Mosquitoes, those tiny flying insects, can turn a pleasant evening into a nightmare. In addition to the unpleasant itching they cause, they are also vectors of diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya. Faced with this, it’s essential to find effective ways of repelling them. Among the natural solutions available, certain scents have proven to be powerful repellents. Let’s find out what scents keep mosquitoes away, and how to use them wisely.
See our special report: Mosquito control in the Balearic Islands
Essential oils with repellent properties
Citronella essential oil is renowned for its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes. Its lemony fragrance masks the body odors that attract these insects. It can be used as a vapour or applied to the skin, diluted in a vegetable oil.
Lemongrass: a must-have
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil contains PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), a compound recognized for its repellent properties comparable to DEET, a commonly used chemical repellent. It offers effective protection against mosquitoes.
Lemon eucalyptus: a natural alternative
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil contains PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), a compound recognized for its repellent properties comparable to DEET, a commonly used chemical repellent. It offers effective protection against mosquitoes.
True lavender: soothing and protective
True lavender essential oil is appreciated for its pleasant fragrance and soothing properties. It also acts as a natural mosquito repellent, soothing itchy bites.
Rose Geranium: an effective floral scent
Rose geranium essential oil has a floral scent that disturbs the olfactory receptors of mosquitoes. It is often used in synergy with other essential oils to reinforce its repellent action.
Aromatic plants to grow
Basil: a culinary and protective ally
In addition to its gustatory qualities, basil gives off an odor that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Grown in pots or in the ground, it requires sunny exposure and regular watering.
Lemon thyme: small but mighty
Lemon thyme has mosquito repellent properties. Its intense aroma disrupts insects’ olfactory receptors. Easy to grow, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Rosemary: the all-rounder
Rosemary is an aromatic plant that effectively repels mosquitoes thanks to its powerful fragrance. It also attracts beneficial pollinators such as butterflies. Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and sunny exposure.
Lemon verbena: the gentle sentinel
Lemon verbena, or Aloysia citrodora, is appreciated for its lemony fragrance. It is an effective mosquito repellent and can be grown in pots or in the ground. It prefers mild climates and sunny exposure.
Catnip: catnip with repellent properties
Catnip, also known as catnip, contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels mosquitoes. It is easy to grow, tolerates drought and prefers sunny exposure.
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Read also: 15 must-have mosquito repellent plants
Other natural tips
Cider vinegar: an unsuspected ally
Thanks to its acidity, cider vinegar disrupts the olfactory receptors of mosquitoes. Used as a spray, it can be applied to surfaces or directly to the skin, diluted with water. It also soothes itchy bites.
Citronella candles: atmosphere and protection
Citronella candles diffuse a scent that masks attractive signals to mosquitoes. They are particularly useful outdoors, creating an olfactory barrier while providing a pleasant ambience.
Onion and cloves: a grandmother’s tip
Prick an onion or lemon with cloves and place in frequented areas. This combination gives off a strong odor that naturally repels mosquitoes.
Focus on the tiger mosquito
The tiger mosquito(Aedes albopictus), native to Southeast Asia, can be recognized by its black and white stripes. It is active mainly during the day and is capable of transmitting diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and the Zika virus.
This mosquito adapts easily to urban environments, taking advantage of stagnant water to lay its eggs. Its presence has spread to Ibiza, where local initiatives are attempting to raise awareness of preventive measures.
To protect yourself, we recommend eliminating sources of stagnant water, using mosquito nets and wearing covering clothing. The use of natural repellents, such as certain essential oils, can also be effective.
Read also: Tiger mosquitoes in the Balearic Islands: danger and prevention
Mosquito nets: an essential physical barrier
Mosquito nets are a natural and effective solution for protection against mosquitoes. They act as a physical barrier, preventing insects from entering living spaces while allowing adequate ventilation. Available in a variety of shapes-for windows, doors or beds-they adapt to different needs and configurations.
The installation of mosquito nets is particularly recommended in areas where mosquitoes are present in large numbers. They offer continuous protection without the use of chemicals, making them ideal for sensitive people or young children. What’s more, their durability makes them a worthwhile long-term investment.
Make your own repellent spray
Creating a natural mosquito repellent spray is an effective and economical way to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Here’s a simple recipe based onessential oils renowned for their repellent properties.
