Researchers say coconut-scented soaps were among the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.
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.
Some, but not all, of the subjects who used Dove or Simple Truth soaps were significantly more attractive to mosquitoes, while those who used Native tended to repel mosquitoes. The trials were conducted using fabrics that had absorbed each human's scent instead of on the humans themselves.
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.
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.
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more.
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.
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.
Put some type of insect repellent on your body.
This is the most common method people will try to repel mosquitoes away from them. You can find your typical bug spray that contains DEET at most stores, and this method works fairly well.
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.
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.
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.
Lemongrass contains an oil called citronella, a common mosquito repellent. Swap your summer glass of lemonade for a chilled glass of lemongrass tea or carefully use lemongrass oil on your skin for a quick mosquito repellent.
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.
Vapor rub is fantastic for mosquito bites. It not only cools the skin (since menthol is a top active ingredient), but it also alleviates the itching immensely. How to use: Simply dab some vapor rub on the mosquito bite.
They're often marketed as providing “natural” protection from mosquitoes. But unfortunately, they aren't a reliable way to prevent mosquito bites.
taking Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B12 supplements. eating garlic or yeast extracts, or applying them to your skin. using bath oils and skin softeners.
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.