Mosquito Repellent Could Be Harming Bees—What to Try Instead

Mosquitos know how to put a damper on barbecues and outdoor days. If mosquitos pose a problem in your backyard, you’ve probably looked into or started spraying for them.

While you might only want to get rid of mosquitos, spraying certain insecticides might be the downfall of more than just these biting pests. You could be harming other bugs that are very important to your garden’s small ecosystem and beyond—even without meaning to.

Here’s what to know about certain mosquito sprays and several alternatives from an expert that will keep them away without hurting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures.

Why Are Mosquito Sprays Harmful to Pollinators?

David Price of Mosquito Joe says mosquito sprays containing neonicotinoids are the main culprits of harming other critters.

“Neonicotinoids can be toxic to pollinators, including honey bees,” he says. “They contribute to the declining health of pollinators by affecting their nervous systems.”

These insecticides are the most popular in the U.S. and hang around in soil long after being sprayed, hurting wildlife and insects. This isn’t ideal—disaster strikes when pollinators aren’t around, and it’s best to find other options to keep mosquitos at bay.

Price suggested four other alternatives that are effective and safer.

Alternative #1: Essential Oil Sprays

Natural mosquito repellents made from essential oils, such as eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, and lemongrass are effective and safer for pollinators, Price says. Plus, they’re easy to make yourself.

• Price suggests selecting the oil of your choosing.
• Then, mix 10 to 20 drops of essential oil with 2 cups of water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
• Each time you use this spray, shake it up, then apply it liberally around your backyard.

These contain certain fragrances mosquitos dislike and will stay away from. Most of these essential oil fragrances will help ward off other pests, too.

Alternative #2: DIY Garlic Spray

While many of us humans love the smell (and taste) of garlic, it’s another scent that mosquitos will try to evade. This makes it a great ingredient for DIY sprays.

• Price says this is similar to making an essential oil spray. You can mix crushed garlic with water two cups of water.
• Funnel this into a spray bottle and use it around your yard.
• Price says for the most effective control, reapply it every 14 days.

Alternative #3: Professional, Eco-Friendly Treatment

If DIY pest control isn’t your forte, you can call on experts. Price notes that professionals and pest control companies may be able to offer more eco-friendly services or options that won’t hurt pollinators.

Options like these leave you out of the application equation, don’t affect bees and butterflies, and are handled by trained technicians.

Alternative #4: Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Another natural option is actually a perk for other pollinators and insects: mosquito-repelling plants. Concentrated oils from these mosquito-repellent plants form the base of Price’s effective natural mosquito treatments, he notes.

Price has a shortlist of the top mosquito-repelling plants. These are:

• Citronella
• Lavender
• Marigolds
• Lemongrass
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Garlic
• Mint
• Lemon balm
• Catmint

Aside from just planting them, you can take it a step further to really ramp up the smell. Price says to “crush up some of the leaves and leave them in the area” to send mosquitos in the other direction.

The best part is bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial garden visitors will enjoy these plants and help pollinate them. You’ll have a thriving garden and fewer annoying pests.

Other Expert-Approved Ways to Keep Mosquitos at Bay

If mosquitos continue to bother you, there are other defenses you can try outside of plant sprays and traps.

• One of the most common options is citronella candles. These can be placed around tables and chairs to prevent their bites while relaxing.
• Outdoor fans are also useful for blowing away pests like mosquitoes. It even has the added bonus of helping cool you down with a nice breeze on the stickiest days and nights.