Does vitamin B12 stop mosquito bites?

Author: Dr. Emile Gibson  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

There is simply no evidence taking vitamin B will offer any significant protection from mosquito bites. In reality, if there was even moderate scientific evidence that taking a vitamin supplement could prevent mosquito bites, our supermarket shelves would be full of “mosquito repellent pills”.

What pill can I take to stop mosquitoes from biting me?

Many dermatologists now recommend that the skin can be made much less attractive to biting insects by taking Vitamin B supplements whilst at risk. So, we recommend that Vitamin B complex, 2 tablets twice a day, or Vitamin B-1, 100 mg daily, is a good way of helping to reduce the risk of being bitten.

What can I take to keep mosquitoes from biting me?

Use insect repellent
  1. DEET.
  2. Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States)
  3. IR3535.
  4. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)—A plant-derived ingredient.
  5. Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  6. 2-undecanone—A plant-derived ingredient.

Which blood type do mosquitoes hate?

Blood Types Mosquitoes Love Most

Type B: Type B placed second in popularity. Type A: Type A Blood Type apparently tastes the worst to mosquitoes. The study found that those with Blood Type A are 50% less likely to receive a mosquito bite than those with Type O.

How do I stop mosquitoes from being attracted to me?

Use non-fragrant soap and non-fragrant shampoo, and wash yourself well, ridding yourself of all that human-scent, so that the insects can't tell you are there. If that doesn't work for you, then cover up your body as best you can with a hooded parka and gloves and boots, or use an insect repellent to cover your scent.

Travel Tip 11 Vitamin B and mosquito bites

What supplements to take to avoid mosquito bites?

taking Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B12 supplements. eating garlic or yeast extracts, or applying them to your skin. using bath oils and skin softeners.

What smell do mosquitoes hate?

Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more. You can add some of these plants to your landscaping to fend them off.

How to keep mosquitoes away?

Maintain fly screens on windows, doors, vents and chimneys. Use insect surface sprays inside and outside the house to kill mosquitoes. Use an effective mosquito repellent, containing either picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin. Remove stagnant water around the house so mosquitoes cannot breed.

What is the O negative blood type?

O negative is the most common blood type used for transfusions when the blood type is unknown. This is why it is used most often in cases of trauma, emergency, surgery and any situation where blood type is unknown. O negative is the universal blood type. O negative blood type can only receive O negative blood.

What body lotion do mosquitoes hate?

3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion

Another top-selling mosquito repellent lotion is Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion from 3M. This lotion contains about 34% DEET to repel not only mosquitoes, but biting flies, chiggers, deer flies, ticks, gnats, and fleas.

Does Vicks stop mosquito from biting?

Vicks® VapoRub®. Rub some on your itchy mosquito bites for some soothing relief. While this won't help keep mosquitoes away from you in the first place, it can at least provide some relief after the fact.

Does anything actually work to repel mosquitoes?

Yes: DEET. A repellent with DEET tells mosquitos to buzz off loud and clear. You'll need one with at least 20% DEET to protect your skin for several hours at a time, although more than 50% doesn't work any better (kids should use 10%-30%).

How do I stop getting bitten so much?

Take Steps to Prevent Bug Bites During Your Trip
  1. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
  2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  3. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
  4. Keep mosquitoes out of your hotel room or lodging.
  5. Sleep under a mosquito net.

What vitamin gets rid of mosquitoes?

Vitamin B is often recommended in the popular media as a systemic repellent against mosquitoes.

What is the most effective mosquito repellent?

DEET is a reliable and highly effective insect repellent. The chemical has been in public use since 1957. The repellent is sold under numerous brand names and comes in lotion, spray and many other forms. Concentrations of DEET range from about 5% all the way up to 100%.

What can I take orally to prevent mosquito bites?

Perhaps one of the most pervasive home remedies perceived to prevent mosquito bites is taking vitamin B.

Why do I get bitten so much?

Other factors such as blood type and breathing patterns also seem to play a role. Type O blood appears to attract the pests. So does breathing heavily — such as after a workout — which exudes more carbon dioxide around you, which attracts mosquitoes.

How do I make myself less attractive to mosquitoes?

Basically, to avoid being a mosquito-target you should stay as scent-free as possible, wear light clothes, avoid bogs and use an effective repellent (such as those containing DEET or icaridin).

What drinks repel mosquitoes?

Lemongrass contains an oil called citronella, a common mosquito repellent. Swap your summer glass of lemonade for a chilled glass of lemongrass tea or carefully use lemongrass oil on your skin for a quick mosquito repellent.

How do you instantly repel mosquitoes?

Get a spray bottle, fill it with water, and add a few drops of essential oil. Essential oils like lavender, lemon, and peppermint will naturally repel mosquitoes.

What deodorant do mosquitoes hate?

A study in Nature found that a compound in deodorants (isopropyl tetradecanoate) repelled mosquitoes by preventing them from landing on the surface coated in deodorant. In fact, there was a 56% decrease in the number of mosquito landings.

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