Sweet Smelling Protection: The Rise Of Vanilla Extract As A Natural Mosquito Repellent

Hate the chemical scent of mosquito repellents? Some social media users have been turning to an unconventional yet sweet-smelling alternative to repel mosquitoes—vanilla extract. This natural remedy has gained traction, particularly among TikTok users who share their experiences and hacks online. With a growing number of people looking for safer, more pleasant options, vanilla extract is carving out its niche in the world of pest control.

Several TikTok users have highlighted the hack in videos, such as @brennadehaas, who shared a video of herself spraying vanilla extract on herself while standing outdoors. A note across the video reads, "My absolute best hack for keeping mosquitoes away in the summer: vanilla extract." The clip has had 3.5 million views since it was posted on July 6, proving that this method is catching on quickly.

One of the appealing aspects of vanilla extract is that it's natural and doesn’t contain any of the toxins that shelf-bought bug sprays do. This makes it great to use on kids, as noted by the poster in a caption shared with the video, adding, "And it smells so good." Many parents are excited to find a safer alternative to traditional repellents that often contain harsh chemicals.

Does Vanilla Extract Work as a Mosquito Repellent?

As positive as the experiences mentioned above of using vanilla extract as a mosquito repellent may have been, one has to wonder: how effective is it against those pesky insects? Nicole Carpenter, a pest expert and the CEO of Black Pest Prevention, weighed in on the matter, starting with the fundamentals of what attracts mosquitoes to humans. Carpenter explained that it’s essential to understand that mosquitoes are drawn to body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale.

Interestingly, some individuals are more likely to be bitten than others because they emit specific odors that mosquitoes find particularly attractive. This means that while vanilla extract might work for some, it may not be a universal solution. As Carpenter noted, "These alternative repellents usually include natural extracts and oils that have a pungent odor and thus repel insects." Popular options like oils of lemon eucalyptus and citronella are well-known, but vanilla extract is gaining recognition for its potential effectiveness.

However, despite its growing popularity, natural repellents like vanilla extract do have limitations. In terms of efficacy, all-natural repellent methods are organic and safe for humans, which appeals to many people. Yet, Carpenter cautioned that they have one major drawback: they are short-lived. The effectiveness of such remedies fades quickly, and while vanilla extract can provide some degree of repellency, this effect usually lasts only about 30 minutes and may not work for everyone.

Scientific Support for Vanilla as a Natural Repellent

Scientific studies offer additional context to the discussion about vanilla extract's effectiveness as a mosquito repellent. Carpenter referenced research that provides some support for the use of vanilla extract. She mentioned a February 2021 study published in The Scientific World Journal, which states, "Vanilla extract has been reported as significant insect repellent due to its distinct aroma and flavor." The study indicates that it works well in safeguarding homes and body skin against insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and gnats.

The study further explained that the presence of vanillin (phenolic aldehyde) in the extracts studied may have contributed to the observed repellent effect. However, a short-lived effect of this repellent was also noted. This means individuals considering this method should be prepared for regular reapplication—every 30 minutes at least, especially when exposed to high temperatures that may cause rapid evaporation or if rain is in the forecast.

In conclusion, while vanilla extract may provide a pleasant alternative to traditional mosquito repellents, it is essential to manage expectations. Those interested in trying out this viral trend should remember that it may offer some protection, but mosquitoes have evolved to detect humans among competing odors in their environment. Therefore, while vanilla extract is a fun and natural option, it should be part of a broader strategy for mosquito control.

Stock image of a woman applying insect repellent. Social media users have been turning to vanilla extract as a natural mosquito repellent—but does it work?