5 Effective Natural Mosquito-Repellents When Burned

Nothing destroys a relaxing night outdoors while stargazing except when mosquitoes swarm and attack you.

These pests love lurking from dusk and roam around for several hours.

The next thing you know, a mosquito has already bitten you, causing the itchiness and redness you feel on your arm or leg.

If you’re interested in learning more about the plants that are effective in repelling mosquitoes when burned, continue reading this guide.

What You Must Burn To Repel Mosquitoes

Burning may be bad for the environment, but it does an effective job of repelling mosquitoes. That’s considering you know the right plants or things to burn.

Check out our suggestion of plants you can burn to scare these pests away.

1. Citronella Candles

Burning citronella candles can scare mosquitoes away. They release citronella oil that masks your scent, making it hard for mosquitoes to find you. This is why citronella candles are more of a mosquito repellant than an insecticide.

It does not kill pests but attacks them by camouflaging the scent they are looking for.

For citronella to be effective, you must ensure that the candles are burned inside and around the area where you want to repel mosquitoes.

If you’re having an outdoor event, light citronella candles throughout the evening to remain effective.

2. Lemongrass

Studies have proven that lemongrass is an effective mosquito repellant. It also contains citronella oil, an effective ingredient that could cause hide your smell, confusing the mosquitoes.

After burning lemongrass, its repelling capability lasts for at least two hours. Aside from burning lemongrass, planting it in your garden also works as a repellent.

Moreover, the lemongrass plant has a strong scent that negatively affects the mosquitoes’ behavior.

3. Lavender

Lavender is a favorite plant because of its beautiful color and attractive scent. But more than being a pretty little flower, lavender is effective against mosquitoes.

The main reason lavender works as a mosquito repellant is its strong scent. Like citronella and lemongrass, its intense smell hides how you smell, which confuses the mosquitoes.

Another reason you should use lavender is the oil it releases when you burn it. Lavender oil contains Linalool, an ingredient that inhibits mosquito receptors.

You can find Linalool in several insecticides on the market.

4. Mint

People might love mint because of its unique smell, but mosquitoes hate it.

And when you burn the plant, it releases intense smells that negatively affect pests. The result? Mosquitoes will try to escape to avoid the minty scent.

Aside from burning mint, you can also grab and crush a few leaves. Afterward, rub them against your skin. Doing this will make mosquitoes avoid you because they hate the scent.

5. Pinon Wood

If you plan to spend the night with friends by the firepit outdoors, try burning pinon wood instead of the usual firewood.

Pinon wood logs release an intense pine scent after getting burned. While you’ll enjoy this, mosquitoes won’t. And the first thing they will do is flee.

Pinon woods are easy to get in supply stores. Some even sell them in smaller logs, making them more suitable for fire pits.

Repel Mosquitoes at All Costs

Mosquitoes are your worst enemies when you love spending time outdoors. Bites from these pests can get itchy and red, leading to infections in the worst cases.

It’s easy to repel these pests when you know the plants or things to burn.

Remember that mosquitoes have a keen sense of smell, so anything that would trigger their smell will make them flee and avoid you.

Try burning our top suggestions in this guide, and you will soon have a peaceful night out in your backyard.