Does burning coffee grounds really keep mosquitoes away?

It’s summertime, and you’re probably enjoying your time outside. But is there anything more annoying than the constant buzz of mosquitoes in your ear and the itchiness that follows their bite? Thankfully, there are many solutions out there that promise to repel these pesky insects, from essential oils to bug sprays. But have you ever heard of burning coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent?

The claim

According to some sources, burning coffee grounds can be an effective way to keep mosquitoes away. The theory behind this claim is that mosquitoes hate the smell of smoke, which masks the carbon dioxide we emit when we exhale, making it harder for them to find us in order to feed on our blood.

How does it work?

The idea behind using coffee as a mosquito repellent comes from the same principle as citronella candles: burning certain substances can release scents that repel bugs like mosquitoes. In fact, many commercial products use plant-based oils like lemongrass or lavender for this exact purpose.

Coffee contains a variety of organic compounds and chemicals that contribute to its unique aroma and flavor profile. When burnt, these compounds create a smoky odor similar to incense or campfires. Some people believe that this scent makes it difficult for mosquitoes (and other bugs) to detect human odors, thereby reducing their attraction towards us.

Mythbusting

However, before you start brewing extra coffee just so you can burn the leftover grounds (we don’t judge here), let’s take a closer look at whether or not this method actually works.

Limited scientific evidence

The truth is, there isn’t much scientific research on whether or not using burnt materials can deter mosquito bites specifically – most studies focus on insecticides instead.

That being said, one study published in “Journal of Vector Ecology” suggests that coffee grounds can have a minimal effect on reducing mosquito populations. In the study, researchers burned coffee mixed with sugar and recorded how many mosquitoes were caught in traps during different time intervals. Though not guaranteed to reduce all species of mosquitos nor eliminate them completely, some evidence points towards the effectiveness of burning coffee grounds.

Other considerations

While there is limited scientific data supporting the claims made about using burnt coffee as a mosquito repellent, it’s worth considering a few factors before you write off this unconventional method:

  • Coffee has been used successfully for centuries as an air freshener
  • The smoke created by burning any plant material may contain chemicals that can irritate respiratory systems or trigger allergies
  • Used coffee grounds are environmentally friendly when burned

How to use burnt coffee grounds as a mosquito repellent?

So if you want to give the whole “burnt coffee” thing a try (we dare you), here are some steps to follow:

  1. Collect your used coffee grounds – ask your local grocery shop for leftover grinds or make yourself a cuppa
  2. Spread them out in a thin layer over parchment paper or aluminium foil.
  3. Let them dry out overnight before attempting to burn.
  4. Once they’re dry,[ do not bung them under the gas cooker,] take them outside and put them in something like an old soup tin.
  5. Light up one corner of the dried-out heap.

Now sit back and watch as… nothing really happens? Unfortunately, even though people swear by this method, there’s no magic trick that will keep mosquitoes away indefinitely (sigh).

Conclusion

Though scientifically supported evidence remains lacking — who knows—maybe lighting up those freshly brewed java grinds can improve your outdoor experience just enough to get through summer without being hassled by swarms of insects! Worth giving it go right?!

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