Garlic Repellent for Mosquitoes

Health Tip of the Day

Many people have happily discovered that garlic can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. Safer, and non-toxic compared to many commercial brands of repellents.

Sulphur, contained in garlic extract, is the scent that repels insects from plants, according to Colorado State University scientists.

Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to find victims. When garlic is eaten, garlic is metabolized resulting in the sulphur being released from the body through skin and breath. Even if humans can’t detect the odor, mosquitoes can smell the scent from up to 40 yards away.

For those that don’t like the taste of garlic, a study in India showed that garlic scent on the skin can be just as useful. The scientists blended 1 percent of garlic oil with beeswax and petroleum jelly. The mixture was applied to the legs and arms of test subjects. The combination kept mosquitoes away for up to 8 hours.

To make a homemade repellent crush several garlic cloves and boil them in a quart of water. Use more or fewer garlic cloves and the amount of water depending on the quantity of repellent desired. Cool and strain. Discard pulp or place in compost bin.

To make a stronger version of repellent, place two bulbs of crushed garlic into a small bowl or jar. Add enough boiling water to cover and let set overnight. Strain off the pulp and pour the scented water into a spray bottle.

For more information on repelling mosquitoes read:

Soybean Oil as a Mosquito Repellent
Control Mosquitoes With Oil
Do Cloves Keep Mosquitoes Away
Radishes Soothe Insect Bites
Cinnamon for Insect Bites
Catnip for Bug Bites