Mosquitoes hate strong, pungent scents like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and basil, often finding them overwhelming or masking human odors; essential oils from these plants and actual plants like catnip, marigolds, and lemon balm are effective natural repellents, with lemon eucalyptus containing CDC-recommended PMD. Coffee grounds and garlic also deter them, while some find vinegar sprays helpful.
MOSQUITOES Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, clove, peppermint, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke.
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%.
Mosquitoes hate strong, pungent, or herbal smells like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, catnip, cinnamon, and garlic, which disrupt their ability to find hosts through scent, with essential oils from these plants being popular deterrents in sprays, diffusers, and candles. Citrus scents and even the smell of coffee grounds also work to keep them away.
Topical insect repellent that contains diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective repellents against mosquitoes.
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.
Citrus and Mint Mosquito Repellent Spray
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.
Plan your errands, runs, or hikes earlier in the day or after dark when mosquito activity dies down. If you're staying in rural areas of Spain or camping near water, be extra cautious and wear repellent at all times during these periods. In warm climates, it's tempting to wear sleeveless shirts and shorts.
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.
Does spraying an Irish Spring soap and water mixture on your skin repel mosquitoes? Spraying Irish Spring soap on your skin could potentially work to repel mosquitoes. “It would temporarily mask indicators for mosquitos, however a DEET product is best,” says Price.
Can vinegar keep mosquitoes away? Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. Creating and spraying a vinegar solution or placing vinegar-soaked cotton balls around your outdoor area can help keep mosquitoes away.
Mosquitoes dislike strong, pungent scents from plants like citronella, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, catnip, and lemon balm, which mask the human odors they seek, making them difficult to find. These natural repellents work by disrupting their senses, and can be used via essential oils, sprays, or by growing the plants near outdoor spaces.
It's important to note that while dryer sheets may contain certain chemicals that mosquitoes don't like, they are not effective at repelling mosquitoes long term.
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.
Repellents containing di-ethyltoluamide (DEET) are proven to be the best for preventing mosquito bites, so use these in areas where the risk of malaria or dengue is high. If you're allergic to DEET you can buy other ones that use Dimethyl Pthalate or Eucalyptus oil.
Generally early - mid summer is the worst for mosquitoes. Like May - July. The only thing that keeps them down is very hot temps or a good freeze which can happen in August. Keep in mind though, just because the mosquitoes are gone you will still have white -sox flies which bite.
Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes. Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings.
Mosquito Population by Country 2025