Do mosquitoes frequently bite you? Does it seem like mosquitoes go after you more when you wear perfume? Or other types of fragrance, like scented lotion? Do you imagine it, or does your perfume attract them? Let’s take a look so you can be appropriately prepared for spring and summer outdoor events.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Perfume?

When they aren’t producing eggs, mosquitoes feed upon the nectar of flowers. Many perfumes have sweet or floral notes that attract them and other bugs, but that is not the only factor. The olfactory receptors in their antennae enable mosquitoes to smell deodorants, colognes, scented lotions, and other fragrances, such as body wash. Switching to unscented products can give you protection, as can choosing scents that repel mosquitos.

What Fragrances Do Mosquitoes Hate?

Topping the list of scents mosquitoes hare are garlic, basil, peppermint, and lemongrass top the list. Not precisely the aromas one associates with perfume, though peppermint and lemongrass might be tertiary notes in a few fragrances. Even so, if they’re paired with floral scents, they probably won’t be enough to deter mosquitoes.

There are other possibilities, though. The Perfume Expert advises scents that lean into the citrus end of the spectrum, with notes of lemon, lemon verbena, and grapefruit for repelling mosquitoes, bees, and wasps. These aromatic scents interfere with their respiratory systems, making it hard for them to breathe.

As an interesting side note, a recent New Mexico State University study found that Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume effectively repels mosquitos. So if you must wear perfume, it’s an option to consider.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Deodorant?

Mosquitoes are attracted to lactic acid in perspiration, so sweat and body odor are delicious to them. Attempting to mask these scents is a natural and logical reaction when trying to avoid mosquito bites, but one that often has the reverse effect.

Most deodorants have scents or perfumes added to them, and many of these also attract mosquitoes. Unscented deodorant will be more effective at keeping them away, and some recent studies have shown that the deodorant compound isopropyl tetradecanoate reduces the number of mosquito attacks.

We Are Your Mosquito Control Expert

Call our experts today if you wish to schedule a mosquito yard spray treatment from East End Tick and Mosquito Control®. We have been Eastern Suffolk’s most trusted name in tick and mosquito control for 25 years. Protect your family from disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks with year-round preventative treatments by requesting a free estimate or call our Southampton office at (631) 287-9700, our East Hampton office at (631) 324-9700, or our Southold office at (631) 765-9700.