Fragrances, such as perfume, cologne, and scented lotions are a known attractant of mosquitoes. Floral scents are the biggest attraction for mosquitoes. It turns out those lady mosquitoes love a flowery fragrance. So when you're addressing the issue of body odor, be sure to avoid washing with fragranced body wash.

The relationship between mosquitoes and perfume is complex and often misunderstood; while some scents repel them, others actually attract them. Scientific research, including a notable study from the Journal of Insect Science, found that certain high-concentration floral perfumes (like Victoria’s Secret Bombshell) can act as a temporary repellent for up to two hours. This is likely due to specific chemicals in the fragrance that overwhelm the mosquito's sensory receptors. However, most commercial perfumes contain floral or fruity notes that mimic the scent of nectar, which is the primary food source for both male and female mosquitoes, thus potentially attracting them. Furthermore, perfumes often contain octenol, a compound also found in human sweat that specifically lures mosquitoes. In 2026, experts continue to advise against using perfume as a primary defense. Effective repellents rely on proven active ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, which actively block the mosquito's ability to "smell" the carbon dioxide and skin odors that signal a human host.