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.
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.
Ingredients: The primary active ingredient in many formulations of Skin So Soft is citronella oil, which is known for its insect-repelling properties. Other components include mineral oil and other emollients that may create a barrier on the skin.
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.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated this product as safe and of low toxicity. The only reported side effects were mild skin irritation reported and eye irritation following accidental ocular exposure.
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).
“Covering up as much as possible during the summer is really important, and applying an EPA-registered insect repellent, with ingredients such as DEET and picaridin,” McMeniman said. For people who prefer botanical products, he recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Apply a small amount of the product to your skin or clothes to deter the pests. The potent smell keeps the mosquitoes away, however, if you do find yourself being bitten, a small amount of Vicks placed upon the bite can also help to reduce the itching.
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.
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.
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”.
Dawn, a commonly used dish soap, contains surfactants that disrupt the exoskeleton of insects, leading to their dehydration and eventual death. This property makes it an effective bug repellent, as it can deter a wide range of insects, including flies, ants, and mosquitoes.
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.
Wear Repellents
No matter what the hype, candles, sonic devices, and bracelets don't keep mosquitoes away. What is effective are EPA-approved mosquito repellents that contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus, says Markowski.
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.
Overall, chemical repellents like DEET and picaridin offer long-lasting and wide-ranging protection, repelling mosquitoes, ticks and many fly species. Synthesized plant oils, like lemon eucalyptus oil and IR3535, don't protect quite as long and are effective against mosquitoes and some tick species.
A Coconut-Scented Soap Might Help. A small study, while far from conclusive, suggests that the scent of coconut in certain body washes might help repel mosquitoes.
Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin, a dedicated insect repellent spray, performed reasonably well against ticks and mosquitoes; it is in the middle of the pack of the 53 repellent products we tested.
In the present study, we report fatty acids derived from coconut oil which are novel, inexpensive and highly efficacious repellant compounds. These coconut fatty acids are active against a broad array of blood-sucking arthropods including biting flies, ticks, bed bugs and mosquitoes.
Masking Odors: Vanilla extract can help deter mosquitoes by masking the odors that attract them, such as sweat and carbon dioxide. Its strong scent may confuse mosquitoes and reduce their ability to locate hosts for a blood meal.