proven winners include:

• Clove oil – Flies hate clove oil, likely because the primary compound found in the buds (eugenol) is toxic to them. It kills emerging flies and keeps adults away.
• Peppermint oil – Menthol, the main active ingredient in peppermint oil, is another natural pesticide for flies. It interrupts egg laying, repels adults, and kills maggots.
• Patcouli oil – Flies can't stand this earthy, musky oil derived from a member of the mint family. It actively drives flies away and stops larvae from developing in manure and decaying matter.

More Scents Offensive to Flies

On top of essential oils, flies detest these common cooking aromas:

• Basil – Growing basil plants helps repel flies outdoors. Indoors, simmer basil leaves in water and let the aroma fill the room.
• Bay leaves – Steep these aromatic leaves in water to create a homemade fly repellent spray. Their pungent, herbal fragrance deters flies.
• Cloves – Whole cloves produce the same natural pesticide (eugenol) that clove oil contains. Simmer them in cider vinegar and water to make an effective fly trap.

Scents That Keep Ants Away

Ants follow scent trails left by their colony mates to food sources using their most sensitive chemosensory antennal organ. Strong smells break those trails and cause confusion.

Essential Oils Fatal to Ants

Numerous clinical trials confirm various essential oils naturally repeal ants. The most lethal options include:

• Peppermint oil – This versatile oil stops ants in their tracks and kills them on contact. Ants are repelled by residual peppermint oil left behind from cleaning products too.
• Tea tree oil – Commonly used as a natural antiseptic, tea tree oil is also toxic to ants. It serves as an effective homemade pesticide spray for getting rid of ant trails and nests.
• Eucalyptus oil – This minty, medicinal oil has potent insecticidal effects against ants. Place cotton balls soaked with the oil along ant trails or entrance points to stop them.

Other Scents Ants Hate

In addition to essential oils, ants detest these household aromas:

• Vinegar – Ants avoid the tangy scent of vinegar. Wipe surfaces with equal parts water and vinegar to send ants packing.
• Cinnamon – Sprinkling ground cinnamon along windowsills, doorways, and other ant entry points discourages them from entering.
• Cloves – Whole cloves or clove oil creates a protective barrier against ants. Place them strategically indoors or sprinkle around gardens.

Use Scents to Your Advantage

Now that you know what scents various bugs hate, you can use this knowledge to your advantage. Employ natural aromatic oils, herbs, spices, vinegars and more to create pesticide-free bug repellents.

With some clever planning, you can take control indoors and out to discourage annoying insects. That way everyone can enjoy pest-free living all season long without toxic chemicals.

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.