What Scents Repel Mosquitoes?

Nothing can disturb the comfort of your patio on a warm spring or summer night like a mosquito. As late spring approaches and the climate grows more humid, mosquitoes are ready for their invasion. But are you ready for them?

Mosquitoes are easy to get rid of with chemical sprays, but more and more landowners are turning to natural control methods. Chemical methods contaminate vegetable gardens and could harm beneficial insects such as honeybees. Honeybees are vital to our ecology and are the reason for healthy crops, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens. 

Following are some tips for naturally controlling the mosquito population on your property.

Clear Standing Water

One of the best, most natural ways to deter mosquitoes from invading your space is to make sure there is no standing water on your property. 

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These insects require still water to complete their life cycle. Therefore, scout your property for containers that potentially could hold water. Make sure – especially after a rain – that they are empty. This includes birdbaths and garden ponds. The best water features to avoid nesting mosquitoes include fountains and/or waterfalls so water is always moving.

Scents Mosquitoes Hate

There are many scents that you can incorporate around the outside of your home that will naturally repel mosquitoes. Not only are these insects annoying, they can be dangerous to our health when their bites spread viruses and parasites. West Nile virus is a common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. 

Besides avoiding standing water around your home, strategically place plants that emit fragrances that are undesirable to mosquitoes. Plant them in pots near outdoor seating areas and water features to ward off these sneaky critters. Here are some to consider.

Citronella Oil is one of the most well-known natural mosquito repellents. It is derived from the leaves of the citronella plant and is commonly found in candles, torches, and sprays.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil extracted from the leaves of lemon eucalyptus trees contains a compound called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), which is effective in repelling mosquitoes.

Rosemary contains compounds like camphor and eucalyptol, which have mosquito-repelling properties. Burning rosemary leaves or using rosemary essential oil can help repel mosquitoes.

Thyme contains compounds like thymol, which have insect-repelling properties. Burning thyme leaves or using thyme essential oil can deter mosquitoes.

Clove Oil has a strong and pungent scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Mixing clove oil with a carrier oil and applying it to the skin can help repel mosquitoes.

Lavender has a pleasant aroma for humans but is disliked by 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. Planting basil in your garden or rubbing crushed basil leaves on your skin can help keep mosquitoes away.

Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is a strong mosquito repellent. Planting catnip in your garden or rubbing crushed catnip leaves on your skin can deter mosquitoes.

Cedarwood Oil has a woody scent that mosquitoes dislike. Using cedarwood essential oil in diffusers or applying it to the skin can help repel mosquitoes.

Use these scents individually or combined to create a custom repellant. Planting a variety of these herbs in pots or in a cluster can provide pleasant aromas to the night air while keeping pesky mosquitoes at bay. If using these scents in essential oil form, place a few diffusers on your patio during evening gatherings. The mist created by the diffuser can assist in repelling mosquitoes.

Simply Green Can Help!

Simply Green Lawn Care Plus experts can help develop the best plan to ensure mosquitoes will not be a problem around your home this spring and summer. Simply Green specializes in providing the highest quality lawn care, mosquito control and pest control service to Georgia residents. Contact a technician today to schedule and consultation.