Did you know that one of the easiest ways to keep mosquitoes away from the outdoor spaces you love to enjoy is to simply use spent coffee grounds?
Mosquitoes are one of the most frustrating pests to deal with. Even in the fall when the temperatures cool a bit, they can still be extremely active and buzzing around. The tiny insects may seem harmless, but they can make spending time outdoors miserable.
Many people turn to sprays, candles, and chemical repellents to keep mosquitoes away. But believe it or not, spent coffee grounds can be a great tool to help keep mosquitoes away from your home, yard, and any outdoor gatherings. Not only are they safe – they are also absolutely free!
How Coffee Grounds Work To Keep Mosquitoes Away
Mosquitoes rely heavily on scent to find food and locate humans. They are drawn to the carbon dioxide we breathe out, as well as certain smells from our skin. Strong and unusual scents, however, can overwhelm or repel them. And this is exactly where coffee comes into play.
Coffee grounds have a very distinct and powerful smell. Even after they’ve been used to brew a pot of coffee, the scent still lingers in the leftover grounds. Mosquitoes find this smell unpleasant, and they prefer to stay away from areas where the odor is strong.
Burning coffee grounds makes this effect even stronger. When grounds are dried out and burned, the smoke releases an even more intense aroma. The combination of the smoky scent and the natural oils left in the grounds creates a natural barrier that mosquitoes avoid.
The best part is that coffee grounds are safe for people, pets, and plants, unlike many store-bought repellents that contain harsh chemicals. See: The Truth About Coffee Grounds & Plants – How To Use Spent Grounds To Grow Better!
Using Coffee Grounds
Each day after brewing your coffee, simply save the grounds. Place them in a small container, and once cool, spread them out on a plate or tray so they can dry. Drying them is important because damp grounds can become moldy if stored too long. You can even dry on a baking sheet in your oven on a low 200 degree setting.
There are a few different ways to use coffee grounds against mosquitoes. Some methods are as simple as spreading them around your yard, while others involve burning them to create a stronger barrier. It’s really as easy as choosing the method that works best for your space and needs. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Sprinkle Grounds Around Outdoor Spaces
One of the easiest methods is to sprinkle dried coffee grounds around the areas where you spend time outdoors. Mosquitoes dislike the smell, so placing grounds in common gathering spots can help reduce their presence.
You can spread them around patios, decks, or seating areas. Sprinkle them in garden beds, near doors, or along walkways where mosquitoes might hover. This creates a natural scent barrier. While this method won’t remove every mosquito, it can reduce the number that hang around.
2. Place Grounds In Small Bowls or Containers
Another option is to fill small bowls, tins, or shallow dishes with dried coffee grounds and place them in key spots. These containers can be set on picnic tables, near a grill, or on porch steps. Because the grounds are contained, it’s easy to move them around or replace them when needed.
This method works well for smaller spaces, like balconies or porches, where spreading grounds on the ground isn’t practical.
3. Burn Coffee Grounds
For the strongest effect, burning coffee grounds is one of the most effective ways to repel mosquitoes. The smoke that rises from burning grounds has a powerful scent that mosquitoes and even other pests like wasps or flies dislike.
To do this, take completely dried coffee grounds and place them in a fireproof container such as a metal bowl, an old pan, or a heat-safe dish. Light a small amount of the grounds with a match or lighter, then allow them to smolder like incense. The slow burn will release a steady stream of smoke and scent.
For outdoor gatherings, you can set a few of these bowls around the area. The smoke will create a protective barrier that makes it much harder for mosquitoes to bother you.
If the grounds don’t catch fire easily, you can mix in a little bit of dry paper or a few drops of cooking oil to help them start smoldering. Just be sure the grounds are dry before trying to burn them.
4. Mix Grounds With Other Natural Repellents
Coffee grounds can also be combined with other natural mosquito repellents for an even greater effect. For example, mixing dried coffee grounds with crushed dried herbs like lavender, sage, or rosemary will create a strong-smelling mixture that insects dislike. Affiliate Link: Live Aromatic and Edible Herb Plants For Indoors Or Outside.
When burned together, these ingredients release a powerful scent that can cover a larger area. You can also place the mixture in small cloth bags or sachets and hang them near sitting areas or doorways.
A Few Simple Tips For Using Coffee Grounds Safely
- Always dry grounds before storing or burning. Wet grounds can mold, which not only reduces their effectiveness but also creates an unpleasant smell.
- Use heat-safe containers when burning. Metal bowls, cast-iron pans, or ceramic dishes are good choices. Never use plastic or flammable materials.
- Burn grounds outdoors only. The smoke works best outside and avoids filling your home with a strong smell.
- Refresh regularly. Replace or add new grounds every few days, especially if they’ve been exposed to rain or heavy dew.
Here’s to using spent coffee grounds to help keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor activities. And finding one more great reason to enjoy a cup of coffee or two each day! Happy Gardening – Jim & Mary.
Old World Garden Farms
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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