Does vanilla extract repel mosquitoes? Experts explore the effectiveness of this sweet scent

In summer, spending time outdoors in the sunshine becomes a priority. When the weather is good there is nothing better than long walks, cookouts and heading to the beach – but during these fun activities, mosquitoes can be a real pest.

With nasty, itchy bites, mosquitoes peak in summer, drawn out by the warm weather. A lot of repellents contain a host of chemicals that can be harmful to humans, so you might be left wondering if there are any more natural alternatives to beat the bugs this summer.

When exploring how to get rid of mosquitoes, vanilla extract is often tipped as being a great way to keep bugs and bites at bay, but does it actually work?

Does vanilla extract repel mosquitoes?

If you’ve been exploring scents that deter mosquitoes, using vanilla extract often comes up as a natural pest control method, so we've asked the experts to guide us through whether this scent really can help to repel mosquitoes.

The pros of using this method

It works to mask odors

The theory behind using vanilla extract as a repellent is that, like other plant derivatives, the strong smell covers the scent of humans and keeps mosquitoes and bites away.

‘Vanilla extract will mask the odor mosquitoes are searching for when looking for a blood meal,’ says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist at Mosquito Joe. ‘It has a natural, appealing scent,’ which is much less offensive than other, deet-based repellents. It can also help extend the efficacy of other DIY repellents when added to the mixture.

‘Vanilla extract has been known as a DIY solution to repel mosquitoes,’ says Kyle Sebach, director of operations at All U Need Pest Control. ‘Like citronella, it portrays a very strong smell that mosquitoes typically do not like,’ which works to repel them.

The cons of using this method

It's expensive

Harlow-Ellis points out the expense of this natural alternative, particularly in comparison to citronella.

‘It must be pure vanilla extract,’ she says. ‘Vanilla with other additives can attract insects with their sugary smell,’ meaning it can wind up being an expensive endeavor.

It's ineffective for infestations

Dr. Jim Fredericks, board certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) does not recommend vanilla extract as a repellent if you are dealing with an infestation.

‘We do not recommend trying any DIY treatment methods for pest infestations, as they typically do not provide a long-term solution, he says. ‘Those who suspect an infestation should contact a pest control professional immediately. Depending on the species, pest infestations can be made worse by using repellent sprays or other products. Pros are trained to identify the species of pest infesting a building and tailor their control efforts to that pest’s biology and behaviors.’

So, depending on the number of mosquitoes you are dealing with, it might be best to leave it to the pros. However, if you just want to keep them at bay while having dinner outdoors, for example, vanilla extract may still be a great solution.

It has a short-lived efficacy

Unfortunately, the scent of vanilla extract is not ever-lasting. ‘It will only last about 30 to 45 minutes when used by itself,’ says Harlow-Ellis.

While vanilla extract alone won't keep mosquitoes away when sitting outside enjoying long, hot summer evenings, combine it with other repellent scents, such as a citronella candle, to increase the efficacy.

It can trigger allergic reactions

Like citronella, and really any repellent products, allergic reactions are a risk.

‘With any product applied to the skin there is always a risk of reactions,’ says Harlow-Ellis. If you do want to use vanilla extract as a repellent, test it out on a small area of your skin first, or set it out in shallow dishes rather than rubbing it directly onto your body.

Alternative solutions

Limit the amount of stagnant water in your garden

Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of stagnant water, so reducing sources will help fight numbers.

‘Overturn buckets that have water in them, and contraptions that may hold water,’ says Sebach. ‘This will ensure that no mosquitoes are using this water to lay in and hatch eggs,’ which will worsen the problem.

Use apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an effective solution to repelling mosquitoes, particularly when mixed with peppermint oil, like this one from Walmart, which also makes it smell better.

‘Mix 2oz of apple cider vinegar with 2oz of distilled water and 40 drops of peppermint oil in a small spray bottle and shake the mixture,’ recommends Harlow-Ellis.

This can then be sprayed onto your skin (patch test first) or used to mist the air.

Light citronella candles

Citronella candles are relatively cheap, and really work. ‘I would suggest lighting citronella candles in your outside area to reduce mosquitoes,’ says Sebach, which can also double-up as part of your table-scaping for a candle-lit dinner outdoors.

Use coconut oil

If you have children, using coconut oil, such as this bestselling coconut oil from Amazon, to repel mosquitoes will be more sensory-pleasing to them.

‘Mix 2.5oz of coconut oil and 15 drops of lavender or rosemary oil in a small jar and shake,’ says Harlow-Ellis. ‘This mixture is applied by hand,’ and will soften skin, too.

Sweep away food

If you regularly enjoy cookouts, chances are your backyard is filled with food crumbs. ‘A lot of people have grills and other food sources that are typically in back patios where you find mosquitoes,’ says Sebach. ‘Limiting these food particles would slightly help.’

FAQs

What other natural smells repel mosquitoes?

Peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass and lavender are all other natural alternatives to use to repel mosquitoes.

You can use essential oils or add the plants to your flowerbeds to keep your garden smelling sweet, and mosquito-free, all summer long.

While vanilla extract can be used as an all-natural alternative to chemical-based repellents, such as traditional deet spray, it's not 100% efficient, but it can work well when combined with other solutions.

Taking extra measures, such as lighting a citronella candle, will have your garden or home smelling sweet and mosquito-free, meaning you can enjoy summer without the stress of bugs and bites.

These tips can also be used in your home to keep flies out of the house, particularly if you prefer to keep your backyard doors open in summer.