What Fragrance Repels Mosquitoes? 9 Scents They Hate
Mosquitoes are annoying for many reasons. Not only do they bite, but they can also transmit diseases like malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, so they are often found in areas where people are congregating, making it difficult to avoid them.
How can you get rid of these bothersome things? With your perfume.
Did you know there are some scents that mosquitoes hate?
Here, we’ll reveal what fragrance repels mosquitoes so you can enjoy your surroundings without the fear of being bitten.
What fragrance repels mosquitoes?
Some popular scents to repel mosquitoes include citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and lavender.
Citronella is probably the most well-known mosquito repellent fragrance. Derived from lemongrass, with a strong, citrusy scent, you can purchase Citronella candles and diffusers to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Lemon eucalyptus oil and lavender can also be used in diffusers, and they help to deter other pests like ticks and fleas.
Other products where you’ll find these fragrances include lotions and sprays.
What perfumes repel mosquitoes?
A 2015 study showed Victoria’s Secret Bombshell fragrance repelled mosquitoes. However, a higher dose than normal was used and it’s generally not recommended to use perfume as a repellent.
If you’re going to use perfume during mosquito season, you could try using scents containing lemon or lavender. For example, Chloe Lavanda or Lush Twilight Body Spray.
Bombshell does have citrus notes but those with lemon are more likely to work better, such as D&G Light Blue or L’occitane Refreshing Verbena eau de toilette.
Which essential oil repels mosquitoes?
Which essential oil fragrance repels mosquitoes?
When it comes to mosquito repellents, we’ve already mentioned citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and lavender oils.
If you’re looking for a natural option, you can try making your own mosquito repellent with essential oils.
To do this, simply combine 10 drops each of citronella and lemon eucalyptus oil with 1/4 cup of witch hazel in a spray bottle. Shake well and apply to exposed skin whenever you’ll be outdoors.
A few other natural scents that repel mosquitoes are:
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Lemongrass
- Clove
- Geranium
- Rosemary
It’s important to know that you should always read the label on essential oils to ensure they’re safe for use on the skin. Some oils may need to be diluted prior to use.
FAQs
Do mosquitoes hate the smell of vinegar?
There are conflicting reports on whether mosquitoes are attracted to or repelled by the smell of vinegar.
Some people say that acetic acid in vinegar is a natural mosquito repellent, while others claim that mosquitoes are actually drawn to the scent. Try setting out a dish of vinegar to see if mosquitoes are attracted to it. If they are, then you can add a few drops of essential oils as an enhanced deterrent.
What smell do mosquitoes like?
Mosquitoes are attracted to a variety of smells, including the lactic acid in our sweat.
They are also attracted to certain fragrances and perfumes, especially those with jasmine or lily, as well as to the smell of beer and other fermented beverages. Since Mosquitoes have highly sensitive olfactory receptors, they can detect these smells from long distances.
Additionally, certain species of mosquitoes are more attracted to some scents than others, which is why some people are more prone to being bitten.
In general, the stronger and more distinct a smell is, the more likely it is to attract mosquitoes.
We hope this answers the question ‘what fragrance repels mosquitoes?’.
Remember, if no DIY mosquito repellent works for you, you can always test out drugstore remedies, particularly those that are designed to keep your skin bite-free.
