Is Perfume Useful as Bug Repellent Spray? [Read and Find Out]

Written By Nazia Haque

Perfumes can have many alternative uses, usually giving us a pleasant aromatic experience. But I wonder if there are more unique uses for our fragrances.

In other words, you know how irritating bugs are. Therefore, inevitably you had to rely on bug spray to get rid of them. And that makes me question if my fragrance can do the deed.

So keep scrolling to find out if your perfume can keep bugs away from you.

Is Perfume Useful as Bug Repellent Spray

Is Perfume Useful as Bug repellent Spray?

Yes, some perfumes indeed can be useful as bug repellent spray. So you may love fragrances, but the bugs detest them. As a result, it made many researchers curious to find what aromas ward off nasty little bugs.

Most importantly, when we are traveling, mosquitoes can be a huge problem. For example, suppose you are on an outdoor trip– maybe spend the night in a tent. And there is no end to those tiny bloodsuckers as they are resilient and insanely frustrating.

Consequently, you wake up without proper sleep and with itchy, swollen, red bite marks. After that, your mood and day can be ruined– which isn’t something you want when you are on an outing.

Related Guide: Is Perfume Bad For Dogs?

According to some researchers, Victoria’s Secret’s Bombshell scent can drive away mosquitoes.

Moreover, it was tested and proven that Bombshell can repel mosquitoes for two hours after it is applied. Therefore, it is said to be as good as DEET– the best bug repellent.

Although, floral and fruity scent attracts mosquitoes. But when you wear the fragrance, it covers your natural odor, which makes the bugs fly away from you. And it’s because essential oils that add the aroma to a perfume.

In addition, other aromas can keep bugs away. For example, lemon and citronella.

So even if you don’t have Bombshell, you can use scent with bug repellent notes to do the work.

In short, not all perfumes can repel bugs, so don’t throw away the bug repellent spray just yet. However, you may look for notes of fragrance that can keep mosquitoes away, so you can use or buy a similar one.

Can Perfume Keep Bugs Away?

As per a study, perfume can be effective in keeping bugs away. So the research included various repellent sprays, and interestingly fragrances were also included.

Firstly, the researchers kept a mosquito in a Y-shaped tube. Secondly, one of the researchers spritzed one hand with repellent spray and the other with perfume, then put her hands separately on the tube ends. Third, the scientist noted if the mosquito ignored the hand or came closer.

Finally, the results showed that apart from DEET, Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume and Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil worked against the mosquito. However, the effects of Bombshell lasted longer than the bath oil.

Also, it is said that mosquitoes have poor vision and rely on smell. Therefore, a high concentration aroma can throw them off.

Above all, mosquito bites can cause many diseases, such as dengue and malaria. So it is necessary to protect yourself from it.

Also, you can check out: Is Perfume Bad For You?

Here is some advice by health officials you can follow:

  • Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.
  • Shower or rinse away sweat, or change out dirty clothes.
  • Always apply DEET when out.

Meanwhile, DEET is a chemical spray that can make the mosquitoes’ olfactory receptors confused. As a result, even if they are near you, they won’t bite. Plus, they are incredibly effective in throwing away the bugs and cheap.

So if you have a hiking trip coming up, you know what to carry apart from plenty of water.

To summarize, perfume is a costly spray to keep bugs away. Therefore, you got to make the call to choose fragrance over regular bug spray, which is way cheaper.

Does Perfume Attract or Repel Bugs?

Well, some perfumes attract bugs, and some repel them. Similarly, different types of scents can affect different kinds of bugs. However, that doesn’t mean not wearing fragrances can give you absolute protection against them or vice versa.

In other words, in summer or winter, you may encounter bugs like mosquitoes, fleas, bed bugs, etc. Therefore, using insect repellant has become a necessity.

On the other hand, perfume is also a part of our every lifestyle. However, it is noted that fruity and floral scents attract specific bugs like mosquitoes. But some fragrances repel them as well.

For instance, some concentrated perfumes and essential oil can become strong insecticides.

Furthermore, an organic compound called Nootkatone is found in herbs like vetiver and citrus fruits. Although it is expensive to extract, it can repel mosquitoes, bed bugs, ticks, fleas, head lice, midges, and more. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly and used in cosmetic products and perfumes.

