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11 Smells That Will Keep Pesky Mosquitoes Away

Mosquito and its reflection.
Mosquito and its reflection. Image by Mike Szczepanski via Unsplash.

Mosquitoes are not only annoying but can also carry harmful diseases. Fortunately, there are certain smells that mosquitoes simply cannot stand. Let’s take a look at 11 scents you can protect yourself against mosquitos with!

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Mosquito perched on a leaf.
Mosquito perched on a leaf. Image by Erik Karits via Pexels.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the most effective mosquito repellents. Specifically, its strong citrus scent confuses mosquitoes and keeps them at a distance. Plus, it’s a natural alternative to chemical repellents! My family has always mixed this oil with water to use instead of bug spray and it works great!

Lavender

Lavender.
Lavender. Image by KateGrishekinaBO via Depositphotos.

Lavender has a calming scent for humans, but mosquitoes actually despise it. The floral aroma is too strong for them, making it an excellent way to keep mosquitoes away. Try planting lavender around your home or using lavender oil on your skin. Not only does it have a wonderful and calming smell, but it looks lovely too!

Peppermint

Peppermint plant
Peppermint, image by Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The refreshing smell of peppermint is another scent that mosquitoes hate. It overwhelms their senses, preventing them from finding you. In fact, you can apply peppermint oil directly to your skin or mix it into a spray for outdoor use and these pesky insects won’t bother you at all.

Citronella

Citronella candles used as fly repellant
Citronella candles used as a repellant. Image by tcostachiioiu via Depositphotos.

Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent used in candles and sprays. Its lemony scent masks the carbon dioxide and sweat that attract mosquitoes. For best results, use citronella in your outdoor spaces like patios or decks while you sit and chat during the evenings.

Basil

Mosquito dangles from a leaf.
Mosquito dangles from a leaf. Image by Syed Ali via Unsplash.

Not only is basil great for cooking, but it’s also a natural mosquito repellent. Its strong, spicy smell confuses mosquitoes and keeps them at bay naturally. So, growing basil in your garden or using it in essential oil form can help reduce mosquito bites.

Tea Tree Oil

mosquito
Parasitic mosquito. Image by Mohamed Nuzrath via Pixabay.

Tea tree oil has a strong medicinal scent that mosquitoes find overwhelming. Interestingly, this oil is often used in skincare products, but it’s also effective at repelling insects! Simply dilute it and apply it to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil.
Rosemary essential oil. Image by angelsimon via Depositphotos.

Rosemary’s pine-like scent works wonders in repelling mosquitoes. This herb’s fragrance is too intense for mosquitoes, making them steer clear. You can burn rosemary sprigs or apply the oil for protection outdoors. This is one of my favorite scents, and I love that it also helps keep me bite-free!

Garlic

Garlic spray for plants
Garlic spray for plants. Image by Gresey via Depositphotos.

Garlic is another scent mosquitoes can’t tolerate. Specifically, the sulfur compounds in garlic release a pungent smell that keeps mosquitoes from lingering. So, eating garlic or using garlic oil can help reduce the risk of bites. I wonder if this is why they say garlic keeps away vampires!

Clove Oil

Close up of a mosquito. Image by Egor Kamelev via Pexels.

Clove oil has a strong, spicy aroma that mosquitoes hate. Its intense scent interferes with their ability to detect humans, so the insects don’t know what to do. Consequently, applying diluted clove oil to your skin can offer hours of protection from mosquitoes.

Lemongrass

Mosquito on a white background. Image by Cameron Webb via Unsplash.

Lemongrass, like citronella, has a strong citrus scent that drives mosquitoes away. It’s an excellent option for outdoor areas, and the scent lasts a long time. Additionally, you can plant lemongrass in your garden or use the essential oil for added protection!

Catnip

Catnip plant.
Catnip plant. Image by rebeck96 via Pixabay.

Believe it or not, catnip is more than just a treat for cats. The smell of catnip is a powerful mosquito repellent, working even better than some chemical sprays. Furthermore, you can grow catnip in your yard or use it as an essential oil. If you love cats but hate mosquitos, this is the plant for you!

Conclusion

While we adore the smell of lavender, silverfish hate it.
While we adore the smell of lavender, mosquitos hate it. Image by Katarzyna Urbanek via Unsplash.

Using these natural scents is an easy and effective way to keep mosquitoes away. Whether you prefer oils, plants, or candles, you have plenty of options to protect yourself! With these mosquito-repelling smells, you can enjoy your time outdoors without the buzz and bites. Which method would you try first?