Mosquitoes are a huge nuisance and can be dangerous as well if they spread diseases such as Malaria. While some people use harsh chemicals to repel these pests, others have suggested using a mixture containing vanilla extracts while stating that it can provide effective coverage.
Many homeowners, travelers, and organic-loving consumers share their desire to have a natural mosquito repellent and search for solutions to repel mosquitoes. In contrast to what many online writers have posted, Vanilla, by itself does not repel mosquitoes.
When combined with other natural mosquitoes it may slow the evaporation rate. This may be the reason why we can find mixed results pertaining to the efficacy of vanilla to repel mosquitoes.
What Makes Vanilla Repel Mosquitoes?
As stated above, on its own nothing is conclusive to show that vanilla repels mosquitoes. One of the hundreds of components that make vanilla taste the way it does is vanillin.
Vanillin, the main component of vanilla extract, has been shown to be an effective mosquito repellent in studies when combined with other oils. Vanillin is the naturally occurring chemical compound recognized as the primary taste and aroma of vanilla.
When vanillin is added to other natural mosquito repellents like citronella, the evaporation rate of the oil is reduced. When compared to other fixatives to reduce evaporation it was the most effective. “At a 1:1 weight ratio of citronella oil and vanillin, the percentage of unevaporated oil was the highest (67%).” (1)
Vanilla is not the only natural remedy that assists in repelling mosquitoes though. Some people swear by tea tree oil, while others report success with citronella candles, doused items, or sprays. Of course, some of these remedies may be expensive and inconvenient to use especially if they evaporate quickly, which may make them less appealing than vanilla mixed natural mosquito repellents.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using vanilla extract to delay the duration of evaporation of natural mosquito repellents. To increase the efficiency of vanilla-based solutions it is best to follow some recommendations.
First, make sure that the vanilla you are using is pure and 100% natural. Some commercial vanillas contain chemicals that may actually attract mosquitoes rather than repel them.
Second, be aware that the strong smell of vanilla may not be pleasant for everyone in your household! If you have children or pets, you may want to take this into consideration before including vanilla extract in your natural remedy.
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, give vanilla extract a try. When used in tandem with other natural mosquito repellent-based oils, vanilla just might be the perfect solution for you.
As suggested earlier the other natural ways to repel mosquitoes include tea tree oil, citronella candles or sprays, and other essential oils that can all be effective in keeping these pests at bay. Some people even use plants such as lavender or rosemary to naturally repel mosquitoes in their yard.
Of course, it is important to keep in mind that different methods may work better for different people and situations. Moreover, it is important to remember that vanilla by itself is not likely to repel mosquitoes. Rather, vanilla will reduce the evaporation time of other oils.
For many people, using vanilla extract in a mixture with citronella is a simple natural, affordable, and convenient way to repel mosquitoes. Keep in mind to test the solution on your skin to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction. Whether you choose to spray the solution on your skin or just enjoy the pleasant aroma around your home, this natural remedy is definitely worth trying!
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