Whether dipped in citronella or just generating an ashen atmosphere, smoke is a natural repellent for mosquitoes. Of course, some citronella is better than none, but even just placing a burning paper egg carton on the edge of your barbeque grill is a great way to keep the biters at bay.

Do bugs hate fire smoke?

Smoke is a natural insect repellent, but there are also a few things you can add to your blazing fire to make it even more effective. Sage isn't just good for cooking; burning a bundle of it can help keep insects away, and it has a pleasant smell, too.

Does smoke kill mosquitoes?

Nocturnal insects have multiple small air openings all through their body and the smoke gets in, causing fatal damage. So smoke kills mosquitoes but concurrently causes damage to the respiratory tract of humans," says Dr C Srinivasulu, assistant professor of zoology.