How to Use Coffee Grounds to Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally
If you’ve been searching for a simple, inexpensive way to help keep mosquitoes away naturally, you might want to try this easy method. After experimenting with this and having success, I want to share how to use coffee grounds to keep mosquitos away.
We’ve used a DynaTrap insect trap for several years with great success, but this summer we noticed that we had more of a mosquito problem than usual. After taking a closer look, we realized the Cypress tree where it’s hanging had grown so much that it was blocking most of the UV light that attracts insects. Trimming the tree is on my to-do list, but it hasn’t made its way to the top just yet.
In the meantime, we needed another solution. That’s when I came across a social media post about using coffee grounds as a natural mosquito repellent. We decided to give it a try, and to our surprise, it worked so well that I couldn’t wait to share it with you!
Quick Summary
In this post, I’m sharing our experience using coffee grounds to create smoke that discourages mosquitoes so we can enjoy our backyard.
You’ll also find step-by-step instructions, important safety tips, ideas for finding free coffee grounds, and additional ways to make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes.
Why We Tried Coffee Grounds
Normally, our DynaTrap does an excellent job of controlling mosquitoes (and other annoying insects) around our yard without using harsh chemicals. We have used it for several years and have been very pleased with the results. However, this summer was different.
We love sitting outside in the sitting area on weekend nights just listening to music. However, this year the mosquitoes seemed to be everywhere! As I mentioned above, I did a little investigating and discovered the tree where our DynaTrap hangs had grown enough to shade much of the light that attracts insects. Since trimming the tree wasn’t something we could do immediately, we began looking for another option.
That’s when I stumbled across a social media post by Ceith Griffith showing how to burn coffee grounds as an effective method of natural mosquito repellant. We already had everything we needed at home, so we gave it a try.
The results of this super easy DIY method impressed us enough that I wanted to share it with you.
A Quick Note: While many people report having success using coffee smoke to discourage mosquitoes, results can vary depending on your location, weather, and mosquito population. We found this to be a helpful addition to our mosquito-control routine, but it works best alongside other preventative measures.
Why are Mosquitos Attracted to Your Yard?
Mosquitoes love cool, damp, shaded areas where they can rest during the day.
Some common things that tend to attract mosquitoes include:
- Standing water
- Bird baths
- Clogged gutters
- Overwatered flower beds
- Thick shrubs
- Tall grass
- Heavy shade
- Containers that collect rainwater
- Somewhere in the list is human scents and body heat! I don’t know how true it is, but I have even heard that they are attracted to certain blood types.
Taking care of these problem areas can significantly reduce mosquito bites and activity around your home.
Why Coffee Smoke May Help Keep Mosquitos Away
There isn’t a whole lot of research on this topic, but many people believe the smoke produced by burning coffee grounds helps make the area less attractive to mosquitoes. The smoke appears to mask the scents that mosquitoes use to find people and it creates an environment they want to avoid. 🙂
I did not think that there was a strong smell at all, but apparently it is a pretty strong aroma to mosquitoes. I don’t really care why they don’t like it – all I know is that it seems to be a pretty effective mosquito control around here.
We found that once the coffee began smoking, we noticed fewer mosquitoes bothering us while we sat outside. In fact, during the times we used this method, we saw no mosquitoes.
Fire Safety First
Because this method involves an open flame, always use caution!
- Only use a fireproof container.
- Keep it away from children and pets.
- Place it on a nonflammable surface.
- Keep it away from dry grass, leaves, decks, or anything combustible.
- Don’t ever leave it unattended.
- Never add lighter fluid or alcohol after lighting.
- Extinguish the coffee grounds completely when finished.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Small foil pan or other fireproof metal container (even a pan or skillet would work.)
- Dry coffee grounds – Used or fresh coffee grounds will work.
- Long lighter
- Small amount of rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid (optional, only to help ignite dry coffee grounds)
- If the pan is very light-weight, you can add a few small rocks to weigh it down.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Coffee Grounds to Repel Mosquitoes
#1
If the pan you are using is very light-weight, add a few rocks to the bottom of it to weigh it down. You do not want the wind blowing a smoldering flame out into the yard.
#2
Place dry coffee grounds into a small foil pan or fireproof metal container. The first time we did it, we made a little bowl out of a piece of aluminum foil. Use what you have.
#3
If needed, add a small amount of rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid to help ignite the coffee grounds.
#4
Light the coffee grounds with a long lighter. You may have to leave the lighter on the coffee grounds for several seconds for them to light.
#5
Set the container in the outdoor area where you’ll be sitting. Don’t worry if the flame goes out quickly; the smoke is the important part.
As long as the coffee continues to smolder and give off smoke, it should continue to discourage mosquitoes from coming.
When Should You Light the Coffee?
For the best results, light the coffee grounds about 15–20 minutes before you plan to sit outside.
Whether you’re relaxing on the porch, grilling dinner, having some outdoor fun, or visiting with family, getting the smoke started ahead of time gives it a chance to spread through the area.
Why We Still Love Our DynaTrap
Even though we discovered this coffee ground trick, we still love our DynaTrap.
Although the tree is blocking the light, the DynaTrap is still getting some of the insects for us. I have no doubt that when we trim the tree it will go right back to doing the wonderful job it has done for us over the past several years.
Until then, the coffee grounds will be an inexpensive temporary solution to help us enjoy our backyard a little more.
Make Coffee Grounds Part of an Overall Mosquito-Control Plan
Unfortunately, no single method will eliminate all of the mosquitoes completely.
For the best results, combine several approaches:
- Remove standing water whenever possible.
- Keep grass trimmed.
- Trim shrubs and low-hanging tree branches.
- Clean gutters regularly.
- Use a good quality insect trap like a DynaTrap.
- Burn coffee grounds when spending time outdoors.
- Use citronella candles as another option.
Using several methods together can make a noticeable difference.
Check out a post I shared a few years ago with different home pest control methods. Wait until you see how a friend of mine keeps flies from getting to them.
Where to Get Coffee Grounds
One of the best things about this idea is that coffee grounds are easy to find, and they can even be free.
- Save your own from your morning coffee.
- Ask friends and family to save theirs.
- Many Starbucks locations and even your local coffee shop offer free bags of used coffee grounds for gardening and household uses. If you don’t see any available, just ask an employee; they may have some in the back ready to give away.
*On a side note – If you use used coffee grounds, place them on a baking sheet to let them dry before storing them. Of course they need to be dry to get them to smoke, but you also want to dry them so that they do not mildew while you are storing them.
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More Coffee Inspiration
If you’re a fellow coffee lover, you might also enjoy these posts here on Home With Grace and Joy:
A Simple Faith Reflection
One of my favorite places to spend time is outside, enjoying God’s creation, especially at night in the sitting area. Whether it’s watching the birds, listening to the breeze through the trees, or visiting with family, those quiet times remind me how much joy can be found in life’s simple blessings.
Sometimes, solving one small problem like keeping the mosquitoes away can help us slow down and enjoy the beautiful gifts God has placed right outside our back door.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest ideas turn out to be the most helpful. I am looking forward to trimming the tree and getting our DynaTrap back to full strength. Until then, this little coffee ground trick has been an easy way for us to spend time outdoors with no biting insects bothering us, while using a natural solution!
If you decide to try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know if it worked for you, or share your favorite way to reuse coffee grounds around your home.
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Until next time,
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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
This is such a fascinating idea, Susan. We use coffee grounds in our garden to help keep poisonous frogs away, but I’ve never thought about using them for mosquitoes. Thanks for all the helpful tips and tricks. I can’t wait to try this! Hugs, CoCo