Discover 4 Smells that Attract Mosquitoes

While many of us might seek to attract butterflies, bees, or pollinating beetles, we don’t want to attract mosquitoes. Unfortunately, some scents that lure helpful insects may also attract flying pests. This summer and fall, eliminating the smells that attract mosquitos in your backyard or on your body can improve your chances of winning the insect battle. Check out the list below and possibly protect your health.

Common Types of Mosquitoes

Whether you’re aware of the differences or not, several species of mosquitoes make their home in the United States. According to the CDC, some of the 200-plus mosquito species are mere nuisances, while others are dangerous, thanks to the diseases, parasites, and infections they carry.

12 species or types of mosquitoes are known to carry germs that spread these diseases, while the rest are annoying, rather than dangerous. These conditions may include:

• Malaria
• West Nile
• Zika
• Chikungunya
• Dengue

So, protecting yourself against these annoying insects may prove the healthiest thing you do all year.

Most Attractive Smells to Mosquitoes

Female mosquitoes hunt human blood. The nasty little insects use odor to find and choose their prey. The scents may vary from species to species, which results in some folks being bitten regularly while others aren’t. It comes down to geography, your personal aromas (natural or otherwise), and the species of mosquitoes in your area at the time.

Carbon Dioxide

Unfortunately, one smell that attracts mosquitoes is something you can’t help but produce: carbon dioxide. This “air” that you exhale every second or so as you breathe pushes out a signal to mosquitoes and draws them in. Any mossie within a 100-foot radius is bound to come your way, as they use the sensors around their mouths to detect this gas.

Every human and animal releases CO2, meaning any living animal could attract these flying pests looking for a snack.

You can’t stop breathing, obviously, so you’ll likely want to find some natural insect deterrents to help. Folks who are pregnant, overweight, or frequently exercise produce more carbon dioxide, so beware!

Blood Type

Some studies have shown that mosquitoes actually have a blood type preference. These little vampires of the insect kingdom prefer the scents of those with Type O, which, of course, is the most common blood type in the world. If you’ve got Type A flowing through your veins, though, you’re in luck. They hate your blood.

Folks with Type O blood would best be served with some bug spray; light-colored, long sleeves; and pants when they hit the outdoors.

Fragrances

Many colognes and perfumes, body sprays, and scented soaps and lotions attract mosquitoes. Many floral smells attract mosquitos, but some flowers they hate, so you don’t have to give up wearing these aromas outdoors. Just skip the roses and gardenias and pick lavender instead.

Fragrance Tip to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Many of your favorite floral fragrances may attract these pesky insects, but several essential oils keep them at bay. Create your own fragrance for outdoor use from:

• Lavender
• Citronella
• Lemon
• Eucalyptus
• Cinnamon
• Thyme
• Greek catmint
• Tea tree
• Neem oil
• Soybean oil
• Geraniol
• Peppermint

Skin Bacteria and Human Sweat

According to research, those dabs of “Miss Dior” behind the ear aren’t the only things pulling mosquitoes toward your tender flesh. These bugs also love the smell of the tiny microorganisms and bacteria that live in the trillions on your precious outer layer. These bacteria serve an important function, helping to protect you from the bad ones that would love to take over and make you sick.

Your skin bacteria thrive off the sweat of your skin, which is partially what gives you the smell mosquitoes love. This sweat-feeding blanket gives each person their own unique odor. (That’s why some colognes smell amazing on your partner and terrible on your brother.)

Additionally, each human’s unique, distinctive biome attracts these pests to us. And that means one person’s natural aroma may draw more mosquitoes than another. Apparently, the more diverse your biome, though, the less attractive you are to these flying pests. Scientists have yet to figure out how to control this and cultivate the higher numbers, so, you’re best off spraying on some lavender oil in the meantime.

Ways to Avoid Mosquitoes

Apart from skipping the above-listed scents, other things can help you keep mosquitoes away. You may opt for either fully natural solutions like essential oils or go with devices or chemicals.

• Mosquitoes hate certain essential oils, including lavender, citronella, lemon, and cinnamon. Spray these on with a carrier oil mixed with water for a light, non-toxic insect repellent. Be sure to keep away from your pets, though, as many of these oils can cause health issues for them.
• If possible, avoid products with DEET, as this compound is known to cause health issues. Other commercially available insect repellents prove effective and safer.
• Light a citronella candle. As you gather around the campfire, picnic table, or firepit, this scent will help keep the mossies away.
• Use fans and keep the air moving. Mosquitoes find it hard to land during “high” winds.
• Dispose of any standing water. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant pools, laying their eggs here to hatch.
• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn. These are the times mosquitoes are most active.

Plant lavender, peppermint, and lemon balm plants around the yard where you like to hang out. Since mossies hate these, they’ll be less prone to crashing your outdoor parties.