Mosquitoes invade the outdoor area of the house as well as indoors. They have a strong sense of smell that brings them close to humans and even animals. Mosquitoes are disliked because they can carry diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. The concern for homeowners is to find ways to deter them. Adopting conventional methods such as mosquito nets and insecticides is not highly effective. Hence, switching to more effective ideas can work. There are various essential oils or plant based repellant that mosquitoes hate. This blog highlights some of them.
Challenges of Scent-Based Repellants
Scent-based repellents are highly effective at deterring mosquitoes, but they have certain limitations. The limitations are:
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Volatility of the scent.
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Variation in the effectiveness of each scent-based repellent.
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The frequency of reapplication depends on the extent of infestation.
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Environmental factors such as strong wind and humidity.
List of Scents That Mosquitoes Hate
This list will help you handle mosquito infestations easily and effectively in the backyard and indoors. Here is the list:
1. Citronella
It is one of the most preferred plant-based repellents to keep mosquitoes at bay. It works effectively because mosquitoes hate the smell of lemon and citronella. Citronella can be used in candle form to spread fragrance and deter mosquitoes.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary has a fresh, aromatic scent that mosquitoes hate and humans like. This herb can be planted in pots around the patio. The easiest way to deter mosquitoes during an outdoor party is to cut a few sprigs from the plant and place them around the table.
3. Lemon Balm
This is closely related to mint. Lemon balm has a bold, refreshing citrus scent. It has a dual purpose. It is often used in the kitchen to add fragrance to dishes and to repel mosquitoes.
4. Peppermint
Mosquitoes don’t like the minty fragrance of peppermint and keep a distance from the area where the plant is grown. There are two ways to use peppermint: either grow the plant in the infested outdoor area or use it as a repellent. The second way is to crush the leaves and rub them on your skin that makes it uncomfortable for mosquitoes.
5. Coffee Grounds
Mosquitoes dislike the smell of coffee grounds and don’t wander into the areas where they smell it. The best way to deter mosquitoes is to spread it around the infested areas.
6. Garlic
Garlic has a pungent smell that acts as a natural mosquito repellant. Using garlic as a deterrent is not simply about planting it around the patio. When the garlic pops out of the ground, cut the cloves to release their scent and place them around the area where you want to spend time.
7. Marigolds
Though Marigolds are best known for their beautiful blooms, they are also used as a natural mosquito repellent. It is well known that the plant's fragrance repels mosquitoes. You can grow the plant in the yard to enjoy the colorful blooms and also to deter mosquitoes. The alternative is to buy marigold oil and prepare bug repellent spray.
8. Basil
It is homegrown for two reasons: one to add flavor to dishes and second to keep mosquitoes at bay. It is best to grow basil in your yard because it emits a strong smell that irritates the little biting creature. You can also use basil to make a spray from its essential oil.
9. Lavender
Lavender is a favorite of many owing to its beautiful purple flowers and its smell. However, the pungent smell of lavender is not liked by mosquitoes, and they keep their distance from places where it is grown. You can grow lavender in the yard or extract oil and use it as a body spray.
10. Catnip
Catnip also belongs to the mint family and has a strong, cooling smell that humans like and mosquitoes dislike. Just like other members of the mint family, the best way to keep mosquitoes away from the yard is to grow catnip in the yard or extract oil to use as a skin repellent.
11. Other Natural Repellents
Apart from the essential oils and herbs, there are other repellents to deter mosquitoes. These are:
- Clove
- Lemon Eucalyptus
- Sweet basil
- Tea tree
- Thyme
- Apple cider vinegar
Which Part of the House Should You Use Repellants to Deter Mosquitoes?
Doorways- They are one of the entry points for mosquitoes, so applying repellent at the entryway can deter them from entering the house because mosquitoes hate the smell.
Windows- Mosquitoes usually get attracted to the indoor lights. Hence, spray repellant on window sills to put a natural curb on their entry to your house.
Sleeping Area- This is the time when you are most vulnerable, as they are attracted to the body heat and carbon dioxide emitted by the human body. Hence, apply it around the bed.
Method to Prevent Returning of Mosquitoes
- The primary step is to focus on regular household maintenance.
- Remove all the breeding grounds of mosquitoes, such as clear standing water, clear gutters, and plant saucers, weekly.
- Fill in hollows and level the ground to prevent water from collecting.
- Make sure doors and window screens are not torn.
- Always close the garbage bin lid.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes hate the smell of certain essential oils and some herbs, like thyme and mint. You can use a suitable repellent considering the extent of infestation, environmental conditions, etc.
