Mosquitoes & Smell? Discover the Scents They Love and Despise
Mosquitoes are exceptional at using their finely tuned senses to locate their next meal. Their sense of smell is especially powerful, allowing them to detect mammals from afar. They’re drawn to sweet and fruity scents, as well as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. While our noses can’t compete with a mosquito’s olfactory prowess, understanding what scents they love and hate can help you stay a step ahead and even choose your next fragrance more strategically.
How Do Mosquitoes Smell?
A mosquito’s journey to its prey begins with its sensitive antennae, which are covered in tiny sensory structures called sensilla. These sensilla house receptors that detect airborne odors emitted by warm-blooded hosts. Once these receptors pick up a scent, they send signals to the mosquito’s brain. Guided by smell, as well as heat and humidity cues, the mosquito flies toward its target.
Certain scents are more likely to draw mosquitoes in. Let’s take a closer look at what attracts them.
What Scents Attract Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are drawn to a variety of scents, including:
Floral aromas
Fruity or sweet fragrances
Human or animal sweat
In addition, mosquitoes are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide and lactic acid, though these aren’t technically odors. If you feel like mosquitoes are particularly attracted to you, you’re probably right! Scented lotions, perfumes, or even natural bodily functions like sweating can make you a mosquito magnet.
Here are some tips to minimize these mosquito-attracting scents:
Don’t Let Lactic Acid Linger
When you sweat, your body releases lactic acid, which mosquitoes detect easily. This is why they often target people who are actively exercising. To reduce their attraction:
Shower immediately after workouts.
Wash sweaty clothes thoroughly.
Incorporate magnesium-rich foods into your diet to help reduce lactic acid buildup.
Reduce Floral and Fruity Fragrances
Sweet and flowery scents from perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and deodorants can lure mosquitoes. Similarly, the aromas of ripe fruits, such as citrus, mangoes, and bananas, are irresistible to them. When heading outdoors:
Opt for unscented or subtly scented personal care products.
Keep picnic baskets and coolers sealed to minimize exposure to enticing food aromas.
What Scents Do Mosquitoes Hate?
The good news is that mosquitoes are repelled by certain scents, which you can incorporate into your daily routine or outdoor spaces to keep them at bay. These include:
Peppermint
Use peppermint essential oil products or plant peppermint around your yard for a natural mosquito deterrent.
Lavender
Lavender’s calming scent can also repel mosquitoes. Plant it in your garden, use lavender essential oil, or carry dried lavender sprigs for added protection.
Lemongrass or Citrus
Lemongrass contains citral, a compound mosquitoes dislike. Plant lemongrass in your garden or use lemongrass oil. Citrus scents like orange can also help repel mosquitoes.
Garlic
The pungent smell of garlic is another natural repellent. Eating garlic may even make you less appealing to mosquitoes.
Rosemary
Mosquitoes also dislike the scent of rosemary. For your next outdoor meal, pack some rosemary-infused dishes or bread to keep pests away.
The Ultimate Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away
While you can’t completely control natural attractants like carbon dioxide or lactic acid, understanding mosquito-preferred scents can help you reduce your exposure. However, the most effective way to ensure a mosquito-free yard is by investing in a professional mosquito barrier treatment.
At Mosquito Elite, we specialize in creating customized solutions to protect your outdoor spaces. Our treatments drastically reduce mosquito populations, letting you enjoy your yard without worry.
Contact us today for a free quote or call us at (337) 419-0788 to learn more about our services. Let’s make your yard a No Fly Zone!
