How to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can really put a damper on outdoor fun and even impact your health. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep them at bay, including sprays, citronella candles, mosquito coils, and wearable devices. Each option works differently, so it’s helpful to know what’s most effective for your needs.

How do mosquito repellent sprays and lotions work?

When most people think of mosquito repellent, they likely picture sprays and lotions. These products are a popular choice for personal protection against mosquitoes because they are widely available and simple to apply. They work by creating a barrier on the skin that makes it harder for mosquitoes to bite.

• How to Use: Apply these products in moderation to exposed skin or clothing, following package instructions. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, open wounds, or irritated skin. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before using on young children or during pregnancy.

• Pros: These products function by emitting scents that conceal human cues, such as body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide, making it harder for mosquitoes to locate you.

• Cons: The protection lasts only a few hours, so reapplication is necessary for extended outdoor periods. Additionally, some mosquito species may develop reduced sensitivity to certain repellents over time.

Does citronella repel mosquitoes?

Citronella candles are commonly used in outdoor settings with the aim of repelling mosquitoes. The scent released by the burning candle is thought to create a barrier that deters these pests.

• How to Use: Burn these candles, torches, or coils to release mosquito-repelling smoke in your immediate outdoor area.

• Pros: In small, sheltered outdoor spaces, the smoke and scent produced by citronella can temporarily reduce mosquito activity by obscuring the smells and signals that attract them.

• Cons: Effectiveness is limited and significantly reduced by wind, which can disperse the protective smoke. Citronella candles generally provide less protection than repellents applied directly to the body.

Do fire pits keep mosquitoes away?

Fire pits are often thought of as a natural way to repel mosquitoes from outdoor gathering spots. The idea is that the smoke generated by the fire can interfere with a mosquito's ability to locate its target.

• How to Use: Use a wood-burning fire pit to create smoke. Gas fire pits do not produce enough smoke to offer similar benefits.

• Pros: The smoke from burning wood can help deter mosquitoes in the immediate vicinity. Certain woods, such as cedar, or added herbs like sage or rosemary, may enhance this effect.

• Cons: The deterrent effect is limited to areas near the smoke and disappears once you move away. Fire pits are not intended as a stand-alone mosquito control method.

Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes?

Some people turn to dryer sheets as a simple home remedy for various household tasks beyond laundry, including repelling insects. While they are easy to use and widely available, there is little solid evidence to confirm their effectiveness for repelling mosquitoes.

• How to Use: Dryer sheets may be rubbed on skin or clothing, or placed in pockets.

• Pros: Some dryer sheets contain compounds such as linalool and beta-citronellol, which are present in certain insect-repelling plants. The scent may offer brief masking of human odor.

• Cons: Scientific support for this method is limited. The fragrance does not provide long-lasting protection, generally persisting for 20 minutes or less, and is unlikely to be effective for extended outdoor activities.

When DIY Repellents Are Not Enough

Home remedies and mosquito repellents provide temporary relief but are often insufficient for long-term mosquito management, especially in areas with high mosquito activity.

Professional mosquito control services can offer comprehensive solutions that address mosquito populations at their source. An exterminator will assess your property and implement targeted treatments designed to reduce and manage mosquitoes more effectively.

For a thorough inspection and customized mosquito control plan, call your local Orkin branch.

More Mosquito Resources

Mosquito Bites, Allergies & Reactions

Learn what happens when a mosquito bites, why bites itch, and how to treat and prevent them.

Diseases Transmitted from Mosquitoes

Learn which diseases mosquitoes can transmit, how infections occur through bites, and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure.

Does DIY Mosquito Control Work?

Explore practical mosquito control tips you can use at home, including natural remedies and store-bought solutions, and learn when professional help may be needed for lasting results.

Life Cycle

Learn how mosquitoes progress through four distinct life stages and how factors like temperature and species influence their development and survival.