Mosquitoes have a very keen sense of smell, which is the primary reason they are drawn to humans and other animals as a blood source. However, mosquitoes find a variety of scents unappealing, which can be used to keep them at bay without the use of chemicals and other harsh deterrents. Here are some common scents that repel mosquitoes:

• Lemon balm: A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a calming, strong lemon scent that many undesirable insects find incredibly unpleasant. However, bees, butterflies, and humans alike seem to love the fragrance.

• Lavender: Mosquitoes detest the pungent scent of lavender, and stay away at all costs. Lavender candles are easy to come by and make your home or garden smell great. Burn a lavender-scented candle to make your air more pleasant while making it intolerable to these biting pests. You can also try planting some lavender in your garden to keep mosquitoes out of your space.

• Peppermint: Mosquitoes find the strong smell of peppermint overwhelming, which makes it an effective repellent. A few drops of peppermint oil in a diffuser can help keep mosquitoes away.

• Eucalyptus: Mosquitoes hate the smell of eucalyptus, which produces chemicals that mosquitoes dont like, namely linalool and geraniol. You can find scents like eucalyptus in soaps and candles that are used to keep bugs away from your home.

• Citronella: Citronella is a common ingredient in many insect repellents because it works so well. The smell isn’t always intoxicating to humans either but it will keep mosquitoes away. You can try to find a good smelling one.

• Cedar: Mosquitoes are turned off by the natural scent of cedar. You can use cedar oil or cedarwood chips to repel mosquitoes.

• Lemongrass: Lemongrass is used in natural mosquito repellent. Although the smell does not actually repel mosquitoes, it overflows their senses and makes it difficult for them to locate their prey.

• Rosemary: Mosquitoes are not interested in the smell of rosemary, which can often mask the scent of food. A strong smell of rosemary will likely keep mosquitoes away. You can try crushing up some rosemary leaves in your garden.

• Basil: Mosquitoes dislike the smell of basil, which makes it an effective repellent. You can plant basil in your garden or apply basil oil to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

• Catnip: Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which is a natural mosquito repellent. You can plant catnip in your garden or apply catnip oil to your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

Its important to note that the effectiveness of these scents may vary depending on the individual and the environment. Additionally, pregnancy or illness can change the chemical ratios and alter your attractiveness to mosquitoes. So can drinking beer or being physically active. Perfumes, soaps, and lotions also play roles. "Everything you use on your skin can make you more or less attractive to mosquitoes," according to e...