Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
Treat clothing and gear. Use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes. Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings.
Natural Mosquito Remedies
Lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, basil and lavender all naturally repel mosquitos. Planting these near your deck or around your yard can reduce a mosquito population. You can also mix essential oils from these plants with water to create a natural spray or bug repellant.
Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately, and may need to be reapplied. When using insecticides, always follow label directions. Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.
Citronella oil is a natural mosquito repellent that will kill mosquitoes and drive them out of your house. Look for citronella candles or use citronella essential oil in your vaporizer or oil diffuser.
Light candles or lanterns.
Help keep mosquitoes away from your patio and porch by lighting candles or lanterns that contain one or more essential oils known to repel mosquitoes. These oils include: Citronella. Clove.
Mosquitoes dislike the smell and taste of the vinegar, and will leave you alone so you can enjoy your BBQ. So if you're interested in seeking a natural insect repellent, try out this recipe which uses apple cider vinegar as a base! Fill your spray bottle with half water, and half apple cider vinegar.
Dragonflies. Dragonflies as well as being a natural predator of the mosquito are a fascinating and unique group of insects. Dragonflies are often referred to as "mosquito hawks" for their supposed ability to kill thousands of mosquitoes.
There is evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar does help repel mosquitoes. It works by slightly altering the scent given off by the human body. This small change in smell is less enticing to mosquitoes, but it is not enough for other people to notice.
It has long been said that if you eat enough garlic, midges and mosquitoes will steer clear of you. This technique can work since the odour of your breath masks the smell of carbon dioxide you exhale. The sulfur compounds emitted through your skin provide added protection.
It has taken decades of research, but scientists are close to working out why mosquitoes bite some people, and not others. It comes down to a complex trifecta of carbon dioxide, body temperature and body odour that makes some people more inviting to mozzies than others.
To reduce the possibility of a mosquito biting you, you could consider wearing white, green or blue. Lighter colors are less interesting to mosquitos than darker shades like navy and black, red or orange. However, clothing color alone is unlikely to keep mosquitos away for good.
Since coffee grounds have such a pungent and intense smell, mosquitoes do not like to come near it. Mosquitoes are repulsed by all types of coffee, whether it is fresh, used, or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds for mosquito control is by burning them, as it creates a stronger aroma.
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
Because the insect wings beat rapidly, an unpleasant noise is produced. Although females are the main contributor to the sound that most people associate with mosquitoes, they are not the only ones who make a higher pitch.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia and other substances your body releases when you sweat—all of which affect your body odor and can make you a more appetizing snack for mosquitoes.
Citronella Oil
Citronella (Cymobopogon nardus) is an ingredient in many repellents. This oil is also high in citronellal and geraniol, both of which repel bugs.
Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, neem, citronella, eucalyptus and mint oil work as powerful mosquito repellents. Mix a few drops of any of these essential oils in some water, add it to a spray bottle and spray it around the home.
Spraying window cleaner directly onto small insects like ants or mosquitoes will kill them within a few moments.
Do lemons repel flies and mosquitoes? YES! Citrus is a natural pest repellent and citrus essential oils are used in most homemade pest sprays.
Consider having mosquito-proof mesh fitted on windows or close windows if you can. If there's no insect screens or if you're sleeping outdoors near creeks, water holes/swamps, a river or even long grass, having mosquito nets over sleeping areas and bedding can help.
Deter Insects
We may be fans of Vicks, but insects decidedly are not. Dab a bit on your arms, legs, neck, or other areas of exposed skin to keep bugs (including mosquitoes) at bay, however, it is not as effective at preventing bites as a commercial insect repellant.