Does Garlic Ward Off Mosquitoes?



Although garlic has a natural sulfur which repels mosquitoes, we’re going to have to say ‘NO’ to this one. Spraying garlic to keep insects away is not something new, farmers and master gardeners have been doing it for many generations. Since mosquitoes are soft-bodied insects, the garlic juice can be very toxic to them in increased concentrations. Applying this amount to your skin would probably not be very comfortable, nor would you smell very nice.

Scientists estimate that genetics account for about 85% of our attractiveness to mosquitoes, so those of us who attract them en masse may have to reconcile ourselves to our fate.  They do say that it’s better not to exert yourself too much when the mosquitoes are biting due to how we naturally produce more lactic acid and carbon dioxide when we are active. Maybe we should all take more hammock naps instead of hiking that trail, eh?

What a lot of folks don’t realize is that the way mosquito repellents work is more about masking your own body’s smell. Mosquitoes can smell the carbon dioxide and lactic acid that our bodies emit, and that lures them to us. However, EATING garlic will not do much to repel them, unless you ate a small mountain of cloves. But, we have heard if you hang a garland of garlic around your neck you won’t have to worry about Vampires. Perhaps you should just pick up our spray repellent?