In a world so divided, I think there’s one thing we all have in common: our unified aversion to mosquitos. Can’t stand ‘em!

But, hey, those little vampires are pretty sensitive to smells, so here are some natural scents you can use to keep mosquitos from bugging you!

1. Citronella


Of course! Every store you go to during the summertime will be selling these mosquito-repelling candles. Citronella is from the lemongrass plant and covers up the smell of carbon dioxide and lactic acid that our bodies give off. Yeah, thanks to that, mosquitoes can smell your body and get carried right to it like you see in those old cartoons. So, mask your scent with some citronella!

2. Lemongrass


This is a beautiful ornamental grass that originates from Asia. It works like citronella, but even stronger! Want to ditch the candle and make your own spray? Just mix 2 cups of water with 20-30 drops of lemongrass essential oil in a medium spray bottle and shake it up. Spray around wherever you’re hanging out outside, and even on your clothing! You can also plant lemongrass around your home – it keeps a variety of pests away!

3. Cedar


This one might come as a surprise – mosquitos hate the smell of cedar! The oil in the wood is what gives off its scent. Cedar repels a lot of other annoying insects too, like termites and ants. If you read the active ingredients on a standard commercial insect repellent, you’ll likely see cedar oil on the list.

4. Peppermint


Peppermint is one of the most versatile plants out there. It can be found in an essential oil, teas, candles, and even lotions! To keep mosquitos away, fill a small spray bottle with water, 2 large spoonfuls of witch hazel, then add 10 drops of peppermint oil and shake them up. You could also let a few peppermint leaves steep in the spray mixture. Spray all over your clothes and body and you’ll be good to go, and “in mint condition”!

5. Eucalyptus


Like citronella, the powerful smell of eucalyptus interferes with the mosquito’s senses so that it can’t find its food (a.k.a. you and me!). You can make a eucalyptus spray mixture just like that peppermint spray, or try dabbing some eucalyptus essential oil on your wrists and ankles. And don’t worry, eucalyptus is a super-safe oil for the skin. It’s a really popular scent in candles too – try it instead of the citronella candle for a more pleasant scent.

6. Garlic


See, told you they were vampires! Just eating garlic interferes with our pheromones and makes us smell different, making it hard for mosquitoes to find us. If you eat a lot of garlic, it can virtually leak from your pores. (Just don’t forget to keep some gum on ya!) Another way to use garlic to repel mosquitoes and other annoying bugs is by slicing a couple of cloves into skinny slivers and scattering them around your favourite outdoor hangouts.

7. Lavender


This is an herb that’s super easy to get a hold of – your local organic grocery store or greenhouse should have some lavender on hand. This is another one you can make the essential oil mix with, like with the peppermint and eucalyptus. You can also just set small bushels of lavender around your backyard living area. Combine the peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender in the essential oil mix and you’ve got a powerhouse defence against mosquitos!

8. Marigolds


The scent of the marigold flower is known for its ultra-strong aroma – so much so that it’s overwhelming for some people too! Again, the scent-masking strategy comes into play here. Plant marigolds around your backyard to repel mosquitos. You could even trim the flowers and put them in a vase on your outdoor table, and mosquitos will leave you in peace. Their beautiful pop of yellow will add some color to your mosquito-free outdoor oasis too!

9. Basil


This is another herb that’s easy to find – your local grocery store should have plenty! Take full advantage of this herb by crushing it and patting it on exposed skin – that lets the oil out. It has a unique scent that really annoys mosquitos, so give them a taste of their own medicine! Another option is to let whole basil leaves steep in that magic essential oil spray mix, or simply plant this herb in your garden. Then you can also use it to season your dinner! That’s a win-win!

10. Catnip


Catnip contains nepetalactone, and scientists say its scent is 10 times stronger than your everyday bug spray. You should be able to find catnip at your local greenhouse or, of course, the pet store! Just plant this herb in your garden to repel mosquitos. You can also crush catnip in your hands and rub the oil all over any exposed skin. Just don’t be surprised if all the neighbourhood cats suddenly come flocking to your house!

11. Rosemary


This is another herb that’s good in the kitchen and for repelling mosquitos. Rosemary is super aromatic, which basically means it has a powerful but pleasant scent– and bugs hate it! Planting rosemary in your garden can get rid of whole swarms of mosquitos. It’s also safe enough for the skin to infuse into unscented lotions or simple sprays to give you full-coverage protection against these irritating bugs. Pro tip: lay a few sprigs of rosemary around the grill, and the heat will cause the aroma to waft around your whole yard. There ya go, your next backyard BBQ should be mosquito-free!

12. Neem Oil


This one comes from the tropical neem flower from the Indian subcontinent. It has powerful properties used in skincare and makeup. It also has a potent scent similar to mustard or garlic, and that’s why mosquitos can’t stand it. Use it sparingly though, especially if it’s your first time handling it. You could dilute it in a small spray bottle with water, or just put a dab on your wrists. It’s a little pricey too, but, hey, it’s worth it, right?

13. Sage


The most effective way to use sage against mosquitos is to add it to your outdoor fire. Whether you’re camping or lounging around the fire pit at home, adding sage to your fire will spread its aroma all around. And – booya! – You’re now invisible to mosquitos! As an added bonus, they don’t like smoke either!

14. Floss Flowers


These flowers are a gorgeous purple color, so insect-repellent or not, they’re just a great way to decorate your garden! Plus, they’re an annual, which means they’ll grow every year once you plant them. They’re a natural mosquito repellent because they contain a chemical called coumarin. One whiff and those buzzing little you-know-what will be flying in the opposite direction. Be careful though – floss flowers are not safe to ingest for people or pets! And don’t floss with it either.

15. Mint


Nothing but twofers here when it comes to adding delicious herbs to your garden and keeping your skin free of mosquito bites. The calming scent will get much more pungent when the plant is dried. So, feel free to give the inside of your home protection from mosquitos by hanging dried mint or sprinkling clumps of it around the house or on outside surfaces. This is also another scent that’s really popular in candles. And gum, of course! (Should be extra helpful if you go with that garlic-eating trick!)

Is there a particular fragrance, tip, or trick you like to use to repel mosquitos? Let me know what I missed down in the comments! And if you learned something new today, then give this Post a like and share it with a friend!