Mosquitoes are extremely sensitive to smell and will avoid areas they believe or know to be populated by large amounts of humans. They are also repelled by the smell of smoke, particularly tobacco smoke.
This is why many people who smoke report that mosquitoes are less attracted to them than their non-smoking counterparts. The smell of cannabis is similar to the smell of tobacco smoke. Therefore, cannabis may repel mosquitoes due to its similarities to tobacco smoke.
Cannabis can be one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away. The herb not only provides a great aroma that will keep the pesky insects away, but also contains a chemical that helps to ward off mosquitoes.
Another best way to stop mosquitoes from bothering you is to use a high quality mosquito repellent that contains natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint essential oils. But using cannabis may also does the job.
As we all know, mosquitoes are repelled by citronella, which is according to research, can be found in cannabis extract. In fact, it has also been found that cannabis plants contain more citronella than any other plant, which could explain why mosquitoes do not like cannabis users.
Cannabis as insect repellent
Cannabis can be a very effective way to repel insects not only mosquitoes, but also flies, and other flying insects. It is also very effective for repelling parasitic insects and ticks.
For example, a study showed that the chemovar Sativa, a sativa-dominant cannabis strain originating in Thailand, was a highly effective repellent for the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys).
Cannabis does have some insect-repelling properties, but the culprit is a compound called pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is also found in chrysanthemums, and works by targeting the nervous system of insects.
Some of the insects that can be repelled by cannabis are:
- Bugs
Cannabis has been used to repel bugs for over 5,000 years. It has been proven to repel bugs. The reason for this is because of its strong scent and toxicity.
- Moths
Cannabis can repel moths not because it has a strong smell but because the plant produces chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a chemical that makes plants green and helps make food through photosynthesis.
- Beetles
Some cannabis strains have been known to repel a wide variety of insects, including the common household beetle.
The beetles that are repelled by cannabis are attracted by the common scent of the cannabis. Cannabis produces a scent that is similar to the scent of their natural predators, which causes the beetles to avoid the cannabis plants.
- Fleas
Research suggests that cannabis does repel fleas. Cannabis has anti-parasitic properties, so it would make sense that it would repel fleas and other insects. This aspect of cannabis has been used to treat pests for centuries, especially hemp and other bast fibers.
- Ants
Cannabis has demonstrated an ability to repel a wide variety of common pests of cannabis, such as spider mites, aphids, and ants. Additionally, cannabis also has demonstrated an ability to repel termites.
- Cockroaches
Cannabis, cannabis oil, and hemp oil all have been used to help treat cockroaches. The reason for this is because roaches are sensitive to Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the main psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis. This makes cannabis an effective repellent against them.
How to use cannabis as a mosquito repellent?
As we all experience, mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests. They can be annoying inside the house, in the garden, and out fishing.
So if you don’t want to be bothered by them, then you need to learn how to use cannabis as insect repellent. Recently, dry herb vaporizer has been introduced as a great tool to vaporize the smoke from dry herb. This is the fastest and easiest way to use cannabis as insect repellent.
This effects can also be achieved by using a mixture of essential oils and hemp oil combined with a cannabis inhaler. The cannabis oil is extracted from the cannabis plants and is usually in the form of a liquid.
The essential oils are extracted from the plants too, but are essential to man and are generally in the form of a liquid or a powder. The two together, when put into a vaporizer, are said to emit a vapor that will repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Other plants that repel mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are pesky little creatures that can be quite the nuisance during the summer months. The bite is usually painful and the bite can result in a rather unpleasant experience lasting for weeks.
Mosquitoes are especially an annoying problem that many people have in tropical areas, with the insects highlighted as carriers of diseases such as malaria.
Using a mosquito repellent is important for any tropical area but finding a natural alternative to toxic chemicals is a must. Luckily, many plants are available on the market that you can use to eliminate mosquitoes from your property.
Some plants that repel mosquitoes are:
- Catnip
Catnip is a plant in the mint family. It is a perennial herb that has a minty smell. Catnip is known to repel mosquitoes and some other insects.
Catnip is also known to be useful as an alternative medicine for treating the symptoms of cold, fever, or headache by inhaling its fumes.
- Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has been used for centuries by herbalists for its healing powers. It is an effective anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal agent. But, it also is a repellent to mosquitoes.
- Sage
Sage is a plant that smells like soap or sage and it repels mosquitoes. It is also known as Salvia officinalis. Sage has many uses as a herb and even as a spice.
