Scents That Repel Mosquitos, Ants, Roaches, and Other Bugs

Using Smells and Scents to Repel Bugs

Bugs like mosquitos, ants, cockroaches, and flies can easily invade our homes and ruin summer activities outdoors. Their bites can be itchy and painful, and they can spread diseases. Many chemical bug sprays are unsafe for people, pets, and the environment. However, certain natural scents actually repel bugs and pests while being gentle for humans. Explore which smells bugs hate and how to use them to banish insects from your space.

Why Bugs Are Attracted to Humans

Bugs detect humans through sensing warmth, sweat, carbon dioxide, smells, colors, and more. They pick up on cues like sweet scents and dark clothing colors. Then once they latch onto a human host, our blood provides the perfect meal.

Mosquitos in particular use their sense of smell more than any other bug. In fact, they rely heavily on their antennae to pick up scents emitted by human skin and sweat. They can detect carbon dioxide and lactic acid up to 164 feet away!

Scents that Repel Mosquitos

The most infamous blood-suckers, mosquitos dislike certain potent smells found in essential oils:

• Citronella
• Clove
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Catnip
• Lemon Thyme
• Rosemary

New Research on Coconut Scent as Insect Repellent

An intriguing new study revealed the scent of coconut oil helps repel mosquitos. Participants in Thailand applied coconut oil-based repellent several times over 12 hours. The coconut oil lotion provided over 95% protection against two species of disease-carrying mosquitos!

Researchers noted pure coconut oil itself may not be as effective alone. It's thought that antioxidant compounds produced during oil processing bolster the bug repelling properties. This evidence shows coconut-derived scents can successfully send mosquitos packing!

Natural Oils that Repel Ants

Smelly ants invade homes in search of food and water. Stop them in their tiny tracks by wielding these potent ant-repelling oils:

• Peppermint
• Tea Tree
• Eucalyptus
• Citrus
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Rosemary

Essential Oils that Repel Flies

Flies despise the scent of certain natural essential oils. Simply open the bottle and let the aroma permeate the air to send flies away fast.

• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Clove
• Rosemary
• Lemongrass
• Thyme
• Cedarwood
• Tea Tree
• Lavender
• Citronella

Scents that Keep Cockroaches Away

Cockroaches hate strong smells that irritate their antennae. Whip up your own roach repellent spray with any of these essential oils:

• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree
• Citronella
• Cedar
• Orange
• Oregano

Making Your Own Bug Repellents with Smelly Scents

Now that you know which scents gross out bugs, its easy to make your own pest control recipes. Insects breathe through their bodies, and harsh smells essentially suffocate them. Harness the power of nature to banish bugs today!

Citronella Candles

Citronella is a popular scent for a reason bugs hate it! Place citronella candles around patios, decks, and outdoor gathering areas. You can also locate them around doorways to block bugs from sneaking inside.

Essential Oil Sprays

Fill a clean spray bottle with water and add 20-30 drops of your chosen bug-despising essential oil or mix together a few favorites. Remember, little goes a long way with potent oils! Spritz around door and window edges, dark corners where spiders lurk, and anywhere else bugs may enter.

Smelly Sachets

Place a few drops of bug-repelling essential oil onto a cotton ball, small piece of felt or fabric, a wooden clothespin, or other material. Place the oiled object into drawers, cabinets, boxes, suitcases, storage containers, basements, attics, and garages to ward off bugs.

Natural Soap Solutions

Many studies confirm bugs stay far away from folks lathered in essential oil soap! Blend oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, clove, or eucalyptus into your own custom shower gel or liquid hand soap.

Other Tips for Controlling Bugs Naturally

Using smelly scents is an excellent first line of defense against pests. But follow these other tips too for best results:

Plug Entry Points

Seal any leaks, holes, or cracks leading inside. Install weather stripping around doors and windows. This blocks scent trails bugs follow right to your home!

Tidy and Clean

Bugs feast on crumbs and clutter! Eliminating mess removes temptation. Take out trash frequently, wipe all surfaces, and vacuum often.

Grow Pest Repelling Plants

Certain plants naturally repel bugs with their strong scents. Grow these beauties in your garden and place freshly cut stems indoors:

• Marigolds
• Chrysanthemums
• Catnip
• Basil
• Garlic
• Lavender

Wage war against pests without using harsh chemicals. Implement scent tactics to kick bugs out for good this season.

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.