Mosquitoes: the toilet paper and essential oils repellent method

Oliver James Whitfield • August 15, 2026 20:39

A remarkably effective approach.

Every year, it plays out the same way. Even when we know it is coming, mosquitoes inevitably end up ruining our nights or disturbing the calm of our days. Beyond this summer nuisance, they are also increasingly acting as carriers of disease, so it makes sense to avoid them as much as possible.

A viral mosquitoes trick: toilet paper soaked with essential oils

Recently, a surprising method has been widely shared on social media. As Pure People reports, some people soak toilet paper with essential oils in an attempt to drive mosquitoes away. Citronella is particularly popular, as are lavender and lemon eucalyptus. At the very least, this method can help keep them away from the immediate area.

These oils are often inexpensive to buy, and toilet paper is something most of us already have at home. That said, the results are not guaranteed 100% and can vary depending on the mosquito species. You also need to factor in the size of the room and how concentrated the oil is.

Un révolutionary repellent: combine methods and use oils carefully

It is therefore best to combine several measures-starting with removing any standing water in and around your home and/or fitting insect screens. Likewise, essential oils should be handled with care and are not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or certain sensitive individuals.

Researchers’ innovative mosquito repellent based on skin bacteria

As a reminder, we recently mentioned a team of researchers who developed a novel repellent that uses bacteria naturally present on human skin to provide long-lasting protection against mosquito bites. The findings from their work were published in the journal PNAS Nexus.

This breakthrough is based on a detailed understanding of how female mosquitoes are drawn to humans. They are especially responsive to several stimuli, including body heat, exhaled carbon dioxide, and the odours produced by the human skin microbiome. More information on this topic is available in our previous article.