10 Scents That Help Keep Mosquitoes Away

source: Demystify Insurance

The mosquitoes have been absolutely terrible where I live for the past few weeks. No matter how often I cut the grass or light citronella candles, nothing I do seems to keep them away. It’s at the point where I don’t even want to sit out on my front porch or back deck anymore, even when it’s a beautiful night! If you’re sick and tired of those whining, biting mosquitoes, check out this list of scents that mosquitoes absolutely hate – they’ll be sure to stay far away!

1. Cedar Oil

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Mosquitoes hate the strong cell of cedar oil. Another plus to cedar oil? Flies and cockroaches also hate the scent! Diffuse the oil in your outdoor spaces when you want to spend some time outside without the company of mosquitoes.

2. Elderflower

Not only is elderflower beautiful, but it’s also known to deter mosquitoes. If you live in a mosquito-prone area, consider planting some elderflower.

3. Juniper Branches

source: Gardening with Charlie Nardozzi

Having a backyard fire and don’t want to be bothered by mosquitoes? Stick a few juniper branches in with your kindling and firewood.

4. Vanilla Powder

source: The Silk Road Spice Merchant

Mix a pinch of vanilla powder with some baby powder. Apply the mixture to your skin if you know you’re going to be in mosquito-filled areas.

5. Cloves

source: Serious Eats / Photo by Max Falkowitz

Add some cloves to a pot of water and boil the solution. Once the solution has cooled, mix it with a small amount of water and apply the solution to your skin. In addition to rodents and other pests, mosquitoes also hate the smell of cloves.

6. Pyrethrum

source: Dave’s Garden

For years, pyrethrum daisies have been used to ward off mosquitoes and other insects. Consider planting some pyrethrum in your yard and place the stems around your house.

7. Eucalyptus Oil

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You can dilute eucalyptus oil with water and apply the solution to your skin to ward off mosquitoes. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a cotton ball and place on your windowsill. Just remember, many essential oils are poisonous to pets, so ensure they can’t come in contact with them.

8. Basil

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Not only does basil smell amazing and is the perfect herb for cooking with, but it also wards off mosquitoes. Consider planting some basil in your garden or keeping a potted basil plant in your home.

9. Sage Grass

source: Etsy

Brew some sage grass in boiling water and let the solution steep for a little while. When the solution has cooled down, you can apply it to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

source: Beautyscara

Mix together equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar. Spray the solution on your skin and clothes when you’re going to be outdoors. Mosquitoes will stay away from the strong smell.