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What Smells Do Bugs Hate - 12 Scents to Keep Pests Away Naturally

What Smells Do Bugs Hate? 12 Scents to Keep Pests Away Naturally

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Using Essential Oils and Other Scents as a Natural Insect Repellent

Tired of uninvited creepy crawlies invading your home or garden? The battle against bugs can be frustrating, but guess what? The solution might be sitting in your kitchen cabinet, pantry, or essential oil stash.

Bugs hate certain smells with a passion, and using these can keep your home pest-free without the need for harsh chemicals. From peppermint to cinnamon and everything in between, let's break down which scents can send bugs running for the hills and how to put them to use effectively.

Table of Contents:

  1. The Power of Smell in Repelling Bugs

  2. Some Smells Most Insects Hate and How You Can Use Them

  3. Try Riddy for Ultimate DIY Pest Control

  4. How to Boost Effectiveness, Deter Insects, and Get Rid of Pests with Essential Oils

  5. Why Choose Natural Pest Control?

  6. Take Control The Natural Way To Keep Your Home Pest Free

The Power of Smell in Repelling Bugs

Ever wondered why natural insect repellents often smell so good? It's because certain scents interfere with bugs' ability to detect food sources, mates, or even danger. For example, mosquitoes track us down by sensing carbon dioxide in our breath and sweat.

But by masking these "beacons" with potent smells they hate, like citronella or peppermint, we can confuse their buggy little brains and send them scurrying away.

Unlike chemical-laden repellents, using natural scents is safer for you, your family, and the environment. The bonus? Your home also smells amazing. A win-win!

Here are some of the smells most insects hate and how you can use them.

1. Peppermint Oil

The minty-fresh scent of peppermint is enough to shoo away ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and even cockroaches. The menthol in peppermint oil creates a strong odor that bugs can't stand and interferes with their ability to communicate.

How to use it:

  • Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle. Spray near doorways, windows, or under sinks (basically, all the openings bugs sneak through).

  • Place peppermint-soaked cotton balls in areas where pests are likely to show up.

Pro Tip: Peppermint oil spray also doubles as a refreshing room spray.

Several bottles of lavender essential oil laying next to fronds of lavender flowers.

2. Lavender Oil

Lavender might be your go-to scent for relaxation, but for bugs? It's pure nightmare fuel. Its floral aroma wards off mosquitoes, moths, fleas, and flies.

How to use it:

  • Keep lavender sachets in your closets or storage boxes to deter insects from nibbling on fabric.

  • Diffuse lavender oil in rooms to create a bug-free zone with relaxing vibes.

  • Plant lavender in your garden to keep pests away while adding a touch of beauty.

3. Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is famous for being the star ingredient in those outdoor candles you light at picnics. It works by masking human scents, like carbon dioxide and sweat, that mosquitoes use as a homing signal.

How to use it:

  • Light citronella candles in outdoor spaces.

  • Mix citronella oil with water in a spray bottle to spritz around doors, windows, and patios for added protection.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil isn't just for skincare woes; its insect-repellent properties make it an excellent defense against pests, especially ants and spiders. It's also effective against flies and mosquitoes.

How to use it:

  • Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and apply it to countertops or other bug-prone areas.

  • Mix it into your cleaning products to up your pest control game while disinfecting.

A bottle of eucalyptus oil next to eucalyptus plant leaves.

5. Eucalyptus Oil (Lemon Eucalyptus)

Nature's citrusy warrior, lemon eucalyptus oil, is highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and even flies. It's one of the few natural scents recommended by the CDC for repelling mosquitoes.

How to use it:

  • Use an essential oil diffuser indoors to create a bug barrier.

  • Create a natural bug spray by mixing the oil with water and witch hazel in a spray bottle.

6. Neem Oil

Neem oil is a bitter-smelling insect deterrent that not only repels mosquitoes and flies but also tackles plant-eating pests in your garden. Many insects find its odor unbearable.

How to use it:

  • Dilute neem oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to plants to deter pests.

  • Use it around areas where mosquitoes congregate as a natural repellent.

7. Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil (a cousin of citronella) has a strong citrus-meets-grass scent that mosquitoes and other flying pests detest.

