What smell do mosquitoes hate most?

Author: Miss Verna McLaughlin  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more.

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 smells are mosquitoes afraid of?

For those enjoying time outdoors, using repellents like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender offers a chemical-free way to repel these pests. These essential oils are effective and provide a pleasant scent. They can be used in candles, sprays, or diffusers.

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 is the best thing to keep mosquitoes away?

If mosquitoes become a serious problem in your yard this summer, consider calling a pest control professional.
  1. Citronella Candles. ...
  2. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. ...
  3. Neem Oil. ...
  4. Cinnamon Oil. ...
  5. Lavender Oil. ...
  6. Thyme Oil. ...
  7. Use Fans. ...
  8. Wear Long, Thick Clothing.

What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?

Does anything actually repel mosquitoes?

“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.

Do dryer sheets keep mosquitoes away?

Studies have shown that the scent of dryer sheets is not strong enough to deter mosquitoes for a long period of time, and they may even attract other insects.

What stops mosquitoes from biting you?

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.

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 kills mosquitoes instantly?

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.

What are mosquitoes worst enemy?

Birds, frogs, tadpoles, fish, toads, salamanders, spiders, red-eared slider turtles and many types of insects all play vital roles in keeping the mosquito population at bay. Some creatures, like the small brown bat, can catch up to 600 mosquitoes in just one hour.

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.

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.

What human smell attracts mosquitoes?

The pesky insects may be attracted to a chemical cocktail of odors emanating from the skin, according to a new study. The draw is a combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acid, researchers said.

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.

Why rub Vicks on your feet at night?

Some studies suggest that Vicks VapoRub can help ease nerve-related foot pain, treat cracked heels, and help clear toenail fungus.

What shampoo do mosquitoes hate?

Researchers say coconut-scented soaps were among the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.

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).

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”.

What is the thing mosquitoes hate 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.

Do mosquitoes hate vinegar?

Can vinegar keep mosquitoes away? Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. Creating and spraying a vinegar solution or placing vinegar-soaked cotton balls around your outdoor area can help keep mosquitoes away.

What can I wear to keep mosquitoes away?

White and khaki will work best for not only avoiding flying biters, but also for keeping you cool and stylish. Treat with DEET : For even more protection, consider treating your loose-fitting shirts and pants with a repellent, preferably one that contains DEET.

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