How to use vanilla as bug repellent?

Author: Eleazar Romaguera  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Creating your own vanilla extract mosquito repellent is easy and straightforward. Here's a simple recipe to get you started: Ingredients: Mix 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of water. Instructions: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well, and apply it to your skin like a perfume.

What bugs does vanilla repel?

The scent of vanilla extract can be used to ward off mosquitoes and quite a lot of other pests. Some people will use vanilla extract as something of a topical pest control repellent since it is possible to put vanilla extract safely on a person's skin without any issues.

Can you put vanilla extract in a spray bottle?

directions
  • Fill the spray bottle with 1.
  • 5 ounces of vanilla extract and 1.
  • 5 ounces of distilled water.
  • (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz.
  • Mist lightly in the room.
  • Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages.

Does imitation vanilla work as bug spray?

If you go the vanilla route to confuse them, it needs to be pure vanilla extract, Harlow-Ellis says. Imitation vanilla, on the other hand, has additives that can actually attract insects with its sugary aromas.

How do you use essential oils to repel bugs?

Peppermint and Geranium essential oils naturally repell insects. Simply add 3 drops of oil per 1mL of water (roughly a 10% solution) to a glass or stainless steel bottle and you're good to go. If spraying on your skin, use caution to not get it in your eyes, nose or ears.

Put this on for 1 hour in your house, you will never see Flies, Mosquitoes or Cockroaches again

How do you make vanilla bug spray?

Add equal parts of vanilla extract and water to the bottle using a small funnel (most spray bottle sets come with them!). I used about 3 tbsp of each to fill my bottle. 2. Shake and spray onto your skin like perfume before heading out.

How to use vanilla extract as a repellent?

Creating your own vanilla extract mosquito repellent is easy and straightforward. Here's a simple recipe to get you started: Ingredients: Mix 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of water. Instructions: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well, and apply it to your skin like a perfume.

Do bugs hate the smell of vanilla?

Vanilla extract is not only a great thing to cook with, but it also makes a great mosquito and bug repellent–and it smells delicious!

How do you make room spray with vanilla extract?

Vanilla Room Spray
  1. 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
  2. 2 fl. ounces of distilled water.
  3. 1 fl. ounces of vanilla extract.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla essential oil?

No—please, please do not do this. It is a waste of a lot of ingredients. For starters, vanilla extract is formulated for taste, not scent—and especially not long-lasting scent. It doesn't tend to smell very nice, and not for long, either.

How do I make my house smell good with vanilla extract?

Put a drop of vanilla extract on your light bulbs. Then when you turn them on, the bulb heats up, making your home smell like fresh-baked treats. Same idea, different method: Put a couple teaspoons of vanilla in a mug and bake at 300 degrees for an hour.

Can I mix vanilla extract with water?

You can use vanilla extract in a variety of ways. The most common is to mix it with water or other liquids before adding them to your recipe. This dilutes the alcohol content of the drink, allowing people who don't like alcohol to enjoy it as well. You can also add vanilla extract to your juices or smoothies.

What smell do all bugs hate the most?

Bugs hate the smells associated with repellency, such as lavender, citronella, vinegar, peppermint, and geranium. These oils are considered a natural way of driving away bugs from your home without harming you, your family, and other animals.

Does vanilla repel ticks?

Use a non-toxic, plastic-free insect-repelling band, which is easier to use on children and very effective. Add vanilla extract to the recipes or just rub it on the skin. You can also mix vanilla with witch hazel and water for a spray version. Plant insect-repelling herbs in your yard.

What 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.

Does vanilla extract really work as a bug repellent?

“It is true that vanilla extract can provide some degree of repellency due to its ability to mask human odors that attract mosquitoes,” pest expert Nicole Carpenter explained to Newsweek. “However, this effect usually lasts only about 30 minutes and may not work for everyone.”

Do spiders like vanilla?

Spiders Can't Stand The Smell Of Vanilla

Place a bowl of vanilla beans that have been preserved in vodka or vinegar, or just regular vanilla extract in your garden, on your kitchen counter, or anywhere you find spiders and it should keep them away.

What is the pest of vanilla?

Vanilla is prone to attack by several insects and non-insect pests. The pests like the white grubs and common hairy caterpillars occurring on other crops also tend to damage vanilla.

What cancels out vanilla extract?

Try a combined tablespoon of citrus juice and zest or a pinch of salt to cut the floral sweetness of vanilla while deepening the flavor of the dish. If the vanilla has caused an overly bitter taste, an acidic component such as sour cream, buttermilk, or even apple sauce can offer a nice counterweight.

What is the best homemade mosquito repellent?

Vinegar, witch hazel, and essential oil: Combine ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ witch hazel, and 20 drops of any essential oil such as rosemary, citronella, tea tree, cedar, eucalyptus, or lemongrass. Fill a spray container halfway with the mixture and shake well before using.

How do you make natural vanilla spray?

Directions
  1. Add the vanilla extract and water to a 2-ounce dark glass spritzer bottle, screw on the top, and shake vigorously to blend. Label, then set aside for 24 hours to allow the blend to mellow. ...
  2. Shake well, then lightly spritz sheets and pillowcases a few minutes prior to your romantic encounter.

What can I put on my skin 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.

What essential oil mix is best for bug repellent?

Citronella Oil Repellent: Combine 10 drops of citronella oil with 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil and apply to skin or clothing. Citronella oil is a popular choice for repelling mosquitoes and other insects due to its pleasant, fresh scent.

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