Smells That Keep Bugs Away - Natural Repellents Better Than Harsh Chemicals

Smells That Keep Bugs Away - A Natural, Safe Solution

As the weather warms up and we head outside more, one thing quickly becomes a nuisance - bugs! From mosquitos to flies, bees, wasps, and more, bugs can put a real damper on enjoying the great outdoors. Their buzzing, biting, and stinging can make you head back inside sooner than you'd like.

You've probably tried bug sprays and zappers before, but are looking for a more natural way to repel pests. The good news is that there are several smells that bugs apparently hate, which act as natural repellents. Using these aromas is an easy, safe way to keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals.

Why Smells Deter Bugs

Bugs detect smells using their antennae, which pick up chemicals in the air. Certain smells are unpleasant or overwhelming to their senses, so they avoid areas with those odors. These strong scents mask other smells that attract bugs, like food odors, sweat, or carbon dioxide from your breath.

Luckily, the smells that bugs hate are pleasant for humans. You can benefit from these natural repellents without having to hold your nose!

Best Smells to Repel Common Bugs

Here are some of the top scents that can help keep annoying insects away, so you can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Citronella

This fresh, lemony scent is a commonly used natural mosquito repellent. Citronella essential oil or candles containing the oil can help form a "protective bubble" around you. Studies show citronella oil repels not just mosquitos, but also biting flies and gnats.

Peppermint

The strong minty aroma of peppermint oil drives away mosquitos, ants, spiders, roaches, and flies. Grow peppermint plants around your yard or dilute peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle and use it on your skin, patio furniture, and other areas.

Lemongrass

Like citronella candles, lemongrass oil repels mosquitos effectively when burned or applied directly. Lemongrass also helps keep ticks away and has antibacterial properties.

Lavender

Lavender's sweet floral scent is so pleasant to humans but awful to bugs like mosquitos and midges. Lavender oil is also soothing to the skin, so it's a good natural option for a bug-repelling body spray.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has a strong herbal aroma that drives away flies, mosquitos, and gnats while also being antimicrobial. Dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil to apply to your skin and outdoor areas.

Rosemary

This Mediterranean herb's woody fragrance repels mosquitos, flies, and beetles. Plant rosemary bushes outside or use the essential oil in your yard and on your porch.

Basil

Sweet basil's scent deters mosquitos, thrips, and houseflies. Rub diluted basil essential oil on exposed skin or diffuse the oil on your patio to create a bug-free space.

Garlic

Garlic is well-known for its anti-mosquito properties. The strong odor masks other attractive smells for mosquitos and makes you much less appealing. Garlic oil can also deter ticks and beetles.

Tea tree

Tea tree oil not only repels mosquitos, midges, and flies with its medicinal scent but can also heal bug bites. Add a few drops to your DIY bug spray or lotion for extra protection.

Thyme

Thyme's grassy, herbal aroma drives away mosquitos and whiteflies. Plant thyme throughout your garden or yard or burn thyme oil in outdoor candles to deter pests.

Clove

The sweet but spicy smell of clove oil is great for driving off mosquitos and flies when applied to the skin or diffused in the air. Clove oil also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Patchouli

The earthy, musky scent of patchouli oil masks human scents and deters mosquitos, ants, lice, moths, and fleas. The aroma lasts a long time, so patchouli oil makes an effective bug repellent.

Catnip

Ironically, while mosquitos hate catnip, cats love it! The minty herb contains nepetalactone, which is safe for cats but repels mosquitos. Catnip oil can be applied to skin or diffused in a spray.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has a mild lemon fragrance that helps keep mosquitos and flies at bay. Grow this hardy herb in your garden or make an essential oil spray. Balm also soothes bug bites and calms skin irritation.

Marigolds

With their bright aroma and colors, marigolds are the perfect natural pest repellent for your garden. Marigolds deter mosquitos, aphids, squash bugs, cabbage worms, and other pests while beautifying your yard!

Tips for Using Scents to Repel Bugs

Now that you know which smells bugs hate most, here are some tips for using aromas strategically to discourage pests:

• Look for 100% pure essential oils and avoid synthetic fragrances.
• Use portable diffusers to spread oils through outdoor areas.
• Plant scented herbs and flowers like lavender and marigolds around your yard and garden borders.
• Mix a few drops of essential oil with water or carrier oil and apply to your skin when going outside.
• Spray diluted oils on outdoor furniture, patios, window screens, etc.
• Use scented candles made with essential oils outdoors to repel bugs at night.
• Refresh aromas frequently, since smells dissipate over time.
• Combine several scents for greater impact - bugs hate layered smells.

Other Natural Ways to Deter Bugs

Using pleasant aromas is one of the safest, most effective ways to repel mosquitos, flies, ticks, and other warm weather pests. But there are also a few other natural tricks to try:

• Use oscillating fans outside to disrupt flying bugs' motion.
• Plant herbs like mint, lavender, basil, and chives to deter garden pests.
• Remove any standing water sources to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
• Install bat houses since bats eat mosquitos and other night insects.
• Use yellow "bug bulbs" to avoid attracting insects at night.
• Cover up with lightweight long sleeves and pants when outside.
• Make DIY sticky traps with apple cider vinegar to catch flies and fruit flies.

When to See a Doctor About Bug Bites

Even with great smelling repellents, you may still get the occasional bug bite. Bites are usually just itchy and annoying, rather than anything to worry about. But certain symptoms mean you should seek medical advice:

• Signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling, oozing, fever, or flu-like illness
• Blisters or hives around the bite area, indicating potential allergy
• Facial swelling if bitten near the eyes or mouth
• Numbness, dizziness, racing heartbeat, or other signs of severe reaction
• Multiple painful bites that cause extreme discomfort

Severe reactions are rare, but it's better to be safe. Watch for any concerning symptoms and when in doubt, get examined by your doctor.

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.