One Weird Reason Illinois Residents Should STOP Throwing Away Old Coffee Grounds
Finding natural and effective ways to repel mosquitos is something everyone searches for in the summer, but did you know the perfect answer is likely sitting in your kitchen cabinets right now?
Summer Bug Problems
There are two things that ruin my summer love instantly; high humidity and bugs, especially mosquitos. No one likes slathering themselves in bug spray and chemicals every time they step outdoors, but what's the alternative? Itchy bites and stings? No, thank you!
Lately, I've noticed many of my friends sharing this post on social media, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't completely blow my mind...
How is it possible that I have been on this Earth for more than 40 years and have never heard that the simple and glorious smell of coffee is enough to keep the mosquitos away?!?
How to Use Coffee As a Mosquito Repellant
The viral post above may show burning coffee grounds to repel mosquitos, but you don't have to set the grounds on fire to see the benefits.
I found an article from Mr. Mister Mosquito Control that says;
Since coffee grounds have such a pungent and intense smell, mosquitoes do not like to come near it. Mosquitoes are repulsed by all types of coffee, whether it is fresh, used, or burnt.
The article does state that burning coffee grounds is the most effective way to repel mosquitos because you're throwing smoke into the mix too, (which mosquitos also hate), but just having the fragrant grounds in a bowl on the table or sprinkling them throughout your yard will help too.
Are Certain Coffees Better at Repelling Mosquitos?
After reading a little more about using coffee as a mosquito repellant I discovered that any brand of coffee will work, as long as it's unflavored. If you want to add some more scent and repelling power to your grounds, you can always mix in some peppermint, lavender, or citrus oils which help keep mosquitos away too.
Please excuse me while I go find a container to store my used coffee grounds in now...I hope this works!