Do Mosquitoes Hate Coffee?
If you're looking for an inexpensive and natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, you may have a surprising ally in your morning coffee grounds. That's right - the potent aroma of coffee is off-putting to mosquitoes.
Does Coffee Repel Mosquitoes?
Yes, the strong smell of coffee masks other scents that attract mosquitoes, essentially preventing them from being able to detect humans and animals they want to feed on. Burning used coffee grounds can create a mosquito-repelling smoke cloud around outdoor areas like yards, patios, campgrounds, and more.
How to Burn Coffee Grounds
If you are looking to repel mosquitoes by burning coffee grounds, use the following steps:
- If using used coffee grounds, first dry them out completely on a baking sheet, foil pan or plate. If using fresh grounds, skip this step.
- Transfer the dried grounds to a heat-proof container or create a shallow pile on a non-flammable outdoor surface away from children and pets.
- Create a small mound in your pile, then take your lighter and light the mound.
- Position the burning coffee ground upwind so the smoke and coffee aroma disperses towards the area you want to protect.
The flame from the grounds will resemble incense burning. As the grounds burn, the edges might turn white or ash-gray.
How to Keep Coffee Grounds Burning
Here are some tips for keeping coffee grounds smoldering and producing mosquito-repelling smoke for an extended period:
- Use a pie plate or shallow heat-safe container to allow maximum airflow to the burning grounds.
- Stir and fluff the grounds occasionally to expose any unburnt areas to oxygen.
- Gradually add more dry, used coffee grounds as the original batch burns down.
- For indoor use, place the smoldering grounds near an open window or other ventilated area.
Not only is this a frugal way to reuse old coffee grounds, but it's also an easy, environmentally-friendly solution for mosquito control without harsh chemicals.
Professional Mosquito Control Services
While burning coffee grounds can be an effective, natural way to repel mosquitoes from outdoor areas, it may not provide complete mosquito control for everyone. If you are still pestered by these biting insects despite trying DIY methods, it's time to call in professional mosquito control. If you’re in the Myrtle Beach area, our exterminators at Beach Pest Service utilize the latest and safest mosquito control treatments to eliminate mosquitoes from yards, gardens, patios, and outdoor living spaces. Call us today for a free quote on Myrtle Beach mosquito control!