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What Home Remedy Do Mosquitoes Hate?

Published in Natural Repellents 2 mins read

Mosquitoes despise a variety of scents produced by common household plants and essential oils. These natural remedies offer a safe and effective way to deter these pesky insects.

Effective Natural Mosquito Repellents:

Several readily available options can repel mosquitoes:

  • Essential Oils: Citronella, lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils are all known mosquito repellents. These can be used in diffusers, or added to DIY sprays (following dilution instructions carefully). See Martha Stewart's DIY Mosquito Repellent for an example.

  • Herbs and Plants: Planting marigolds, basil, rosemary, and even peppermint and eucalyptus plants around your home can create a natural barrier against mosquitoes. Their strong scents act as a deterrent.

  • Garlic: The pungent aroma of garlic is another effective mosquito repellent. While consuming garlic may not directly repel mosquitoes, its strong odor can be a deterrent.

Ineffective Home Remedies:

Not all home remedies are effective. Research indicates that:

  • Vitamin B supplements: Studies show these are ineffective as mosquito repellents. See this PubMed study.

Important Considerations:

  • Safety: Always dilute essential oils properly before using them on your skin or in diffusers. Some oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
  • Efficacy: While natural repellents can be helpful, they may not be as effective as commercially available insect repellents, especially in areas with high mosquito populations.