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People Are Just Discovering This “Ridiculously Effective” Trick for Keeping Mosquitoes Away During Summer

Nina Derwin
Nina Derwin
Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling. In addition to writing articles for various clients and publications, Nina has written several episodes of scripted television for networks including Starz and Fox.
published Jun 4, 2025
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Cozy backyard patio with string lights, fire pit, striped umbrella, and outdoor seating in front of a gray house.
Credit: Brooke Fitts

During the warm months of summer, there is nothing more fun than spending time outdoors, hosting barbecues, and hanging out with your family and friends. There is also nothing less fun than getting eaten alive by mosquitoes — no matter how delicious your freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs are.

Sure, you can buy bug-repellent sprays and candles, but sometimes you just need a quick solution in a pinch. And believe it or not, there’s one pantry staple that can get the job done: coffee grounds. According to a recent trend making the rounds on the internet, all you need is some ground coffee, a little bit of lighter fluid, and a match, and you can keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Making your own mosquito outdoor repellent couldn’t be easier. First, grab a disposable aluminum pan because you’re definitely not going to use it for baking once you’re done ridding your yard of mosquitoes. Then, fill it 1/3 of the way with coffee grounds — any kind will do — and pour a drizzle of lighter fluid on top. Use a match or a lighter to light it, and voila! You’ve got DIY mosquito repellent on your hands. Place it somewhere safe and allow it to burn while you enjoy the rest of your evening.

While some people were understandably skeptical, others raced to the comment section on Instagram to confirm that the method is actually effective. “It definitely works,” wrote one user. “Yes, I do this! But without lighter fluid, though. It just burns like incense,” wrote another. Someone else said, “We do this camping and it’s the ONLY thing that truly works.”
To be fair, some pointed out that ground coffee can be expensive. However, you don’t need to use expensive specialty coffee for it to be effective. You can definitely find some budget-friendly ground coffee at Dollar Tree to take this trick for a test-drive. Who knows? The results might surprise you!

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