This Age-Old Natural Solution Will Keep Pesky Mosquitoes Far Away

Mosquito repellents in the form of coils, body sprays, and room sprays typically contain chemicals that pose risks to human health, especially when used improperly. Because of this, people like to seek out natural, less toxic products and methods that can serve the same purpose, like burning coffee grounds to keep mosquitos away from your home. Another involves creating a homemade body repellent with wood vinegar and water.

Wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, is a completely natural substance that's processed from tree wood and has been used for thousands of years. It can be used in gardening to help the soil and deter pests. It is also safe to use in and on the human body as a remedy for various issues ranging from digestive and bowel health to liver function to gout to cellulitis. What's more, applying it topically can clean open wounds and provide relief from insect bites or poison ivy. With so many helpful attributes, researchers also looked into how well it works as a mosquito repellant. 

According to an article published in the Entomological Research journal, a mix of wood vinegar and water repelled mosquitoes when applied to arms and put into mosquito cages. Researchers tested different concentrations of vinegar and water, and one of the main takeaways of the study was that the more vinegar that was used, the better the efficacy, finding that a mix of 80% wood vinegar and 20% water solution had a success rate of 100%. Despite this, there aren't a lot of tested-and-tried guides out there that outline exactly how to use this natural solution.

The research supports that this method will keep pesky mosquitoes far away, but there isn't enough information available about home use for us to recommend it. The good news is that other kinds of vinegar are up to the task when it comes to getting rid of mosquitoes and other pests. You can create a natural bug spray with half parts apple cider vinegar, half parts water, and some drops of essential oils that repel mosquitoes like lemon or citronella. You can also create a trap by mixing apple cider vinegar, sugar, and dish soap in a container to attract and drown them.