Mosquito Repellent - Using a Fire Pit to Deter Mosquitoes

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a time to attract mosquitoes. These pesky insects can ruin a perfectly good barbecue or camping trip. However, there is a way to enjoy the outdoors without mosquitoes or other flying bugs and pests bothering you.

For centuries, humans have gathered around fires for warmth, light, and companionship. Today, the tradition continues in backyards everywhere, with friends and family congregating around a fire for cozy evenings under the stars. Then suddenly your peace is ruined from a mosquito bite in the great outdoors. But, did you know your fire pit could be more than just a centerpiece for s'mores and ghost stories? Backyard fire pits can work as the perfect solution for keeping mosquitoes and other flying insects at bay!

Yes, fire has the potential to repel mosquitoes. The smoke from a fire can irritate the mosquitoes' senses and make it difficult for most pests to fly. The heat from the fire can also make it uncomfortable for mosquitoes to stay in the area. Additionally, the smoke from certain types of wood, such as cedar, can contain insect repellents.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, heat, and certain chemical compounds present in human breath and sweat. When a fire is burning, it releases carbon dioxide and heat, which may interfere with the mosquito's ability to detect their human hosts and keep mosquitoes away.

Mosquitoes are the ultimate party crashers, turning your pleasant outdoor gathering into a symphony of slaps and swats. Fortunately, burning a fire can help you out here. Mosquitoes hate smoke and high temperatures, both of which are generously provided by the fire. So, while you're roasting marshmallows and spinning yarns, the smell of smoke from your fire is quietly convincing mosquitoes to look elsewhere for their evening meal.

Smoke: Mosquitoes hate smoke as it lulls their senses and smoke impairs their flight. The smoke also contains carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes are attracted to. However, when the smoke is too thick, it can keep mosquitoes away from coming near.

Heat: The temperatures from a fire can make it uncomfortable for mosquitoes to stay in the area. Although mosquitoes prefer warm climates, very high temperatures can deter mosquitoes temporarily. If the environment is too hot, mosquitoes will be less active until surrounding temperatures decrease.

Mosquitoes hate climates that are too cold or too hot. Mosquito are cold-blooded insects, so they need to stay in warm environments. When the temperature drops too low, they can become sluggish and unable to fly. For this reason, mosquitoes stay away from cold areas.

Humidity: More importantly than heat, the amount of humidity effects mosquito activity. Areas that are too dry can lead to dehydration in active mosquito which would lead them to see more humid areas. Fires can evaporate the moisture in nearby areas and dissuade mosquitoes from coming close.

Wood: Not all types of burning material work the same. The smoke from types of wood, such as cedar, can contain natural chemicals and insect repellents. These repellents can keep mosquitoes away from the fire.

However, not all fires are created equal. The type of material you use in your fire can make a significant difference. Some types of wood, like cedar, are known to repel mosquitoes. So, throwing some cedar logs or pinion onto your fire could transform it into a mosquito-fleeing powerhouse.

There are firestarter logs such as citronella wood that you can buy that contain citronella oil. Citronella oil is a non-toxic way to repel mosquitos. It is an essential oil derived from plants of the Cymbopogon (lemongrass) and it acts as an insect repellent.

There are a number of plants and herbs that have natural insect repellent properties. Planting these plants around your fire will help to keep mosquitoes away. Some good herbs include lavender, mint, lemon balm and eucalyptus.

For an added boost, consider using aromatic plants. Natural herbs like sage and rosemary, when tossed onto the fire, release a smoke that is particularly unpleasant to mosquitoes. You can also burn natural plants such as lavender or mint, both known for their mosquito-repelling properties. Grow these herbs as an effective method against insects right in your backyard garden. Plus, they add a delightful fragrance to the air, giving your outdoor space a fresh herbs scent.

There are plenty ways besides fires to prevent mosquitoes. Weather and climate can lure mosquitoes and make it agitating to enjoy the outdoors. In some instances, you may not be able to start a fire to disperse the flying pests. Here are a few other options you can use as mosquito repellents.

• Citronella candles
• Tiki torches
• Essential oils (eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint, clary sage, catnip)
• Bug spray/bug repellent sprays
• Bug zappers

Unfortunately, gas fire pits do not repel mosquitoes effectively. The smoke from a gas fire does not contain the same chemicals that are found in the smoke produced from a wood fire, which is what makes wood fires effective at repelling mosquitoes. Additionally, gas does not produce as much heat as wood fires, which can also make a wood fire less attractive to mosquitoes.

A crucial key to using an open fire as an effective mosquito repellent is the location. You can place your pit in places like a deck or patio area. Be sure to keep these areas clean and covered from standing water as this can create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes can be attracted to the hot air and light from a fire, so it's important to keep people and pets a safe distance away. The hot air and smoke can be dangerous, and the fire could also spread.

Shrubs and tall grass are known placement for where mosquitoes settle in. Placing a tiki torch or burning essential oils next to these plants can help with keeping mosquitoes out of the way.

It's important to note that smoke from the fire will only deter mosquitoes in the direction it's blowing. Be aware of the wind direction and, if possible, position your seating area accordingly. Also, remember that the effect isn't 100%—you're discouraging the mosquitoes, not building an impenetrable force field.

If the wind is blowing towards you, it will carry the smoke in your direction and protect from mosquito bites. This can help to keep them away, but it can also make it difficult to breathe. If the wind is blowing away from you, it can still repel mosquito near but won't work as effectively. Try to position seating near the direction of where the wind blows without being right in front of the smoke.

Keep the fire going for as long as possible. The longer the fire is going, the more smoke it will produce. This will help to keep mosquitoes away for a longer period of time. Make sure to keep the coals hot by adding more wood as needed.

Adding more leaves or herbs can keep your fire burning flames. This will ensure that you have protection from bugs and garden pests.

Finally, while using fire as a natural mosquito repellent is a fantastic solution, remember that safety should always come first. Never leave a fire unattended, keep a safe distance, and ensure its fully extinguished when you're done.

If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, you may want to avoid sitting too close to a gas fire pit.

A backyard fire pit serves as an inviting focal point for social gatherings, a source of warmth on chilly nights, and now, as a champion in your battle against mosquitoes. So, let the fire blaze and enjoy your mosquito-reduced, firelit evenings with less buzzing and more relaxing.

If you experience other complications with repelling mosquitoes or other insects, call your local pest control for professional bug removal and pest control services.