Likewise, it has a woody, citrus, and herbal notes– giving a fresh, airy, and fruity floral aroma.

As a result, perfumes can repel bugs. And remember that some perfumes and insect repellents can help you live healthier and happier by protecting you from diseases spread by bugs.

Looking for something different? Then check out Is Perfume Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

Does Perfume Attract Spiders?

Yes, perfume can attract spiders. For instance, if they sniff a strong scent, they will move further away from that smell. So you can use potent fragrances as a spider repellent.

In addition, spiders deter aromas of chestnut, vinegar, mint, catnip, Marigold, citrus, and cayenne pepper.

Moreover, perfume can also kill spiders. However, killing spiders depend on the alcohol content in the fragrance. If the alcohol level is high, it can only then kill a spider.

What Fragrance Keep Bugs Away?

Keeping bugs away is necessary. And so does smelling good. Therefore, wouldn’t it be great to combine both?

So if you don’t want to be the target of biting and stinging bugs– stay away from heavy floral, fruity, and sweet scents. Instead, you should go for citrus, mint, aromatic greens, and aqua accords.

Here are fragrances notes that repel mosquitoes, bees, and wasps:

#1 Lemon

#2 Lemon Verbena

#3 GrapefruitAlso repelling Bees/Wasps are the aromatic greens or

#4 Mint,

#5 Eucalyptus

#6 Rosemary.

Firstly, citrus aromas interact with the insects’ respiratory system and make it difficult for them to breathe. Secondly, these scents add a refreshing vibe to the Summer.

Follow our guide to know Why Is Perfume Not Vegan?

Here are fragrance notes that repel biting bugs:

#1 Peppermint

#2 Myrtle

#3 Basil

#4 Cedar

#5 Fir

#6 Vanilla

Even though vanilla is sweet, it is an excellent mosquito repellent because it interferes with their ability to feed on us.

Finally, Here are some essential oils that keep bugs away:

  • Lavender
  • Geranium
  • Patchouli
  • Rosemary
  • Bergamot
  • Peppermint
  • Vetiver
  • Citronella

Finally, we must protect ourselves from nasty little bugs to maintain our livelihood and health.

What Perfume Do Mosquito Hate?

Mosquitoes are usually attracted to fragrances and scented lotions. Subsequently, floral smells are the biggest attraction for mosquitoes. It is because lady mosquitoes love floral scents.

Most importantly, mosquitoes can pass on deadly diseases. For instance, its bite can spread viruses like Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, dengue, and malaria.

Therefore, scientists work hard to find the best solution to keep mosquitoes at bay.

During such research, it’s been proven that some fragrances can repel mosquitoes. And the verdict is that mosquitoes hate Victoria’s Secret Bombshell.

Follow our guide to know How to Use Solid Perfume?

Also, mosquitoes hate the following notes:

  • Lemon
  • Lemon Verbena
  • Grapefruit

In addition, you should also shower after sweating, always wear clean clothes with no fragrances that attract mosquitoes, and use a repellant cream/spray on your exposed skin areas.

To summarize, you should always take proper precautions against all insects to stay healthy and happy.

What a Bug-er!

We all face many hindrances because of bug infestations. And insects can be a problem at home or when traveling.

Therefore, you must take proper precautions to save yourself from insect bites and diseases.

On the other hand, it is proven that some perfumes are effective in repelling bugs like mosquitoes. So once you note the fragrances that bugs hate– you can keep the bloodsuckers away and enjoy the scent.

In conclusion, you can use fragrances as bug repellent spray, but that’s a costly solution.

Quickly check out our post: Why is There Coffee in Perfume Stores?

Finally, I hope this article helps you keep the tiny monsters away. Also, if you have anything to share, leave that below.

About The Author
Nazia is passionate about perfumes. Her love for perfumes started with her father whom she lost in 2017. She’d often reminisce his memories with the help of his fragrances’. Writing about fragrances makes her happy as she can share its wonders with the world. She also loves reading sci-fi novels and traveling.

Leave a Comment