No, Vanilla Extract Isn’t the Mosquito Repellent You’re Looking For

We’re always trying to cook up new ways to keep bugs from bugging us, aren’t we? And if your social media feed has anything to say about the matter, the solution is supposedly right in your kitchen cupboard.

But does mixing a tablespoon of vanilla extract in a cup of water and spraying it on your body really repel mosquitoes?

Here’s the truth from emergency medicine physician Christopher Bazzoli, MD, a specialist in wilderness and environmental medicine.

Does vanilla extract repel mosquitoes?

Vanilla extract could potentially keep the mosquitoes at bay for a short amount of time — but not long. And it won’t do the trick to keep you safe from other stings and bites.

So, no, it’s not a reliable solution to keep the bugs from biting. And it’s not your best choice for protecting yourself from diseases that bugs can spread, like:

• Malaria
• Lyme disease
• Chagas disease
• West Nile virus
• Zika virus

Dr. Bazzoli shares a few reasons why vanilla extract shouldn’t be your go-to mosquito repellent.

It’s masking, not repelling

Effective repellents rely on scents that bugs don’t like — smells they find so disgusting that they leave you alone as they search elsewhere for a snack. Vanilla extract doesn’t do that.

“Vanilla might mask your body odor for a short time,” Dr. Bazzoli explains. “But it’s not actually repelling insects. At best, you’d get some mild masking, not protection.”

Think of it like this: Vanilla extract is like spraying yourself down with perfume instead of showering after a grueling workout ... you’re not fooling anyone.

Once the vanilla scent fades or mixes with your sweat, the carbon dioxide you breathe out and the bacteria on your skin draw mosquitoes right back in.

“Mosquitoes can sense your scent from far away,” he adds. “It’s like a homing beacon.”

Without something more powerful to actually repel the biting bugs, you may as well be ringing the dinner bell.

It’s short-lived

Even the vanilla-extract-bug-spray enthusiasts will tell you that it doesn’t last long. Most suggest re-applying the concoction about every 30 minutes.

If you’re out enjoying a summer cookout or a hike in the woods, are you really going to remember to douse yourself (and, possibly, a couple of kids) every half hour? Unlikely.

“Expecting someone to apply vanilla every 30 minutes just isn’t realistic for most of us,” Dr. Bazzoli points out.

It’s not effective for other bugs

Even if (and that’s a big IF) vanilla extract repellent keeps the mosquitoes away briefly, it’s not effective against other pests.

In fact, using vanilla extract could even attract other bugs, like wasps or flies.

“The scent could draw in pests that love sweet smells,” Dr. Bazzoli notes. “It’s not a great tradeoff.”

And those Lyme-disease-carrying ticks? Vanilla won’t drive them away either.

“Ticks aren’t driven by scent the way mosquitoes are. Instead, they’re opportunistic — they latch on when you brush past them,” Dr Bazzoli warns. “Masking your smell isn’t going to make a difference against them. What you really need is an actual repellent, something that smells bad to the bugs, not just neutral.”

What to use instead

So, if vanilla isn’t going to keep you safe from itchy bites and insect-borne diseases, what will?

Sorry, things like bug bracelets, citronella and the like aren’t the answer either. Instead, Dr. Bazzoli recommends these evidence-based insect repellent ingredients:

• DEET: Despite rumors to the contrary, DEET has long been proven to be safe and effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas and more.
• Picaridin: “Picaridin-based insect repellent is a synthetically made derivative of black pepper,” Dr. Bazzoli shares. “It doesn’t really smell like anything, and it provides really good protection without damaging clothing.”
• IR3535: This is a common ingredient in European insect repellents and is gaining traction elsewhere. It’s just as effective as DEET and picaridin and is odorless to humans (but utterly foul to the bugs who want to eat them).
• Oil of lemon and eucalyptus: If you’re looking for something a little closer to nature, this is a solid, science-backed option. But if you have pets, keep it out of their reach: Eucalyptus can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Not sure which is right for you? Check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website for customized results.

Stay protected

If you’re spending any time out where bugs roam free, quality bug repellent is a must. Not just to keep you from itching, but also to protect you from potentially serious illnesses.

And vanilla just isn’t it.

“All in all, I’d give vanilla extract two big thumbs down as an effective deterrent for mosquitoes and other insects,” Dr. Bazzoli states.

So, skip the vanilla, and stick to trusted bug repellents. And, pro tip: Apply it after your sunscreen. You’ll thank us in the morning.