The Effectiveness of Vanilla as Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitos can carry potentially harmful diseases, such as West Nile virus, so it is important to use an effective repellent.

Mosquito bites are not only itchy and irritating, but mosquitoes can also potentially carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus. It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites, and many tout vanilla as an effective, natural mosquito repellent.

Scientific Evidence

Much of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of vanilla as a mosquito repellent is anecdotal. Some outdoor enthusiasts maintain that vanilla is the most effective repellent they have ever used. However, most major medical studies, including a 2002 study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicate that plant oil-based repellents are far less effective than those containing DEET.

Vanilla and DEET

Additional studies at the University of Wisconsin College of Agricultural and Life Sciences concluded that vanillin, the major extract of the vanilla bean, did improve the efficiency of mosquito repellents that contain DEET. In addition, other studies at the University of Wisconsin indicated that vanillin may be effective in killing mosquitoes in the larval stage.

What to Use Instead

Because scientific studies indicate that natural remedies such as vanilla are not effective at repelling mosquitoes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you use products containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for maximum mosquito bite prevention.

References

• University of Wisconsin: Integrated Mosquito Management
• Santa Cruz Health: Mosquito Repellent and DEET
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• New England Journal of Medicine: Comparative Efficacy of Insect Repellents against Mosquito Bites