Vanilla as a Mosquito Repellent

Mosquito netting is a more effective repellent than vanilla.

Vanilla extract and vanillin are often touted as natural alternatives to chemical mosquito repellents. But vanilla is not an effective mosquito repellent, according to the University of Wisconsin's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Misconception

Vanilla extract fails to repel biting, adult mosquitoes. But vanilla extract made from stems and not beans can kill mosquito larvae. The stems and leaves are placed in alcohol, left to soak and strained to make the insecticide.

Expert Advice

Combining vanillin and N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, or DEET, makes an affective adult mosquito repellent. This combination should be placed directly onto the skin.

Time Frame

According to a 2001 study in "Journal of Vector Ecology," an extract of 5 percent vanillin added to oil of kaffir lime repelled mosquitoes for three hours. Adding the same vanillin to DEET repelled mosquitoes for eight hours.

References

• University of Wisconsin's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Integrated Mosquito Management
• "CRC Handbook of Medicinal Spices"; James A. Duke; 2002
• "Repellency of volatile oils from plants against three mosquito vectors." Apiwat Tawatsin, et al. "Journal of Vector Ecology." June 2001.

Resources

• Living with Bugs
• University of Delaware: Synthesis of Vanillin
• Colorado State Universty: Mosquito Management