How to use it:

  • Mix with water and mist around outdoor seating areas.

  • Grow lemongrass plants in your garden as a natural deterrent.

8. Cinnamon

The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon isn't just for lattes. It can deter ants and other household pests by overwhelming their sense of smell.

How to use it:

  • Sprinkle ground cinnamon near entry points or pest-prone areas.

  • Use cinnamon essential oil in a diffuser or diluted in a spray bottle.

Bulbs or heads of garlic harvested to repel insects.

9. Garlic

Garlic's strong odor repels more than just vampires; it's also highly effective against mosquitoes and other flying insects. When eaten, it helps mask your body's scent from mosquitoes and other insects. It's even effective with some other animals, like squirrels!

How to use it:

  • Thoroughly crush garlic cloves and mix them well with water to create a do-it-yourself spray for your garden.

  • Plant garlic around your garden to naturally repel insects.

10. Basil

Aromatic herbs like basil not only add flavor to your dishes but also act as a natural way to repel mosquitoes and houseflies.

How to use it:

  • Grow basil in pots around your home or garden.

  • Crush fresh basil leaves to release their scent and place them around entry points.

Rosemary essential oil to repel bugs.

11. Rosemary

Rosemary's pungent aroma acts as a natural defense to deter mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Plus, it's a beautiful and aromatic plant that goes well with any garden.

How to use it:

  • Burn rosemary sprigs in a fire pit for outdoor pest control.

  • Make a herbal spray by steeping rosemary in boiling water, then spraying it around your house.

12. Clove

Cloves and clove essential oil can repel mosquitoes, flies, and even moths. Their long-lasting, strong aroma makes them an excellent addition to your natural pest control arsenal.

How to use it:

  • Sprinkle whole cloves in closets or cupboards.

  • Diffuse clove oil in areas where you want to keep pests away.

Bonus Method: Diatomaceous Earth

It's not exactly a smell, but it's worth mentioning! Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that dehydrates pests like ants and cockroaches. Sprinkle it near doors and window sills to keep your home bug-free.

A picture of Riddy pest control on a porch.

Try Riddy for Ultimate DIY Pest Control

If you're ready to take your pest control game to the next level, Riddy might just be your new best friend! Riddy offers a customizable DIY pest control solution tailored specifically to your location and needs. Whether you're battling pesky ants, bothersome flies, or stubborn cockroaches, Riddy has you covered with two standout product lines—Riddy Pro and Riddy Green.

Riddy Pest Pro delivers professional-grade options that pack a punch, giving you the tools professionals use to keep pests at bay. Prefer a more natural approach? Riddy Pest Green is a plant-based alternative that's safe, eco-conscious, and just as effective. Both options come with expert support every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and empowered to keep your space pest-free.

Riddy's plans are not only more affordable than traditional pest control services but also incredibly efficient. With over 40 years of industry experience backing its products, Riddy guarantees professional-quality results right from the comfort of your home.

Plus, you'll receive helpful safety tips and application guidance to make the process smooth, stress-free, and effective. Why settle for anything less than a pest-free guarantee? Get started with Riddy today!

Find Your Plan Now

How to Boost Effectiveness, Deter Insects, and Get Rid of Pests with Essential Oils

  • Focus on Entry Points: Spray or place scented deterrents near doors, windows, vents, and any cracks bugs might crawl through.

  • Reapply Regularly: Essential oils are potent but evaporate quickly. Reapply sprays every few hours during peak pest activity.

  • Combine Scents: Layering different scents like peppermint and citronella can create a multi-bug repellent barrier.

A person spraying a child with natural insect repellent.

Why Choose Natural Pest Control?

Unlike chemical alternatives, natural methods don't leave potent harmful residues or pose significant health risks to your family, pets, or garden plants. They're easy, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Take Control The Natural Way To Keep Your Home Pest Free

With the right scents, you can effectively repel bugs without resorting to toxic chemicals. Whether you're warding off mosquitoes while gardening, keeping ants out of your kitchen, or enjoying a peaceful dinner on the patio, these natural aromas have your back. Try incorporating some of the tips above into your home, and your bug battles will soon become a thing of the past.

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