Ingredients for 100 ml :
- 50 ml distilled water or geranium hydrosol
- 30 dropsJava citronella essential oil
- 20 dropslemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 dropslavender essential oil
- 10 ml 70° alcohol to facilitate dispersion of essential oils
- 100 ml spray bottle
Preparation:
- Disinfect the bottle with alcohol.
- Pour the alcohol into the bottle.
- Add the essential oils.
- Top up with distilled water or hydrosol.
- Shake vigorously to homogenize the mixture.
How to use :
Spray on exposed areas of the body, avoiding the face and mucous membranes. Reapply every 2 to 3 hours for optimum protection.
Precautions :
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 7. Perform a skin test before use to avoid any allergic reaction.
Statistics and effectiveness of natural methods
In 2024, the Balearic Islands, particularly Ibiza, saw an increase in dengue fever cases,
particularly in relation to the spread of the tiger mosquito across the island. Although exact figures vary from one source to another, several reports confirm the presence of the tiger mosquito in Ibiza since 2022, heightening vigilance on the island and justifying the use of natural mosquito repellents in daily life.
Natural substances such as PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), found inlemon eucalyptus essential oil, have been shown to be as effective against mosquitoes as chemical products such as DEET, while being much better tolerated by the body. Tests have also confirmed the repellent action of citronella, geranium and lavender, although their effect is generally shorter in duration.
To maintain optimum protection, it is essential to :
- use these repellent essential oils in the right concentration,
- reapply every 2 to 3 hours,
- combine them with other physical means such as mosquito nets or citronella candles.
Natural mosquito repellents are therefore a serious option, provided you are aware of their limitations and use them consistently.
Towards sustainable and ecological protection
Faced with the growing threat of mosquitoes, particularly the tiger mosquito, adopting natural solutions is becoming a necessity. Using aromatic plants, essential oils, mosquito nets, homemade sprays and other natural tricks, everyone can strengthen their protection without harming their health or their environment.
But for a truly complete defense, it’s also advisable to install more robust devices in the most exposed areas. This is where Mosquizen® ecological mosquito bollards an innovative, silent solution that respects biodiversity, ideal for gardens, terraces, hotels or tourist areas such as Ibiza.
These intelligent bollards reproduce the stimuli that attract mosquitoes (CO₂, heat, humidity) to trap them effectively, without spraying or chemicals. A reliable alternative to protect your loved ones while taking care of the planet.
FAQ – Everything you need to know to protect yourself against mosquitoes
What’s that smell mosquitoes hate most?
Aromatic scents such as peppermint, grapefruit and lemon verbena act as natural mosquito repellents. These scents disrupt their olfactory system, preventing them from detecting their targets.
What are the best chemical-free mosquito repellents?
Natural mosquito repellents based onessential oils (citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender) or aromatic plants are highly effective. They are a healthy alternative to chemical repellents, which are often irritating to the skin and harmful to the environment.
How to keep mosquitoes away for good?
To really keep these insects at bay, combine several approaches: use natural insect repellents, install mosquito nets, eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and place plants near your windows to diffuse that unpleasant smell for them. Complement this device with an anti-mosquito terminal like those offered by Mosquizen.
Can mosquito bites transmit serious diseases?
Yes, bites can lead to the transmission of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever or the Zika virus. So it’s crucial to protect yourself effectively against bites, especially in high-risk areas like the Balearic Islands.
Is there a simple trick to avoid being stung while you sleep?
Yes: install a mosquito net around the bed, apply a natural repellent, and use a citronella candle to scare mosquitoes away. You can also leave saucers filled with vinegar or mint near your windows.
Why do some people seem to sting more than others?
This depends on several factors: blood type, exhaled carbon dioxide level, that special body odor, and skin temperature. Some products are particularly attractive to mosquitoes, hence the importance of choosing the right repellent.
Is it possible to get rid of mosquitoes without using chemical repellents?
Absolutely. By adopting natural tricks, growing certain plants and using solutions like Mosquizen bollards, you can effectively keep mosquitoes away without harming your health or the environment.
Are mosquitoes attracted to flies or food?
No, mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide and certain substances on the skin. However, food scraps can create wet spots where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. It’s best to keep saucers clean and surfaces dry.
