In the heart of mosquito-infested South Florida, a woman called Mary stumbled upon a surprising and effective solution to a problem that plagues many. While scrolling through TikTok, she found an unconventional tip in the comments section that promised relief from relentless mosquito bites. Skeptical but desperate, Mary decided to give it a shot.
A Lifelong Struggle
Mary has tried every commercial product on the market to fend off mosquitoes, but nothing worked. “I get eaten alive because I have delicious blood, apparently,” she joked in her own TikTok video, posting as @itscontrarymary. Living in southern Florida, it was becoming unbearable, especially during peak mosquito season.
The Vanilla Revelation
The key ingredient that finally brought Mary relief was none other than pure vanilla extract. According to her video, the perfect DIY repellent involves mixing the vanilla with water and adding a pinch of cinnamon for a pleasant scent. “Mixed it all together, sprayed it everywhere,” she explained. “Not only do I smell like a delicious snack, but girl, it works! It works!”
Mary now carries her vanilla-water-cinnamon solution in a spray bottle wherever she goes, enjoying her mosquito-free life and spreading the word about her discovery. “Let me tell you, I have bought every single commercial product you could for mosquito repellency,” she exclaimed. “Nothing works, and I’m in South Florida, and it’s really, really bad, especially around this time of year.”
The Science Behind It
An article from House Beautiful in 2023 confirmed that pure vanilla extract can indeed serve as an effective mosquito repellent. The vanilla works by masking the human scent markers that attract the pesky insects. Pest-control specialist Shannon Harlow-Ellis noted, “Vanilla extract, like some other plant derivatives, will mask the odor mosquitoes are searching for when looking for a blood meal.”
Mosquitoes can detect human scent from up to 164 feet away, making effective repellents essential in mosquito-heavy areas. The vanilla extract blocks the scent of sweat, body odor, CO2, and even certain blood types, which are all signals that mosquitoes use to find their next meal.
Practical Tips
If you’re considering trying this DIY repellent, it’s crucial to use real vanilla extract, not artificial vanilla flavoring. The artificial versions often contain sugar, which can attract mosquitoes instead of repelling them—as well as other bugs. Additionally, remember that vanilla extract-based repellents wear off after 30 to 45 minutes, requiring frequent reapplication to remain effective.
Mary’s rave review and successful experience have prompted others to try it, too. The vanilla-water-cinnamon mixture’s simplicity and natural appeal make it an attractive option for those looking to avoid chemical-laden commercial products. For Mary, the discovery has been life-changing.
References:
Contrary Mary on TikTok
Daily Mail: Woman reveals the common food ingredient that can be used as a DIY mosquito repellent
House Beautiful: Can Vanilla Extract Protect You From Mosquitoes?
Healthline: 10 Natural Ingredients That Repel Mosquitoes