In my humble opinion, mosquitoes are one of the worst things about summer. If they’ve been plaguing your patio this summer, and like me, you ended up with a few nasty bites, here are five scents they hate and will keep them at bay, according to pest experts.
If you want to Get rid of mosquitoes And keep them from coming back, an odor deterrent can be a great, chemical-free method that won’t harm your family, pets or plants.
Mosquitoes have a highly sensitive sense of ‘smell’ which they use to locate hosts, breeding sites and nectar. But they find some smells overwhelming and confusing, which in turn drives them away from the area and makes you mosquito-free!
1. Citronella
Of course citronella is first on the list. Citronella candles (eg Argos Home’s scalloped terracotta-effect citronella candle, £15) are famous for their abilities to repel flies and mosquitoes, as their strong scent deters mosquitoes from finding their hosts.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Azum Images)
Citronella is another popular natural mosquito repellent. It contains compounds such as citronel, geraniol and citronellol, which help mask the scent that mosquitoes use to find people,’ says Daniel Steward, managing director Shield Pest Control.
Citronella can be applied directly to the skin in the form of a spray or lotion to provide short-term protection. It is also commonly available as candles and essential oil diffusers, which release fragrance into the ambient air to help reduce mosquito activity around patios, gardens and outdoor seating areas. While citronella can be effective, it works best in calm conditions, as the wind spreads the scent quickly.’
Sentinel
Price Candles Citronella Maxi Tealights Pack of 4
Citronella candles are a must for hosting outside in summer. It has a burn time of 10 hours and can be popped into a cute candle holder.
2. Cloves
Clove also a A scent that hatesAnd great for keeping mosquitoes at bay – as well as making your house or patio smell great in the process.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Clove oil (available on Amazon) Contains eugenol, a compound used in commercial insect products in diluted form, and is one of the most powerful natural mosquito repellents available. Studies have shown that it provides effective prevention for up to three hours when applied topically in a carrier oil. As a garden scent, adding a few drops to an outdoor oil burner near your seating area can significantly reduce mosquito activity. The scent is strong so a little goes a long way,’ explains Mosh Latifi, co-owner. Ecocare Pest Management.
3. Lemon Eucalyptus
Swear by experts Lemon Eucalyptus (£4.99, Amazon) As a powerful scent repellent against mosquitoes. Its strong odor interferes with mosquitoes’ sense of smell and makes it difficult for them to detect us, humans.
(Image credit: Getty Images/ EddyBloom)
‘Lemon Eucalyptus’ is the most effective natural mosquito repellent, providing around four to six hours of protection depending on the concentration. It contains an active ingredient called PMD, which interferes with mosquitoes’ smell receptors, making it more difficult for them to detect human scent,’ says Daniel.
‘The most effective way to use lemon eucalyptus is to use commercial repellents containing PMD on exposed skin. Some products can also be applied to clothing, although the label states that this is safe. It’s a great option for activities like camping, gardening and spending the evening outdoors, when mosquitoes are most active.’
drive away
Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce Pump Spray, Pack of 2
Reviews say that this repellent not only works well, it smells better than DEET repellent sprays.
4. Lavender
Lavender (£7.99, Crocus) is a superhero Plants that will not only make your patio look gorgeousBut also deters a range of pests. Wasps and flies also dislike the smell of lavender, while helpful pollinators like bees love it—it’s a win-win choice for the garden.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Lavender contains linalool and linalool oxide, both of which are natural insect repellents. Mosquitoes find the smell very unpleasant and will avoid areas where it is concentrated. Lavender planted near a patio provides ongoing passive immunity throughout the summer, and lavender flowers rubbed on pulse points provide a short-term personal repellency effect. It’s not as potent as citronella, but it adds meaningful protection as part of a layered approach,’ says Mosh.
4. Peppermint
Last but not least Peppermint (£9.99, Amazon). While you and I can enjoy its fresh peppery aroma, mosquitoes will not be able to stand it and will automatically avoid the pungent peppermint area.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Peppermint contains strong-smelling compounds called menthol and menthone, which can interfere with mosquitoes’ ability to detect people,’ says Daniel.
‘Peppermint can be used in a homemade spray when properly diluted, or you can purchase commercial peppermint-based repellants and essential oil diffusers. It can also be used as a fabric spray on outdoor cushions or camping equipment to help repel mosquitoes during time spent outdoors. Like other essential oils, peppermint provides relatively short-lived protection and should be reapplied regularly if used on the skin.’
Thermacell
Thermacell Halo Mini Patio Shield Mosquito and Midge Repeller
If natural scents don’t cut it, you can try this device from Lakeland. It has a mat saturated with the insect repellent allethrin, heated by a butane gas canister. These tees spread the repellent through the air, creating a barrier of 20m2.
If you’re sick and tired of painful mosquito bites this summer, try one of these scents to keep them at bay.
