Do Fans Keep Mosquitoes Away?

electric fan in the garden

It’s another hot summer day with no breeze, and the mosquitoes are unrelenting. As you sit on your porch, you get the brilliant idea to move your basement box fan outdoors to increase the airflow. But you are wondering skeptically, “Do fans keep mosquitoes away?” Yes, fans do repel mosquitoes. We’ll explain how a fan works to repel mosquitoes and we’ll give a firsthand experience tip on why a fan is a different kind of mosquito repellent.

Are Fans An Effective Mosquito Repellent?

Yes, indoor and outdoor fans can be an effective mosquito repellent for a specific area. They can deter mosquitoes from coming near if you keep the fans running and can feel their airflow. The basic premise for repelling a mosquito with a fan involves the three D’s: 

  • Derail their flight plans: Believe it or not, mosquitoes are not the strongest fliers. The wind from the fan disrupts their flying, so they can’t fly straight and bite us.
  • Disrupt their olfactory sense: Since mosquitoes are attracted to us by smell, a fan’s breeze will disperse our attractants, including carbon dioxide (when we exhale) and lactic acid (as we sweat). This makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to find us.
  • Deter their population: Using an outdoor fan will help deter and repel the mosquito population in your yard, and you won’t have to swat them away constantly.

Choosing the Best Mosquito-Repelling Fan

picture of a fan placed in a garden
Photo Credit: WaraJenny / Canva Pro / License

Outdoor vs. Indoor Fans

When considering an outdoor fan, you might have to invest in a larger, more powerful fan to accommodate more open space and durable, weather-resistant materials that withstand frequent rain and/or high humidity.  

Depending on how your house is configured spatially in an indoor setting, you may opt for a smaller, less noisy model that won’t disrupt conversations with a less powerful fan like a table-top for smaller rooms instead of larger pedestal units. 

The chart below illustrates the factors and reasoning to help you select the best mosquito-repelling fan for you:

FactorsReasoning
          Convenience What’s the most convenient spot to place the fan so the mosquitoes stay away?
DurabilityWeather-resistant fans have materials that withstand more frequent rain or higher humidity.
NoiseFans with lower decibel ratings tend to minimize noise disturbance.
SizeThe fan size will determine the coverage area. 
SpeedMultiple-speed outdoor fans can adjust the desired airflow.
OscillationOscillating fans work in a rotational motion to move the airflow more evenly and cover a larger area. 
PowerThe higher the cubic feet per minute (CFM), the more air it moves. A fan with at least 1,000 CFM will have the strength to repel mosquitoes.
DesignTabletop fans and pedestal fans are available in various styles and colors. Your space, decor, and airflow requirements will help you nail down a style you like. 

Firsthand Experience: Ah, Behold The Breeze of the Pedestal Fan

harley grandone
Harley Grandone

It was a hot, humid summer day in August in the Philadelphia suburbs. The sun was shining bright, and the air was thick with humidity. The heat was almost unbearable, and the mosquitoes were out in full force. We didn’t want to lather up with bug spray on our skin.

We were getting frustrated and decided to experiment to see if our pedestal fan would keep them at bay. So, we dragged it onto the porch, plugged it in, and felt the nice breeze blow the sweat from off our brows. It was a welcome relief from the oppressive heat and humidity. Like magic, the mosquitoes disappeared. They were deterred by the fans’ strong gusts of wind, and we were finally able to relax and enjoy the day.

We sat outside on the porch, sipping cold drinks and chatting, while the fan kept us cool and comfortable. It was amazing how much of a difference the pedestal fan made. It was like having our own personal air conditioner. We were able to enjoy the beautiful summer day without being bothered by the mosquitoes or the heat.

The fan became our new best friend, and we knew we would use it as a mosquito deterrent for the rest of the summer. We were grateful for its cooling power and relief on that hot and humid day.

Harley Grandone


FAQ

Will an Air Conditioner and a Fan Combined Kill Mosquitoes?

No, the combination won’t kill them, but it will make the environment less favorable for them. 
The air conditioner (AC) creates lower temperatures and reduces humidity. (Mosquitoes are most active in moist, hot conditions around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.) Then add the fan’s airflow to disrupt its flight and diffuse your attractants (carbon dioxide and lactic acid).

In sum, the combination of the AC and a fan means mosquitoes won’t thrive or find you as easily.

Can You Use An Outdoor Ceiling Fan?

Absolutely! If you have a structurally sound ceiling in a sheltered outdoor area, protection from the elements is optimal. These areas present an excellent opportunity to create air movement and keep mosquitoes away. 

Some of the more common outdoor fan ceiling installations include:

• A backyard patio
• A wrap-around porch
• A screened porch or sunroom
• Inside a pergola or gazebo
• A veranda

What Are Some Other Mosquito Control Measures in Addition To A Fan?

In addition to your outdoor fan, you can implement these other mosquito control measures:

Protective clothing: Mosquitoes can bite through clothing. You’ll be better protected wearing long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and loose, light-colored pants to reduce skin exposure.
Mosquito repellent: Use mosquito repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on exposed skin. For those looking for alternatives, the best natural mosquito repellents can also provide good protection.
Standing water: Get rid of any standing water in your yard or house gutters. For other water sources such as bird baths and fountains, add mosquito dunks or other larvicides to keep mosquito eggs from developing.
Mosquito-repellent plants: Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, rosemary, and basil, so use these as essential oils or burn these plants to keep mosquitoes away naturally.
Mosquito Traps: Examples of mosquito traps include CO2 traps, bug zappers, and UV light traps, which you can purchase in-store or from an online retailer like Amazon. There are also simple DIY mosquito traps you can make at home.

Keep Mosquitoes Away All Summer Long

Remember, fans are only one part of mosquito control. For a comprehensive approach, Pest Gnome connects you to the best pest control experts in your area. They’ll devise a pest control game plan that might include barrier sprays, mosquito misting systems, larvicides, and more. 

They’ll choose the right solutions for your yard to help you enjoy a pest-free summer without suffering from those mosquito bites.

Main Image Credit: Syda Productions / Canva Pro / License

Harley Grandone

Harley Grandone, a writer and landscape designer, enjoys writing blogs. After 20+ years of being a landscape designer for major residential home builders like Toll Brothers, she’s delighted to combine her love of writing with her love of the industry. When not writing, she can be found in the backyard trying to devise new ways to control mosquitoes and prevent the sycamore tree's bark from clogging up the gutters.