Mosquitoes are a nuisance for many people. Their bites can leave itchy red bumps, and some species can transmit dangerous diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus. Finding ways to avoid mosquito bites is important for comfort and health.
One strategy is using repellents and natural scents that deter mosquitoes. Research shows that some smells repel mosquitoes more than others. Understanding what scent mosquitoes hate can help you use odors to keep them away.
Do mosquitoes have a sense of smell?
Yes, mosquitoes rely heavily on smell for feeding and mating behaviors. They use their antennae to detect carbon dioxide and scents emitted by hosts like humans and animals. These odors guide them toward promising targets for blood meals.
Mosquitoes also use smell to locate plants to obtain nectar for energy. Their sensitivity to specific compounds helps them identify and avoid traps and threats. Overall, smell is a vital sense mosquitoes use to interact with their environment.
How do mosquito repellents work?
Many mosquito repellents contain active ingredients that override scents that normally attract mosquitoes, such as carbon dioxide from exhaled breath. This confusion effectively “masks” humans and animals, making it harder for mosquitoes to find and bite them.
One of the most common active ingredients in repellents is N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, also known as DEET. At high concentrations, DEET molecules bind to mosquito scent receptors, blocking them from detecting appetizing smells like lactic acid from sweat.
Other repellents like picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus also work by masking attractive odors and confusing mosquito scent receptors. Their presence signals the area is not ideal for blood meals.
What scents deter mosquitoes the most?
Certain powerful smells chase mosquitoes away or discourage them from biting. Some of the scents that mosquitoes hate most include:
Lemongrass
Citronella oil from lemongrass is a popular mosquito repellent. The strong lemon scent overwhelms mosquitoes’ sense of smell, essentially hiding any humans in the vicinity. Burning lemongrass oil in candles or torches creates a bubble of protection against mosquitoes.
Basil
Fresh basil contains compounds like linalool, citronellol, and geraniol that repel mosquitoes but appeal to humans. Rubbing crushed basil leaves on your skin or clothes can provide short-term protection against mosquito bites.
Lavender
The pleasant floral scent of lavender comes from ingredients like linalyl acetate that deter mosquitoes. Dried lavender bundles or lavender essential oil can infuse an outdoor area with a smell that keeps mosquitoes at bay.
Peppermint
Peppermint contains high levels of menthol, which interferes with mosquitoes’ ability to sense carbon dioxide. Burning peppermint candles, incense, or oil diffusers creates an area of protection against mosquitoes.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees produce an aromatic oil loaded with the compound eucalyptol that overwhelms mosquito scent receptors. Hanging eucalyptus near doors or windows can provide excellent mosquito control.
Catnip
The active ingredient in catnip, called nepetalactone, excites cats but repels mosquitoes. Burning or rubbing crushed catnip leaves on your skin masks human odors that attract biting insects.
Citronella
Like lemongrass, the sharp citrusy aroma of citronella candles, torches, and incense overpowers mosquito antennae. The smell masks carbon dioxide to provide outdoor mosquito protection.
Garlic
Mosquitoes dislike garlic scent. Eating garlic, applying garlic oil, or placing cloves around your patio or yard may help reduce mosquito activity.
Rosemary
Rosemary contains camphor and 1,8-cineole, compounds that interfere with mosquito senses. Burning rosemary incense or brushing against the plant can release a smell that chases nearby mosquitoes away.
Thyme
Thyme’s active oils like thymol deter mosquitoes. Rubbing crushed thyme leaves on exposed skin emits a scent that makes you less noticeable and appealing to mosquitoes.
Cedar
Cedar wood releases a natural aroma that masks human scents. Placing cedar chips or blocks around patios and yards helps create zones of mosquito protection.
Marigolds
The pungent smell of marigolds overwhelms mosquito receptors. Planting marigolds around your property can provide beautiful landscaping that also repels mosquitoes.
What scent do mosquitoes hate the most?
While all these options repel mosquitoes, some scientific research suggests that lemon eucalyptus oil is the most effective scent against the pests. One study tested multiple botanical repellents and found oil of lemon eucalyptus provided the longest-lasting protection against mosquitoes.
