Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes: What to Burn

← Pest & Insect Control | Insect Repellents & Prevention

Quick answer

• Burn dried herbs like rosemary, sage, and mint.
• Citronella candles or torches work, but verify ingredients.
• Use wood from aromatic trees like cedar or pine.
• Smoke from damp leaves can also create a repellent haze.
• Always burn in a safe, well-ventilated area away from flammable materials.
• Combine burning with other methods for best results.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you head out to enjoy the great outdoors, especially if mosquitoes are a known nuisance, do a quick check.

• Land manager / legality: Who owns this patch of dirt? Is it US Forest Service, BLM, a state park, or private land? Each has its own rules about fires and what you can burn. Always check the official website or call ahead. You don’t want to get a ticket for burning something you shouldn’t.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig even get there? Is it a paved road, a gravel track, or a full-on trail? Knowing if you need 4WD, high clearance, or if it’s a walk-in site saves you a headache. Mud season or early snow can shut down roads fast.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is a big one. Are campfires even allowed? Check the current fire restrictions for the area. Then, look at the forecast. High winds are a no-go for open flames, and extreme heat can dry things out quickly.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Got enough water for drinking, cooking, and putting out your fire completely? Plan how you’ll pack out all your trash, including ash. Leave No Trace principles are key to keeping these places wild.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Know what critters might be around. Keep food stored properly. How far is the nearest ranger station or town if something goes wrong? Cell service is spotty out there, so tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

1. Choose your spot: Find a level, cleared area away from tents, trees, and dry grass. A designated fire ring is ideal.

• Good looks like: A safe zone, at least 10 feet from anything flammable.
• Common mistake: Setting up too close to your tent or under low-hanging branches. Avoid this by clearing a wider radius than you think you need.

2. Gather your fuel: Collect dry tinder, kindling, and larger fuel wood. For mosquito repellent, you’ll also need your chosen repellent materials.

• Good looks like: A neat pile of various wood sizes and your herbs or aromatic materials ready to go.
• Common mistake: Not having enough dry fuel, especially if the air is damp. Always bring a fire starter and some guaranteed dry tinder, like cotton balls soaked in Vaseline.

3. Build your fire base: Arrange your tinder and kindling in a way that allows for airflow. A teepee or log cabin structure works well.

• Good looks like: A structure that will catch a spark and burn steadily.
• Common mistake: Packing it too tightly, suffocating the flames. Loosen it up a bit.

4. Light your fire: Use your fire starter to ignite the tinder. Gently blow on the embers to encourage the flame.

• Good looks like: A small flame growing into a steady fire.
• Common mistake: Giving up too soon or using too much accelerant, which can be dangerous. Patience is key.

5. Add your repellent materials: Once you have a decent bed of coals or a small flame, add your chosen mosquito-repelling items.

• Good looks like: Herbs, wood chips, or candles placed strategically near the smoke source.
• Common mistake: Throwing too much on at once, which can smother the fire or create unpleasant smoke. Add gradually.

6. Manage the smoke: You want enough smoke to create a repellent haze, but not so much that it chokes you out.

• Good looks like: A gentle, aromatic smoke drifting through your campsite.
• Common mistake: Creating a dense, acrid smoke cloud. Adjust the amount of repellent material you’re burning.

7. Maintain the fire: Keep adding fuel as needed to keep the fire going and producing smoke.

• Good looks like: A consistent, controlled fire.
• Common mistake: Letting the fire die down too much, losing the repellent effect. Keep an eye on it.

8. Stay aware: Keep a close watch on your fire at all times. Be mindful of wind shifts.

• Good looks like: You’re present and actively managing the fire.
• Common mistake: Getting distracted and leaving the fire unattended. Never do this.

9. Extinguish completely: When you’re done, douse the fire thoroughly with water. Stir the ashes and embers with a shovel until they are cool to the touch.

