.png)
What Really Keeps Mosquitoes Away? The Truth About Essential Oils, Candles & Natural Bug Sprays.
- tanya russo
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
You’re sitting in your garden with a drink. The sun’s dipping, the fairy lights are glowing... and suddenly, they’re here.That high-pitched whine, the itchy aftermath, and the same old question:Why do mosquitoes always find me?
Whether you’re trying to enjoy summer evenings, sleep with the windows open, or stop your kids waking up covered in bites, it’s time we cleared the air, literally.
At Heart & Soul, we’ve created a natural ‘Bug Off’ ritual that doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals, plug-ins, or synthetic fog. Just plants doing what they were made to do.
But first, let’s unpack the myths, the science, and the solution. What Smells Keep Mosquitoes Away (and How to Use Them Properly)
Why Do Mosquitoes Love You?
It’s not your imagination. Some people really do get bitten more than others.
Mosquitoes are drawn to:
Body heat
Carbon dioxide (what we exhale)
Lactic acid in sweat
Scent, including perfumes, shampoos, and skin oils
What keeps them away? Not citronella bracelets or sticky traps. It’s scent, but the right kind
Nature has a clever defence system, and we’ve bottled it.
What really keeps mosquitoes away? Essential oils that are known to repel mosquitoes include:
Eucalyptus – sharp, cooling, and proven to confuse insect receptors
Citronella – the gold standard, but only effective in proper concentration
Lemongrass – rich in geraniol and citral, both natural repellents
Peppermint – fresh, minty, and detested by midges and mosquitoes alike
These oils don’t just mask your scent. They interfere with the mosquito’s ability to locate you. It’s like throwing off their GPS.
Do Candles and Sprays Actually Work Against Mosquitoes?
This is where it gets honest.
Not all ‘natural’ products are created equal. Many mosquito candles contain a token drop of citronella, just enough for a label claim, not enough to repel anything.
The truth? Essential oils work best when they’re part of a layered ritual.
That’s why we created our Bug Off Room & Linen Spray and Bug Off Candle to work together, creating a barrier of plant-powered fragrance indoors and out.
How to Create a Natural Anti-Mosquito Ritual:
Spray ‘Bug Off’
into the air, on curtains, doormats, or even bedding, before mosquitoes emerge
Focus on doorways, windows, and places where insects sneak in
Refresh as needed, especially at dusk
Light the Bug Off Candle
30 minutes before you sit outside or open the windows.
Allow the natural aroma to build up in the room or patio space
Enjoy a beautifully-scented atmosphere that actually repels
Reapply the spray if doors are opening frequently or you’re in a high-bite zone.
It smells like a spa, not a lab. And it’s safe to use around pets, children, and yourself.
What to Avoid (and What to Trust Instead):
❌ Synthetic fragrance candles that smell nice but do nothing
❌ Green washing labels with no transparency about concentrations
❌ Sprays full of DEET that leave skin sticky and overpowering
✅ Look for products that are transparent about their ingredients
✅ Use layered scents in both air and fabric
✅ Choose essential oils with proven repellency
Meet the Natural Defence That Works (and Smells Good Doing It)
We formulated our Bug Off collection because we were tired of choosing between chemical fog or being eaten alive. Our goal? A simple ritual that’s:
Naturally effective
Safe for your home, kids & pets
Smells incredible
💚 Ready to Try the Natural Way?
Meet your new summer essential:
Because mosquito season doesn’t have to mean choosing between bites and toxic fumes.
It just means choosing better. So there is a way to keep mosquitos away naturally.
Comentários