The lemon eucalyptus scent contains high levels of the chemical PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol). PMD strongly inhibits mosquito senses, making humans essentially “invisible” to the insects. Just a small amount of lemon eucalyptus oil can provide long-lasting security against mosquitoes in the yard.
What scent attracts mosquitoes the most?
On the other end of the spectrum, some smells actually attract and lure mosquitoes toward potential hosts and breeding grounds. Scents that entice mosquitoes include:
Carbon dioxide
Mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide released when humans and animals exhale. They can detect CO2 from up to 50 meters away, making it their primary means of tracking hosts from a distance.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is emitted through sweat, making sweaty people prime targets for mosquito bites. Lactic acid levels are also higher in people with certain blood types, increasing their mosquito appeal.
Floral scents
Flower nectar is an important food source for mosquitoes. They are attracted to the sweet, fruity aromas produced by flowers to locate needed energy.
Human skin odors
Mosquitoes use body heat and skin smells to zero in once they get closer to humans. The gases and odors emitted through skin make some people more attractive targets for mosquitoes.
Standing water
Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water sources. The smell of moisture and algae attracts gravid female mosquitoes seeking ideal breeding pools.
How to use scents to repel mosquitoes
Knowing what deters mosquitoes allows you to use smell strategically to reduce mosquito bites in your yard and outdoor living space. Effective techniques include:
- Burn citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lemongrass candles or oil in outdoor areas
- Scatter cedar chips, lavender bundles, or marigolds around your patio and garden beds
- Hang garlic, rosemary, basil, and other herbs near doors and windows
- Spray outdoor furniture and plants with mint, clove, or thyme oil
- Rub lemongrass, citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus balms or oils on your skin
- Incorporate mosquito repelling plants into your landscaping
- Use electric diffusers to spread scents like lemon eucalyptus around your yard
- Place bowls of crushed herbs like peppermint or lavender near gathering areas
Testing different scent-based techniques can help you identify the best options for repelling mosquitoes in your unique outdoor environment.
Other mosquito deterrents
Scent is just one strategy for creating an outdoor living space free of annoying mosquito bites. Some other effective options include:
Mosquito-repellent clothing
Specialty clothing treated with permethrin or other insect-repelling compounds creates a protective barrier against mosquitoes. Long sleeves, pants, socks, and hats minimize exposed skin.
Fans
Cooling fans make it harder for mosquitoes to hone in on specific targets. The moving air disperses human odors and carbon dioxide.
Light-colored clothing
Mosquitoes see dark colors better. Wearing light-colored shirts and pants makes you less visible to mosquitoes.
Mosquito traps
Propane and CO2 traps lure mosquitoes in with smells they find irresistible. A fan sucks the mosquitoes into a net or cage so they die without reproducing.
Bug zappers
Electric insect killers zap mosquitoes and other bugs drawn in by ultraviolet light. Positioning zappers away from outdoor gathering spaces helps cut down on bites.
Ground barrier sprays
Long-lasting repellent sprays create a chemical barrier on vegetation and soil that kills and repels mosquitoes for weeks.
Drain standing water
Removing sources of standing water eliminates ideal mosquito breeding spots. Change bird bath water weekly, dump potted plant saucers, and fill in puddles.
Should you use scent to repel mosquitoes indoors?
Mosquito deterrent scents can also provide some protection against bites inside your home. However, there are some factors to consider:
- Not all smells used outdoors are pleasant indoors. Choose natural scents you enjoy.
- Essential oils can stain furniture, carpets, and fabrics if spilled.
- Candles and incense increase fire risk inside.
- The area of effectiveness is limited to a single room.
- Indoor airflow from fans and vents will dissipate scents.
The most practical use of mosquito repellent scents indoors is rubbing lemon eucalyptus, lavender, or other oils directly on exposed skin. Releasing smell throughout an indoor space is often inefficient compared to other mosquito deterrents.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes rely heavily on scent to find warm-blooded hosts to bite. Leveraging smells the pests hate offers an eco-friendly way to repel them from your outdoor living space. While all the options covered deter mosquitoes, lemon eucalyptus oil seems most effective based on scientific research.
Combining repellent scents with other strategies like protective clothing, fans, and draining standing water gives you layers of protection against annoying mosquito bites. Exploring DIY and commercial odor-based deterrents can help you make your yard an oasis free of mosquito misery.
