Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
Other university studies demonstrate the effectiveness of dryer sheets to repel certain insects, including mites, food-infesting beetles, German cockroaches and weevils. These studies, however, do not show any significant impact as a mosquito repellent.
I personally LOVE the smell of the original scent Pine-Sol. It smells so fresh and clean to me. Luckily, flies don't like the smell (mosquitoes don't either), which makes this a great DIY solution for getting rid of those bugs.
Deter Insects
We may be fans of Vicks, but insects decidedly are not. Dab a bit on your arms, legs, neck, or other areas of exposed skin to keep bugs (including mosquitoes) at bay, however, it is not as effective at preventing bites as a commercial insect repellant.
The mothballs are effective at repelling mosquitoes, but they have a minor impact on them. Insects, mice, and pests benefit greatly from the use of mothballs. Despite the fact that they can repel a wide variety of insects, they are unable to eliminate mosquitoes.
One of the most effective DIY repellents calls for just coconut oil and peppermint, says Harlow-Ellis. "While this combination of scents is delightful to humans, it will chase away mosquitoes," she says. To make it, mix 1/3 cup coconut oil and 15 drops of peppermint essential oil in a jar.
Bluegills, Goldfish, catfish, guppies, and mosquitofish eat mosquito larvae. However, the mosquitofish, also known as Gambusia affinis, remains the most effective species for Mosquito control.
Apple cider vinegar: It's a truly multipurpose remedy that can help with so many things, including mosquitoes. Add equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it on areas where mosquitoes tend to hang out. You can even spray it on yourself to keep them away.
In addition to DEET, repellents that use lemon oil (also called citronella), eucalyptus and picaridin are available. The CDC also recommends treating clothing and gear with permethrin. Permethrin is only for clothing or fabrics; never apply permethrin directly to skin.
Citronella oil is a natural mosquito repellent that will kill mosquitoes and drive them out of your house. Look for citronella candles or use citronella essential oil in your vaporizer or oil diffuser.
Dragonflies
Why not use a helpful insect to fight a harmful one? In the realm of animals that help maintain mosquitoes, dragonflies are among the most unique.
What makes mosquitoes worse some years and better others? Many mosquitoes breed in water and they need warmer temperatures in order for eggs to hatch. Seasonal variations in rain and temperature can affect mosquito populations.
What colors do mosquitoes ignore? The research team from the University of Washington found that mosquitoes typically ignore white, green and blue.
Vinegar: Mosquitoes tend to dislike the intense scent and bitter taste of white vinegar. An easy DIY way to repel mosquitoes is to mix 2 parts water to one part vinegar and treatment around your yard.
Mix two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with a gallon of water to make bug spray with Dawn dish soap. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle & utilize it as a spray for repelling mosquitoes.
Since coffee grounds have such a pungent and intense smell, mosquitoes do not like to come near it. Mosquitoes are repulsed by all types of coffee, whether it is fresh, used, or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds for mosquito control is by burning them, as it creates a stronger aroma.
Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately, and may need to be reapplied.