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Does basil repel mosquitoes? We tested it to find out

Can basil keep bugs from biting? Here's what we know

Mark Wolfe
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For well over a half century, DEET has been the trusted mosquito repellent of choice for soldiers, campers, and adventurers of all kinds who need high-level protection from biting insects and the illnesses they can spread. It remains the top performer of all readily available bug repellent ingredients, based on decades of lab and field testing, and is safe when applied as directed. However, questions still linger about this chemical, since it’s capable of damaging or dissolving synthetic materials.

Consumers are constantly on the lookout for natural alternatives. Can plant-based bug repellent products provide adequate protection while reducing the concern over chemical contact? Basil is one plant that may offer at least a partial solution.

Bundle of sweet basil on a wooden tabletop

Does basil keep bugs away

Mosquitoes and ticks are some of the most dangerous insects on the planet. They reside in habitats across the globe and are known to transmit dozens of viruses, parasites, and bacteria that can cause serious illness or death. Basil is proven effective at repelling both mosquitoes and ticks. The key is knowing how to use it effectively and balancing your expectations.

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Different strategies and products are used to kill bugs (insecticides) versus those used to keep mosquitoes and ticks away (repellents). Repellents like DEET, for instance, disrupt the bug’s ability to detect the body’s carbon dioxide emissions for an extended amount of time. They do not kill bugs. Basil’s traits fall in line with other repellents.

Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, contains four volatile compounds that can help deter mosquitoes: citronella, estragole, limonene, and nerolidol. But the plants don’t simply spew these compounds around the yard, they must be extracted to work as bug repellent. Potted plants, steamed leaves, burnt leaves, and 100 percent basil oil have all proven effective in different ways.

Hand holding a spray bottle

How does basil repel mosquitoes?

Four volatile compounds in basil plants interrupt the mosquito’s heat and carbon dioxide sensors, reducing their ability to recognize a meal. The compounds confuse and irritate the mosquitoes, forcing them to leave in order to recover their senses. We can harness this natural repellent property in several ways.

Skin protection

In a lab test, pure sweet basil oil applied directly to the skin showed 100 percent effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes for 70 minutes. This treatment could become rather costly using store-bought basil essential oil. One alternative is to make your own fresh basil mosquito repellent.

  • Place 6 ounces of freshly picked basil leaves into a pint jar and pour 4 ounces of boiling water over them.
  • Cover the jar and let it sit for four hours.
  • Strain the liquid into a spray bottle. Be sure to squeeze the remaining liquid from the leaves.
  • Add a half-cup of vodka or witch hazel to the spray bottle. For added potency, add 25 drops of basil essential oil (optional). Cover and gently shake to mix.
  • Apply the repellent directly on any exposed skin for protection against mosquito bites.

Companion planting

Basil has long been used as a companion plant with a variety of vegetable crops like asparagus, root vegetables, tomatoes, and peppers because it helps keep pests away. If you happen to be working in the garden in the evening, it can also keep the mosquitoes off of you. Simply brushing against the plant to release the oils will help. For even better protection, pluck a handful of foliage and gently rub it over exposed skin.

Burning

Burning fresh basil vaporizes its helpful bug repellent compounds along with the smoke, which can partially protect anyone in the immediate area, but don’t just toss a few leaves into the campfire. To get the desired effect, the basil needs to burn long, slow, and smokey like incense. Fresh foliage won’t catch fire easily, but can be used in a potpourri burner. Dry and bundle sprigs of basil for repellent “incense” sticks that will smolder, smoke, and help to keep the bugs at bay.

Scattered leaves

Scattered basil leaves won’t do much to keep mosquitoes away alone, but they will add a layer of protection to a more robust bug repellent strategy. Crush, shred, and scatter a few handfuls of leaves around the patio in the evening before sitting down to enjoy a few moments of quiet conversation. If the bugs are bad, you will probably need to spray on some repellent or burn a few bundles of basil sticks, too.

Sweet basil is a proven natural mosquito repellent and a viable alternative to chemicals for casual protection from bug bites. It won’t replace DEET’s long-lasting effectiveness for wilderness expeditions, but for evenings around the fire pit or sitting on the patio at sundown, it works.

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Mark Wolfe
Mark Wolfe
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mark Wolfe is a freelance writer who specializes in garden, landscaping, and home improvement. After two decades in the…
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