Cologne: Natural Bug Repellent Or Just A Scent?

With the threat of diseases like Zika looming, mosquito season is underlined with anxiety. While bug sprays are effective, their intense smell and greasiness are off-putting. This has led to a rise in perfumes that double as bug sprays, with some colognes also serving as natural bug repellents. These fragrances use essential oils like lavender, geranium, patchouli, cedarwood, and vanilla to keep bugs at bay, offering an effective and chic alternative to traditional bug sprays.

Citrus fragrances as a bug repellent

Citrus fragrances are an effective way to repel bugs, especially mosquitoes. The strong citrusy scent of fragrances like cologne is irritating to mosquitoes but pleasant to people.

Citrus fragrances can be used as a natural bug repellent without the use of chemicals and other harsh deterrents. One of the most popular citrus fragrances used as a bug repellent is Coqui Coqui, a fragrance line from a group of Mexican boutique hotels. It offers a citrusy mosquito repellent packaged like fancy perfumes. The product is often sold out and is available for $12 for two ounces.

Citrus fragrances can also be used in the form of cologne, such as CB I Hate Perfume's 610 Outside, which is a lavender-geranium cologne meant to ward off mosquitoes. Another option is Kinfield's Golden Hour bug repellent, which has a pleasant scent of citronella with a hint of lemon and a dollop of whipped cream. It is available at Anthropologie for $22.

In addition to commercial fragrances, you can create your own natural bug repellent using citrus fragrances. One recipe includes mixing one pint of distilled white vinegar with 25 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil. You can also switch up the scents by using other essential oils with minty or citrus aromas, which are effective in repelling bugs.

Citrus fragrances are a great way to keep bugs at bay while enjoying their pleasant scent. Whether you opt for a commercial fragrance or create your own, citrus fragrances offer a stylish and natural way to repel bugs.

Aromatic greens and mint

To make use of its bug-repelling properties, you can grow a pot of mint leaves to screen large openings and prevent bugs from entering your home. You can also hang dried mint leaves in sachets from the ceiling or place them in hard-to-reach corners to deter cockroaches and ants.

If you're looking for a more portable solution, you can create your own mint-based bug repellent spray by mixing mint oil with rubbing alcohol at a ratio of five to one. Alternatively, crush mint leaves and apply the oil directly to your skin or clothing.

For an even more luxurious option, you can try perfume-repellent hybrids like Coqui Coqui's citrusy mosquito repellent or Aromaflage's "fragrance with a function," which combines notes of silken vanilla, exotic orange, warm cedarwood, and vitamin E to keep bugs at bay.

So, whether you choose to grow your own mint or opt for a ready-made solution, you can enjoy the bug-repelling benefits of aromatic greens and mint without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Vanilla as a mosquito repellent

Vanilla has been shown to have some mosquito-repelling properties, but its effectiveness is limited and short-lived. While it may work for some people, it is not a guaranteed solution for preventing mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by the carbon dioxide we exhale and certain chemical cues, such as breath odours and microbiota by-products on our skin. Vanilla, derived from the chemical compound vanillin, can slow down the evaporation of synthetic and natural repellents, thereby increasing their effectiveness in keeping mosquitoes at bay. However, on its own, vanilla's repellent effects are often short-lived, lasting for an estimated 30 minutes or less.

To use vanilla as a mosquito repellent, some people suggest applying a mixture of a cup of water with a spoonful of vanilla extract onto the skin. This method not only potentially keeps mosquitoes away but may also help reduce the itchiness of existing bites. Additionally, vanilla-scented perfumes or colognes, such as Aromaflage's fragrance-repellent hybrid line, can be an effective way to mask human scents that attract mosquitoes while providing a pleasant aroma.

It is important to note that while vanilla may offer some protection, it is not as potent as other commercially available bug sprays that contain EPA-registered active ingredients recommended by the CDC, such as DEET, IR 3535, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone. These products are proven to be safe and effective when used according to label instructions.

Natural bug repellent recipes

If you're looking for natural ways to keep bugs at bay, there are several recipes you can try. These recipes use essential oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients to repel insects. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive recipes for natural bug repellents:

Basic Bug Spray with Essential Oils

This simple recipe calls for just three ingredients:

• 1 part oil of lemon eucalyptus or lavender essential oil
• 10 parts witch hazel

Mix the ingredients in a bottle and shake gently to combine. Apply to the skin as needed.

Herbal Insect Repellent

This recipe uses fresh herbs and witch hazel to create a natural bug spray:

• 2 tablespoons each of chopped fresh mint, basil, and lavender leaves
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup witch hazel

Steep the herbs in the boiling water until cooled. Strain the mixture and add the witch hazel. Shake well to combine.

Alcohol-Based Spray

For a stronger repellent, try this recipe with alcohol:

• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 1/2 cup water or vinegar
• 30 drops geranium essential oil
• 30 drops citronella essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 8-ounce spray bottle

Combine the essential oils and alcohol in the spray bottle, then add the witch hazel and glycerin. Finally, add the water or vinegar and shake well.

Skin-Soothing Insect Repellent

This recipe includes apple cider vinegar, which is known for its skin-soothing properties:

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 40 drops of eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, citronella, rosemary, or a combination
• 1 8-ounce spray bottle

Combine the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well.

Vanilla and Lemon Insect Repellent

A simple and effective recipe with just three ingredients:

• 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 3-4 tablespoons vanilla extract
• Spray bottle of your choice

Combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well.

Rub-On Insect Repellent

For a more concentrated repellent, try this rub-on recipe:

• 2 tablespoons oil of choice (avocado oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or neem oil)
• 20 drops of essential oils (combination or single oil)
• Small container such as an old lotion bottle or glass jar

Add the carrier oil to the container, then mix in the essential oils. Shake well before applying to the skin.

These recipes provide a natural and often pleasant-smelling alternative to traditional bug sprays. However, it's important to note that some essential oils and herbs can be irritating or harmful, so always do a patch test before use and consult a veterinarian before using these products near pets.

Commercially available colognes that repel bugs

While cologne can attract mosquitoes, there are commercially available colognes that repel bugs. These are some examples:

CB I Hate Perfume 610 Outside

Created by Christopher Brosius, this cologne is a mixture of lavender, geranium, patchouli, cedarwood, bergamot, and a touch of oregano. It is advertised as a sexy way to keep biting bugs away for hours.

Mrs. White's Unstung Hero

Mrs. White's Unstung Hero is a natural anti-mosquito eau de cologne with a nontoxic, uplifting, lemon-tea fragrance. It can be sprayed onto bed linens and clothes without any worries of staining.

Aromaflage Botanical Fragrance & Insect Repellent

Aromaflage is a deet-free, chemical-free, and paraben-free cologne that doubles as an insect repellent. With notes of silken vanilla, exotic orange, warm cedarwood, and vitamin E, this scent will keep you bug-free without compromising your style.

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Aerosol Spray

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard is an unscented aerosol spray that effectively keeps mosquitoes and deer ticks away for hours.

Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent

This is a natural blend of rosemary, lemongrass, citronella oil, and other essential oils that will keep biting insects away.

Intelligent Nutrients Aromatic Bug Repellent

Intelligent Nutrients is a perfume and bug spray in one. This all-natural, organic, and earthy-scented product is a smart way to keep annoying flying insects away.

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