How to Use Vanilla Extract to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Using vanilla extract for mosquitoes has gained quiet popularity nowadays as more and more people has started looking for natural alternatives for mosquito control. But how effectively does vanilla extract repel mosquitoes, is another hot topic to be discussed.

In the article below, we will find out whether using vanilla extract for mosquitoes can be helpful or not and how long it can keep mosquitoes away.

Does vanilla extract repel mosquitoes?

Vanilla bean extract contains compound called as vanillin which can create a masking effect on the body odor, sweat and carbon dioxide released by humans. The rich, sweet and strong aroma of vanilla interferes with the ability of mosquitoes to locate their hosts, as they get confused and fail to identify and locate their target hosts. So, yes the vanilla extract can be used against mosquitoes to keep them away.

However, it should be noted that vanilla is not a recognized mosquito repellent and cannot replace commercial products like DEET, Picaridin, etc. While its effectiveness is still under question as it depends on different factors like concentration of the vanilla extract, environmental factors like wind, climate temperature, etc. and also the extent of mosquito infestation.

How to use vanilla extract to keep mosquitoes away?

Vanilla extract can be used in many different ways to keep mosquitoes away. You can use any suitable and effective method given below. But make sure the vanilla extract that you will be using is pure vanilla extract and not any vanilla flavor or essence or any imitation formulation made using synthetic ingredients, which will not be effective at all.

Pure vanilla extract contains natural and fresh compounds that will more effectively repel mosquitoes.

Method #1: Vanilla Mosquito Repellent Spray

To create a DIY vanilla mosquito repellent follow the steps below:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup of water
• 1 empty spray bottle

Instructions:

• Mix the vanilla extract with water in a spray bottle.
• Shake and mix well.
• Spray the solution directly on your skin to the exposed areas like legs, feet, arms, necks, etc.

Method #2: Vanilla Extract – Essential Oil Blend

Vanilla extract alone cannot provide complete protection as it is not that effective against mosquitoes. We can mix it with known mosquito repelling essential oils like citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, etc.

We can prepare the blend of vanilla extract with essential oil as a mosquito repellent spray as shown below:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
• 10 to 15 drops of any essential oil (lavender, citronella, tea tree or eucalyptus)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 empty spray bottle

Instructions:

• Mix the vanilla extract and essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
• Shake and mix well.
• Spray the solution directly on your skin. This spray solution will be much more effective against mosquitoes and will lasts longer.

Method #3: Apply directly on Skin

If you can’t make the spray solution, you can also directly use the extract on your skin. Since it is sticky and make you uncomfortable and also will attract other insects. It will be better if you dilute the extract before applying on skin. Just rub the small amount of diluted vanilla extract on skin.

Method #4: Prepare or Mix with Lotion

You can prepare a lotion by mixing it with any carrier base like petroleum jelly like vaseline. Or you can use your favorite unscented lotion by just simply mixing it with few drops of pure vanilla extract. Mix it well and apply on your skin like a lotion.

How long does vanilla extract keep mosquitoes away?

The effectiveness and duration of vanilla extract in keeping mosquitoes away depnds on many factors like quality and purity of vanilla extract, environmental conditions and your physical activity. Vanilla extract tends to evaporate quickly and therefore its effectiveness will not lasts long more than 30 to 60 minutes.

If you are going outdoors where the mosquito activity is much higher, especially in summers with hot and humid climate; you cannot rely on vanilla extract for mosquitoes.

Factors affecting the effectiveness of vanilla extract for mosquitoes

• Purity of vanilla extract
• Environmental conditions like humidity, wind, temperature, etc.
• Your physical activity
• Time of exposure
• Combination with essential oils
• Mosquito population in the area

Reasons why vanilla extract is better than chemical repellents

There are various benefits of vanilla extract that makes it a strong contender as a natural mosquito repellent:

• Safe, natural and organic alternative
• Sweet and pleasant smell
• Skin-friendly with No skin-irritation, allergic reactions and dryness as associated with chemical based and alcohol based repellents
• Cost-effective
• Pleasant sweet smell that has soothing and calming effect which is relaxing for body
• It contains anti-oxidants that repairs skin damage, if any

Conclusion: Is vanilla extract an effective mosquito repellent?

Vanilla extract can mask human body odor and can give a temporary relief from mosquitoes for a short while. Though it is natural, safer and skin friendly with pleasant smelling option but it is not that effective to be considered as a reliable option.

When, used in combination with mosquito repelling essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, etc., its effectiveness and durability can be extended.

Since, the mosquito repelling effect is short lived, frequent application is necessary or else you will be inviting troubles in form of mosquito bites. Therefore, for short term exposure and within low mosquito concentration areas, it can be used.

But for longer and reliable mosquito protection, we must consider known mosquito repellent commercial products or essential oil sprays.

Next Read:
Garlic Mosquito Repellent: How to Use Liquid Garlic to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

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