• Good looks like: No heat, no smoke, just cold, wet ash.
• Common mistake: Thinking it’s “out” when it’s just smoldering. Drown, stir, and feel.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Burning in high winds	Uncontrolled spread of fire, potential wildfire, smoke blowing everywhere	Check wind conditions and fire restrictions. Postpone or choose a sheltered spot.
Not checking fire restrictions	Fines, damage to the environment, potential wildfire	Always verify current fire bans with the land manager before you go.
Using green or wet materials	Produces thick, acrid smoke, poor repellent effect, hard to keep burning	Use only dry, cured herbs, wood, or approved repellent products.
Burning too close to flammable materials	Fire spreads rapidly, potential for wildfire, destruction of campsite	Clear a wide radius around your fire pit, at least 10 feet, and never build under trees or overhangs.
Leaving the fire unattended	Accidental spread, lost control of the fire	Never leave a fire burning without direct supervision. Always have someone watching it.
Not having water/tools readily available	Inability to control a small flare-up or extinguish the fire properly	Keep a bucket of water and a shovel right next to the fire pit at all times.
Over-reliance on one method	Ineffective mosquito control, still getting bitten	Combine burning with other methods like repellent sprays, nets, and choosing campsites with good airflow.
Burning unknown or toxic substances	Inhaling harmful fumes, environmental contamination, potential allergic reactions	Only burn natural, identified materials known for their repellent properties. Avoid treated wood or plastics.
Not extinguishing fire completely	Rekindling of fire, potential wildfire	Drown, stir, and feel for heat. Ensure it’s cold out.
Burning in a designated no-burn area	Fines, damage to sensitive vegetation, disruption of the ecosystem	Respect posted signs and regulations. Use designated fire rings only when allowed.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If fire restrictions are in place, then do not build a fire, because safety and legality come first.
• If the wind is gusting over 15 mph, then postpone burning, because it’s too risky.
• If you’re unsure about the legality of burning a specific item, then don’t burn it, because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• If you see embers escaping the fire ring, then immediately extinguish them, because that’s how fires start.
• If mosquitoes are light, then you might not need to burn anything, because sometimes natural breezes are enough.
• If you’re in a high-risk fire area (dry conditions, lots of dead vegetation), then reconsider burning, because the potential for disaster is too high.
• If you have a known allergy to smoke or certain plants, then avoid burning them, because your health is paramount.
• If you’re camping in a place with strict “pack it in, pack it out” rules, then be extra mindful of ash disposal, because you don’t want to leave a trace.
• If your primary goal is to cook, then focus on getting your food cooked first, and then add repellent materials once the main cooking is done.
• If you’re in an area with sensitive wildlife, then be extra careful about fire placement and complete extinguishment, because you don’t want to disturb their habitat.
• If you are using commercial citronella products, then read the label to ensure they are effective and safe for outdoor use, because not all products are created equal.

FAQ

What are the best natural things to burn for mosquito repellent?

Dried herbs like rosemary, sage, and mint are popular choices. The smoke from these plants can help keep bugs away. Cedar and pine wood chips also produce a pleasant, insect-repelling aroma.

Can I just burn any kind of wood?

No, it’s best to use aromatic woods like cedar, pine, or juniper. These woods release oils when burned that contribute to the repellent effect. Avoid treated lumber or unknown woods, as they can produce toxic smoke.

How much should I burn?

You don’t need a roaring bonfire. A small, controlled fire with a steady but not overwhelming amount of smoke is usually sufficient. Too much smoke can be unpleasant for you and your neighbors.

What about citronella candles? Are they natural?

Many citronella candles are effective, but check the ingredients. Some contain synthetic fragrances or other additives. Look for candles made with natural citronella oil and beeswax or soy wax for a more natural option.

Is burning leaves effective?

Burning damp leaves can create a smoky haze that deters mosquitoes. However, it’s not as potent as burning specific herbs or woods and can be less predictable. Ensure you’re allowed to burn leaves in your location.

How close should I sit to the smoke?

You want to be in the general vicinity of the smoke, but not directly in the thickest part of it. The smoke acts as a barrier, so being downwind from the fire is usually ideal.

What if I don’t have a fire pit?

If fires are permitted but you don’t have a designated pit, use a portable fire ring or create a safe, cleared area on bare soil or rock, following all safety guidelines and land manager rules.

Can I burn these things inside a tent?

Absolutely not. Burning anything inside a tent is extremely dangerous due to carbon monoxide poisoning and fire risk. Always burn fires outdoors, well away from any structures.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific local regulations for campfires.
• Detailed instructions on building complex campfires.
• Chemical analysis of plant smoke compounds.
• Identification of all local mosquito species and their habits.
• Reviews of specific commercial repellent products (burning or otherwise).

For more information, check with your local land management agency, look into general fire safety courses, and explore Leave No Trace principles.