The insights of La Saponaria

Scented natural remedies against mosquitoes

Written by Cecilia | Sep 29, 2023 2:39:38 PM
Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects we know. In addition to their buzzing that keeps us awake at night, as a sign of their presence they leave stinging and irritating bites on the skin. So, what are the natural remedies that can keep mosquitoes away?

If mosquitoes follow you wherever you go, it means that the trail of your scent is appealing to them. But fear not, you don't necessarily have to avoid going out of your house to avoid meeting them. There are many natural mosquito repellents: let's find them out together!

What are the scents that attract mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes have developed characteristics that allow them to survive in almost all seasons. While this might be a boon for scientists specializing in insect survival, we certainly can't share theri excitement. Mosquitoes no longer appear only in summer and outdoors; we find them buzzing around inside our homes as well, perhaps seeking refuge from the end of the summer weather and the arrival of milder temperatures. This increases the risk of mosquito bites even indoors. So, let's first examine the scents that attract mosquitoes in an attempt to understand their preferences.

It is said that mosquitoes are more likely to bite those with "sweet" blood. This somewhat generic statement is actually quite true: mosquitoes are indeed attracted to people who emit sweeter odors, i.e., those who use products that can create a particularly appetizing mix for mosquitoes, especially when combined with the natural odor of each of us.

A team of researchers from Virginia Tech (USA) discovered the preferred combinations of mosquitoes. The research results were published in the journal "iScience" and reveal that these buzzing insects are attracted to specific scents found in soaps, typically used for daily cleansing or as detergents and fabric softeners.

Therefore, it's the interaction between the scents of detergents and the natural scents of individuals, combined with the scents in their living environments and their diets, that determines how attractive they are to mosquitoes. It's not just about having "sweet blood" but also using products with floral and delicate fragrances that remind mosquitoes of plants and flowers.

Let's unveil the scents that attract mosquitoes the most:

  • Delicate and floral fragrances.
  • Fruit scents.
  • Coconut.
  • Limonene, a natural chemical compound found in many essential oils.
  • Skin odors, including lactic acid, which is produced in muscles after intense physical activity; uric acid, ammonia, and other substances expelled through sweat.

What are the scents that keep mosquitoes away?

Don't worry, we don't have to stop using fragrances and scented soaps to avoid being stung. There exist many fragrances that, while leaving a pleasant scent on the skin, are also able to keep mosquitoes away.

Let's see what they are:

  • Lemongrass
  • Calendula
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Mint
  • Geranium
  • Tea Tree Oil

It seems that moquitoes don't appreciate such scents, although they live a quite pleasant perfume on our skin. Essential oils, which are extracted from these ingredients, are used to create natural mosquitoes repellents that not only can be used directly on the body, but also they can be used to create scented candles or room diffusers. It is also possible to pour a few drops next to the windows or within pots to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

Let's find out what are the easiest natural remedies against mosquitoes that you can do by yourself!

Natural remedies against moquitoes

To keep mosquitoes away you don't necesseraily need to pour a whole bottle of repellent spray onto your body. There exist natural remedies as effective as other products to keep mosquitoes away from your house!

Essential oils against mosquitoes

Let's make things clear: essential oils are aromatic substances derived from the metabolism of plants that are found in the form of tiny droplets in leaves, resins, branches, wood, flowers, roots, and peel. They are extracted from fresh plants, typically using the steam distillation technique.

If you are looking for natural remedies against mosquitoes, essential oils of lemongrass, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree, and peppermint will be your best friends.You can apply them directly onto the skin, pour a few drops next to windows, or create candles and fragrance diffuser to keep mosquitoes away. Scents released by 
these oils confuse the mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to find their target, that is us!

If you want to find out everything you need to know to use essential oils against mosquitoes, click here! 

In the meantime, here you are a couple of natural remedies against mosquitoes that you can DIY taking advantage of lemongrass, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree, and peppermint.

Mosquito-repellent candle

You can simply DIY a scented candle against mosquitoes. The main ingredient that keeps them away is our mix of essential oils Difesa Naturale. Inside it you'll find  all the scentes that keep mosquitoes away, that is lemongrass, lavander, geranium, eucalyptus, lemon and peppermint!

Click here to go to the recipe!

Once done, light on the candle when needed and let essential oils spread their properties! 

Mosquito-repellent room freshener

You may want to have something that is always working on keeping mosquitoes away. In this case, you could opt for a DIY room freshener. It is very easy to DIY if you follow our recipe! Our mix of essential oils Difesa Naturale and a few more ingredients are needed. Even in the case of a room freshener, essential oils of lemongrass, lavander, geranium, eucalyptus, lemon and peppermint will be your ally in fighitng mosquitoes. The room freshener will diffuse a light scent that will keep mosquitoes away without the need to light a candle or to use body sprays! 

Read the complete recipe here! 

Our Natural Defense Kit

If you want to combine the action of both candles and room freshener with specific body products, try out our Kit Natural Defense

The kit includes an organic protective spray, an after-bite stick, and the Natural Defense essential oils mix. All products are organic, dermatologically tested, and suitable for sensitive skin and children.