One of my earliest summer memories is watching my nana stick cloves into a halved lemon and place it on the windowsill.
“No bugs will come near,” she’d say with a smile.
And honestly?
It seemed to work.
✅ How to Make It:
- Cut a lemon in half
- Stud the cut side with 5–10 whole cloves
- Place near open windows, on patios, or beside your bedside table
✅ Why It Works (Yes, Really)
- Lemon (citrus) contains limonene , a compound that repels insects
- Cloves are rich in eugenol , a natural insect deterrent proven effective in studies
- Together, they create a fragrant, non-toxic barrier that mosquitoes hate
📚 A 2019 study in Parasitology Research found that clove essential oil has strong repellent effects against Aedes aegypti — the mosquito that spreads dengue and Zika.
🧪 What Science Says About Vitamins & Mosquito Repellent Claims
You may have heard claims that taking certain vitamins — especially B1 (thiamine) — can repel mosquitoes from the inside out.
Let’s separate myth from fact .
❓ Does Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Repel Mosquitoes?
The claim:
When you take thiamine, your body releases a scent through your skin that mosquitoes hate.
The science:
- Some small studies in the 1960s suggested a possible effect
- But modern research , including a review in the Journal of Insect Science , found no strong evidence that oral thiamine repels mosquitoes
- The CDC and WHO do not recommend it as a reliable method
✅ Bottom line: While safe, vitamin B1 is not a proven mosquito repellent .
✅ Safe & Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away
Want to go beyond the lemon and clove trick? Here are science-backed, natural strategies that actually work:
1. 🌱 Use Essential Oil Sprays (Topical)
- Lemon eucalyptus oil (PMD) – CDC-approved natural repellent
- Lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil – Mix with carrier oil (like coconut) for a soothing spray
- Caution: Never apply undiluted oils to skin
2. 🪟 Eliminate Standing Water
- Empty flower pots, birdbaths, and buckets weekly
- Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water — even a bottle cap full is enough
3. 🕯️ Use Citronella Candles or Torches
- Creates a localized barrier
- Most effective in small, enclosed outdoor areas
4. 👗 Wear Light-Colored, Loose Clothing
- Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and body heat
- Cover up with long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk
5. 🏡 Install Screens & Repair Gaps
- Keep windows and doors sealed
- Check for tears in screens
🛑 What Doesn’t Work (Despite the Hype)
🚫 Garlic, bananas, or vitamin B supplements – No proven effect
🚫 Ultrasonic apps – Studies show they don’t repel mosquitoes
🚫 Wristbands with essential oils – Limited coverage and short-lived
Final Thoughts
My nana’s lemon and clove trick may not be a miracle cure — but it’s a gentle, pleasant, and surprisingly effective way to help keep mosquitoes at bay.
And while vitamin B1 won’t save you from bites , combining natural methods with proven protection can make your summer safer and more comfortable.
So this season, try a little of both:
- Honor the wisdom of the past (like nana’s kitchen hacks)
- Lean on science for what really works
Because the best protection isn’t just in a bottle —
it’s in smart habits, clean surroundings, and a little lemon on the windowsill .
