What can I put on my skin so I don't get bit by mosquitoes?

Author: Susana Buckridge  |  Last update: Friday, August 15, 2025

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 repels mosquitoes from biting you?

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, DEET and picaridin are the safest and most effective methods for anyone over two months of age. If you prefer natural ingredients, there are some products that are thought to repel mosquitoes and prevent mosquito bites. Those include OLE and PMD as described above.

What scent keeps mosquitoes off of you?

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.

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.

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).

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Does vitamin B12 prevent mosquito bites?

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”.

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%).

What can I spray on my body to keep mosquitoes away?

Mosquito repellents that work
  • DEET works. DEET, chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, was developed in the 1950s by the U.S. Army and is a well-established mosquito repellent with a long history of use. ...
  • Picaridin works. ...
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus, or OLE, works. ...
  • Other essential oils – some work, some not so much.

How to stop getting bitten at night?

To help prevent bug bites, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
  1. Use insect repellent. To protect against mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs, use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. ...
  2. Wear appropriate clothing. ...
  3. Use bed nets. ...
  4. Pay attention to outbreaks.

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.

What vitamin do you take to prevent mosquito bites?

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 is the most effective homemade mosquito repellent?

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.

What will stop mosquitoes biting me?

Preventing Mosquito Bites
  • Take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites that can make you sick.
  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
  • Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin.

What smell do mosquitoes hate?

Like the mint family, eucalyptus is repulsive to mosquitos and can make it difficult for them to smell human skin or odors. Peppermint. Like catnip and citrus scents, mosquitos detest peppermint as it hinders their ability to smell.

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.

What soap keeps mosquitoes away?

Written by Dan Gray on May 10, 2023 — Fact checked by Jessica Beake, Ph. D. New research analyzes the interplay between soap scent, the body's unique odor profile, and mosquito attraction. Researchers say coconut-scented soaps were among the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.

How do I make my blood less tasty for mosquitoes?

Techniques to Become Less Attractive to Mosquitoes
  1. Wear Light-Colored Clothing. Believe it or not, the color of your clothing can influence mosquito attraction. ...
  2. Use Mosquito Repellent. ...
  3. Cover Up. ...
  4. Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity Times. ...
  5. Eliminate Standing Water. ...
  6. Use Fans. ...
  7. Install Window and Door Screens. ...
  8. Opt for Natural Remedies.

What does a mosquito hates the most?

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.

What actually keeps mosquitoes away?

Using insect repellent

Insect repellents that contain DEET are considered the gold standard when it comes to reducing bug bites and preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

What to put in your bath for mosquito bites?

That's right – an oatmeal bath with lukewarm, not hot, water can help alleviate itchy skin (and bug bites). These common oats include fats and sugars which help to lubricate dry, itchy skin. Just remember to be mindful of the water temperature.

What is the best thing to stop mosquitoes?

Avoiding Mosquito Bites
  • using good quality insect repellents.
  • wearing the right clothing to protect your skin from bites.
  • using a mosquito net.
  • reducing the number of mosquitos in and around your accommodation.

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