Researchers say coconut-scented soaps were among the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes avoid people who smell like coconut. In May, a small study found that people who used a coconut-scented soap were bitten less than the control volunteer. They found that my usual choice, Dove, attracted mosquitos, as did Dial and Simple Truth Organic Honey Blossom.
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.
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.
However, researchers found that mosquitoes generally were more attracted to Dove and Simple Truth soap.
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).
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.
Our tests show that Avon is right: The Skin So Soft Bath Oil is not meant to repel ticks or mosquitoes. It might work for “skin moisturizing” and “dryness reducing” as the company advertises, but it's not a good bet when it comes to avoiding bug bites.
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.
Bug Zappers – A bug zapper is powered by electricity and uses heat and carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes. When the mosquito or another flying pest comes close to the device, it is electrocuted, killing it instantly.
A 10-percent solution of any commercial liquid soap mixed with water is all that is required to literally knock mosquitoes (or other flying insects) right out of the air as they attempt to fly through the soapy mist spray.
Planting lavender in your garden or using lavender essential oil can help repel mosquitoes. Peppermint Oil has a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Diluted peppermint oil can be applied to the skin or used in diffusers to deter mosquitoes. Basil plants emit a strong aroma that repels mosquitoes.
Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
This Sawyer lotion offers 14 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks, and up to eight hours of protection against chiggers, fleas, no-see-ums, gnats and biting flies. The DEET-free formula features an active ingredient of 20% picaridin.
For a "foolproof recipe" that banishes mosquitoes, combine 1/3 cup witch hazel and 1/3 cup water with 40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. "Mosquitoes detest the strong aroma of eucalyptus, so this easy homemade mosquito repellent is sure to be a winner," says Harlow-Ellis.
Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard is an 8 hour insect repellent that provides protection from mosquitoes, gnats, sand flies, no-seeums and biting midges. It's hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. It comes in a variety of products to choose from for the whole family and is safe for children.
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%).
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.
Carbon Dioxide Attracts Mosquitoes
Larger people exhale more, so they're more likely to receive bug bites. Since you exhale carbon dioxide through your nose and mouth, mosquitoes are especially attracted to your head.
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”.
From shirts and pants, hats, socks, workwear, accessories, and kids' clothes, Insect Shield permethrin treated clothing and gear will help protect you from biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks and the dangerous diseases they may carry.