Yes, mosquitoes generally dislike the strong, fresh scent of mint or peppermint found in many toothpastes. This aversion is primarily due to the essential oils like menthol in the toothpaste, which act as natural repellents.
Easy mosquito repellent 🦟 I use a paper towel, cloves, ground coffee and toothpaste to make this homemade DIY repellent to help keep my backyard mosquito and insect-free all summer long.
Mosquitoes hate strong, pungent scents from essential oils and plants, with Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), Citronella, Lavender, Peppermint, and Catnip being particularly effective natural deterrents because they disrupt the mosquitoes' ability to find hosts. Other disliked smells include Rosemary, Basil, Clove, Garlic, and even Coffee grounds, making them great for gardens or DIY repellents.
Actual toothpaste can calm the itch from a mosquito bite. Apply a dab and let it dry to also help with the swelling. Toothpastes with peppermint extract/menthol or baking soda will be even more effective than other toothpastes. Some mouthwashes can also help with a mosquito bite itch.
The potent fragrances and essential oils in some plants, such as lavender and marigolds, naturally repel mosquitoes. If you enjoy spending time outdoors on your deck or patio, pot up a few of these plants and set them around the perimeter to naturally help keep mosquitoes at bay—and add a little beauty to the setting.
Mosquitoes tend to prefer larger or heavier people because they release more carbon dioxide (CO2) and have a higher metabolic rate, making them easier targets and more detectable from a distance, but factors like blood type (Type O), body heat, sweat (lactic acid), and skin microbes also play significant roles. It's less about being "fat" versus "skinny" and more about the metabolic output and unique scent profile that mosquitoes find appealing.
Japanese people keep mosquitoes away using traditional methods like katori senko (chrysanthemum-based mosquito coils) and modern sprays (DEET/Icaridin), while also employing physical barriers like fine mesh screens and avoiding dark clothing, creating airflow with fans, and using natural repellents like dried citrus peels. A unique tradition involves cute pig-shaped holders for the coils, called kayaributa.
Bug Bite Thing is a suction tool that alleviates the itching, stinging, and swelling from bug bites and stings. How? It extracts the insect saliva/venom left behind under the skin. When you remove the irritant, your body stops producing the reaction.
Mosquitoes can bite through clothing, especially if the material is thin. If possible, use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents), or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear ahead of time.
Boogie® Insect Repellent Lotion effectively repels mosquitoes and ticks for up to 14 hours. It contains 20% picaridin, is odorless and has a non-greasy feel that moisturizes skin.
There are ways you can make yourself less appealing to mosquitoes, like wearing light-colored clothing and using insect repellent.
To get rid of mosquito bite itch fast, immediately wash the area, apply a cold compress or ice, use anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone or calamine, try a baking soda paste, or take an oral antihistamine for stronger relief, focusing on cooling and reducing inflammation without scratching.
Soothe Irritated Skin from Bee Stings and Insect Bites: Have you had a bothersome bee sting or insect bite? Reach for your trusty toothpaste! Applying a small amount to the affected area can help alleviate itching and reduce swelling. The drying properties of toothpaste also aid in faster healing.
Only the female mosquito bites and feeds on the blood of humans or other animals. After she obtains a blood meal, the female mosquito lays the eggs directly on or near water, soil and at the base of some plants in places that may fill with water.
Most people expect a mosquito bite to be a minor irritation – a small, itchy bump that disappears within a day or two. But for some, the body's response can be far more intense: severe swelling, redness, and pain. This condition is known as Skeeter Syndrome, a local allergic reaction to proteins in mosquito saliva.
In fact, about 85 percent of why mosquitoes are attracted to you comes down to your genetics, researchers say. Things like your blood type and how much lactic acid you have on your skin play a big role.
Here are some commonly recognized scents that mosquitoes seem to dislike the most:
Topical insect repellent that contains diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective repellents against mosquitoes.
Experts say most mouthwashes, no matter the brand, typically have some type of flavoring. "Peppermint, spearmint, something like that. Those products actually act as a natural mosquito and insect repellent," said Mitchell. The bugs hate the smell.
Mosquito Population by Country 2025
Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes. Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings.
DEET is a reliable and highly effective insect repellent. The chemical has been in public use since 1957. The repellent is sold under numerous brand names and comes in lotion, spray and many other forms. Concentrations of DEET range from about 5% all the way up to 100%.