8 Smells That Mosquitoes Actually Love
You’d think mosquitoes go after anything warm and breathing, but there’s more to it than that. What you smell like—and what scents you’ve got lingering around your yard—can actually attract them faster than standing water.
Mosquitoes are drawn to certain smells, and once they pick up on them, they don’t let go. If you’ve been feeling like a mosquito magnet lately, it could be one of these scents that’s pulling them in.
Scented Body Wash and Perfume
Strong fragrances might smell great to you, but mosquitoes often interpret them as a sign of something sweet or edible. Fruity, floral, and sugary scents are especially attractive to them. Even if you think you’ve barely sprayed, mosquitoes can still pick it up.
If you’re spending time outside, skip the perfume and choose fragrance-free body wash or lotion. It won’t guarantee a bite-free evening, but it keeps you from waving a scented flag saying “Come and get me.”
Sweat and Body Odor
Mosquitoes are incredibly sensitive to body odor and sweat, especially the lactic acid your body gives off after exertion. That’s part of why they zero in on people who’ve been active or are naturally sweatier.
Showering before heading out in the evening can help. So can wearing clean clothes and staying as cool as possible. It’s not about masking the scent—it’s about keeping your natural signals from going into overdrive.
Beer and Alcohol
There’s solid research showing mosquitoes are more attracted to people after they’ve had a drink—especially beer. Alcohol can change your body chemistry, raise your skin temperature, and make you breathe heavier, all of which draw in mosquitoes.
You don’t have to skip the cold drink on the porch, but it’s worth knowing that sipping a beer can make you more of a target. Use repellent if you plan to hang out outside afterward.
Floral Laundry Detergents
Fresh laundry is nice, but floral-scented detergents or dryer sheets can do more harm than good outdoors. Mosquitoes mistake those floral scents for nectar-rich plants, which they also feed on.
If you air-dry laundry or use outdoor furniture with washed fabrics, try switching to a fragrance-free detergent. Mosquitoes don’t care if your cushions smell like lavender—they’re happy to bite either way.
Scented Candles (Unless It’s Citronella)
A lot of candles are marketed as “outdoor friendly,” but unless they’re specifically made with citronella or another proven repellent, they could be attracting bugs instead of keeping them away. Vanilla, coconut, and fruit-scented candles are mosquito favorites.
Stick to unscented candles or ones made with essential oils that actually repel mosquitoes. Anything overly sweet or tropical is likely doing the opposite of what you want.
Standing Water and Wet Soil
It might not smell to you, but mosquitoes can pick up on the scent of damp, stagnant water from far off. That includes puddles, bird baths, clogged gutters, and even moist potting soil.
Empty or refresh any standing water every few days. If you’ve got planters or yard features that stay soggy, try drying them out or moving them somewhere that drains better.
Breath and Carbon Dioxide
Every time you exhale, you’re releasing carbon dioxide—and mosquitoes are wired to find it. The heavier your breathing, the more they notice. That’s why they tend to swarm around your face.
There’s not a whole lot you can do about breathing, but if you’re working hard in the yard or playing with your kids, be ready. Having repellent on before you start helps cut down how many zero in.
Fruity Drinks or Food Left Out
Sugary drinks, fruit bowls, and even popsicle wrappers left out on a patio table can pull mosquitoes in fast. They’re drawn to the smell of sugar and fermentation, whether it’s in a cup or stuck to a napkin.
Clean up as you go and avoid leaving trash or leftovers out, even if it’s something small. Mosquitoes have a sharp enough sense of smell to find a sticky spoon in a hurry.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