Sage is a flower that repels mosquitos and other bugs. There are no harmful chemicals in the plant. Sage is a great addition to a backyard garden. To repel mosquitoes rub the crushed leaves of Sage on your skin or clothing.
- Citronella
Citronella Oil is effective at repelling insects like mosquitoes. Its smell is derived from Citronella Grass, and it is one of the most effective natural insect repellents.
Using just a few ingredients, you can create your own personal mosquito repellent spray. Adding citronella oil, which is derived from the citronella grass, to a spray bottle can help you stay protected from mosquitoes when you are outside in the evenings or at night.
However, using citronella oil as a mosquito repellent can have negative consequences if you make it too strong by adding too much.
- Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass essential oil is a good repellent against mosquitoes as it contains citronella, lemongrass, citral, geraniol, and limonene, which have a strong smell mosquitoes dislike.
- Lavender
The essential oil of lavender is one of the most widely used oils for bugs control. Lavender oil is very effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects.
Mosquitoes are sensitive to the scent of Lavender. If you would like to repel mosquitoes for a short period of time, try burning some Lavender in an oil burner.
- Basil
Basil is an essential oil that is used in aromatherapy and for flavoring food. It is also known to help repel mosquitoes.
The use of natural oils, such as basil, is likely to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are repelled by the smell of the plant.
- Geranium
Geraniums are known to repel mosquitoes and may be used to help keep mosquitoes off of you while gardening.
- Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum, also known as the ‘Flower of the East’, is used to repel mosquitoes. Chrysanthemum contains pyrethrum, a compound with insecticidal and insect repellent properties. The most effective way to use it in a repellent is to apply an oil or extract from these flowers directly to your skin.
- Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is a very strong mosquito repellent. It acts as a natural insecticide and insect repellent. The smell of the oil is strong and is commonly associated with mosquito repellent.
Eucalyptus oil is prepared from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. The oil can be used both for internal and topical use.
Eucalyptus oil can be placed in a diffusor and the room will be naturally protected from mosquitoes. It can also be used on the skin.
- Marigold
Marigold, also known as pot marigold and blow ball, is an herbaceous plant in the genus Calendula, in the family Asteraceae.
They are native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, but have been cultivated and naturalized extensively. Marigold will help keep mosquitoes away from you.
- Rosemary
Rosemary is the most common herb used for repelling mosquitoes. Its scent masks the scent of humans and it is thought to irritate them.
Rosemary contains a compound called camphor which is commonly found in insect repellent sprays.
- Borage
The plant borage has been shown to be effective in repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects. Mosquitoes will not go near borage because they don’t like its smell.
- Peppermint
Peppermint has been found to have a repellent effect on mosquitoes. In fact, peppermint oil is one of the best mosquito repellent. It contains a high amount of a chemical known as menthol.
- Thyme
Thyme is a natural mosquito repellent. It is extracted from the herb Thymus Vulgaris aka common thyme herb and is made into Thyme Oil. The active ingredient is known as Thymol. Thyme can be a great addition to any bug spray. This is a very effective mosquito repellent and also adds a nice scent to the spray.
- Mint
The Mint family of plants are known to repel mosquitoes and other small insects. To include mint in your dry herb vaporizer, simply grind your herb (you can use a coffee grinder), and mix it with mint. Mint repels mosquitoes by emitting a scent they don’t like.
- Sorrel
Sorrel contains acids like oxalic acid which makes it a natural mosquito repellent. It also contains vitamins and minerals like copper, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Cannabis-based repellents have proven to be a promising alternative to synthetic repellents.
How do you keep mosquitoes away naturally?
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance for those of us who enjoy outdoor activities, particularly those who spend time getting active in the great outdoors.
Although there is no known way to completely eliminate mosquitoes, there are a number of natural ways that you can attempt to ward off mosquitoes by using natural repellents. The best time to use this is during the day as they are most active at dusk and dawn.
The best way to keep mosquitoes away naturally is to keep your yard clean. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water or in the water that pools on the ground after a rainstorm.
Mosquitoes are also attracted to light, carbon dioxide, and the scent that people give off. Some natural ingredients, such as lemon eucalyptus and peppermint oil, can mask these attractants, preventing mosquitoes from sensing them through their antennae.
As much as possible, you have to avoid using chemicals or synthetic materials as a mosquito repellent as this might cause problems when inhaled.
