Garlic is one of nature’s most effective repellents, and it has been used for centuries by gardeners and travelers alike to keep biting insects at bay. The secret lies in a compound called allicin, which is released when garlic is crushed. While we might enjoy the savory aroma in our cooking, mosquitoes find the sulfurous scent of garlic highly offensive. By creating a simple garlic-based spray or topical oil, you can mask the scents that attract mosquitoes—such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid—and create a “scent shield” around yourself and your home.

Why Garlic Works So Well
Mosquitoes rely on a highly sophisticated sense of smell to find their targets. Garlic works in two ways: it acts as a deterrent because the smell is naturally repulsive to them, and it acts as a camouflage. When you apply a garlic-based solution to your skin or spray it around your patio, it overloads the mosquito’s sensory receptors, making it much harder for them to “lock on” to you. This is a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative to synthetic sprays that often contain harsh chemicals.

Recipe: Homemade Garlic Mosquito Spray
This spray is excellent for use on your patio, around doorways, or even on your clothing and skin if you don’t mind the temporary aroma.

Ingredients: Four to five cloves of fresh garlic. Two cups of water. One tablespoon of mineral oil or olive oil. One teaspoon of liquid dish soap (this helps the mixture stick).

Instructions: Begin by peeling and finely mincing the garlic cloves. Place the minced garlic in a small bowl and cover it with the mineral oil. Let this sit for at least 24 hours so the oil can fully absorb the garlic’s essential sulfur compounds. After 24 hours, strain out the garlic pieces and mix the remaining oil with two cups of water and the liquid dish soap. Stir or shake the mixture vigorously until it is well combined, then pour it into a spray bottle.

How to Use Your Garlic Repellent
To protect your outdoor space, spray the mixture onto the leaves of nearby plants, around window frames, and on patio furniture. If you are heading into a heavily wooded area, you can spray a light mist onto your clothes or a small amount onto your skin. The strong garlic scent will dissipate for humans after a few minutes as the spray dries, but it will remain detectable—and unpleasant—to mosquitoes for several hours.

A Gentle Tip for Success
For an extra layer of protection, some people find that increasing their dietary intake of garlic during peak mosquito season helps, as the scent is subtly released through the skin’s pores. When using the spray on plants, it is best to test a small leaf first to ensure the oil doesn’t cause any sensitivity to the plant under direct sunlight. Always store your spray in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients active and fresh for up to two weeks.