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Do Hot Tubs Attract Mosquitoes? (Yes. Here’s the solution)

Everybody hates having mosquitos around their house. But since we know mosquitos are drawn to water, do hot tubs attract mosquitoes?

Mosquitos can be drawn to hot tubs, especially when there isn’t a strong chlorine smell coming from the water. People soaking, and the naturally warm, humid atmosphere can easily draw mosquitos.

However, that does not mean you will constantly suffer from these horrible creatures as a hot tub owner. 

So in this article, we’ll explore why and how a hot tub might attract mosquitos, and what you can do to deter them so your soaks will be more relaxing.

Read on to find out more.

Do mosquitoes like hot tubs?

Ye. Hot tubs contain everything mosquitoes love—high temperature and humidity, water, and food in the form of human beings. Since they drink blood, they rely on sweat and carbon dioxide emissions to locate us.

However, hot tubs are not the ideal environment for them to thrive.

With the pump running, the water is constantly moving, so they cannot lay their eggs, and they don’t like the chlorine smell that can come off of the water as it aerates.

Mosquitoes become dormant when the temperature drops to 50°F and they function best at 80°F.

So if the temperature of the water in the tub is 104°, the air temperature around your head and shoulders may be a little too hot for them, but the lower you set your water temp, and the lower the air temp (as long as it’s above 50) the more likely you are to get bitten.

Unfortunately, hot tubs also attract snakes and rodents.

I dealt with this in a recent article as unfortunately, your hot tub can attract all kinds of pests. What really surprised me was how often snakes and rodents choose to live under your hot tub.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

What month are mosquitoes the worst? 

Depending on where you are, the mosquito season runs from March to November. The further north you go, the shorter the season. Alaska is most at risk between May and August, peaking in June-July, while Hawaii has a problem all year round apart from December-January.

Even then, in a mild winter, it is possible to get bitten.

Mosquitoes thrive in warm evening temperatures. They don’t like hot, dry conditions as this dehydrates them, and they cannot function much at all below 60°.

Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, but they are particularly active early morning and evening.

But don’t get too complacent and think you will be OK to soak in your hot tub mid-afternoon; they can even bite you then if the conditions are right.

With mid-day air temperatures of 70° to 80°, many towns and cities will be vulnerable to attack from mosquitoes during the afternoon, so you need to take precautions if you are in that situation.

How to keep bugs away from a hot tub?

Keep bugs away from your hot tub by ensuring no food crumbs are anywhere near the hot tub, keep the lid firmly closed when not in use, maintain appropriate chemical levels in the water, and use candles or tiki torches nearby when soaking that are scented with bug-repelling scents.

Mosquitoes love scented perfumes, body lotions, and cologne, especially floral scents, so avoid these.

It is always advisable to shower anyway before going in the hot tub; otherwise, these products will end up in the water.

Mosquitoes do not like essential oils, particularly:

  • Lemon Eucalyptus
  • Citronella
  • Catnip 
  • Peppermint 
  • Lemongrass
  • Lavender

A large fan will effectively blow them away too. Mosquitoes are not strong fliers and will be unable to contend with the strong air current.

One of the best, least-toxic, and easiest ways to keep mosquitos at bay is with Murphy Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks (click to see the current price on Amazon).

Just stick them in a nearby plant in the dirt, or place a few insense holders around the perimeter of the hot tub, and light them just like you would incense. They are not chemical-based, but instead, use a blend of essential oils.

Almost 1,000 glowing reviews, and an Amazon’s Choice product too.

But if you want to avoid the pungent smell, try the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Lantern. Click on the link to see this on Amazon.

It runs off a butane cartridge – although there is a battery version available – which heats up the allethrin impregnated pad. Allethrin is the effective ingredient in many mosquito products that are labeled deet-free.

This gives off fumes that will paralyze most flying insects coming into that zone. It will protect everyone within a 15-foot zone, ample for most hot tubs. No stinky smells, no exposed poisons, easy to keep out of the reach of kids, and it works!

If I get my head wet in a hot tub, will mosquitoes leave me alone?

Yes if you are frequently dunking your head underwater. Mosquitoes can’t see you, but they can sense where you are through sweat, carbon dioxide emission, and body temperature. So, if you can reduce any of these, you will reduce the chances of being bitten.

Some people react worse than others from a bite.

This is down to DNA, so not much you can about that. You actually respond to the saliva that the mosquito injects into your skin to keep the blood flowing and prevent coagulation. This results in swelling and an itch you just have to scratch.

The less skin exposed, the less of a target you become, so immersing your head from time to time will help temporarily drive mosquitoes off.

It will reduce your surface temperature as the water cools and wash away any sweat, but as you hold your breath the whole time you’re in the tub, you will always breathe out carbon dioxide.

Mosquitoes tend to go for parts of the body where they won’t get noticed, so they avoid your face. Your back and shoulders are fair game, though, so sinking low into the tub will help prevent a bite.

How do I keep mosquitoes out of my hot tub?

Mosquitoes cannot breed in moving water, so number one, keep the jets running! Keep the water clean and well balanced as well as they won’t want to land in or near heavily chlorinated or brominated water. 

Check all other areas in your yard where you might have standing water, such as buckets, watering cans, fountains, and birdbaths.

Turn buckets upside down and make sure watering cans are dry. 

Also, fill in any holes in the ground where water might collect. Even small depressions will hold enough water for a mosquito to lay its eggs.

Water features can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes if you don’t keep the pump running all the time, or at least between 8 and 10 hours a day.

In garden areas, clear away grass clippings and fallen leaves—don’t leave them to get sodden as soon as it rains. If you keep mosquitoes at bay, you stand a good chance of keeping them out of your hot tub. 

Final Thoughts

I hope I covered everything you wanted to know about hot tubs attracting mosquitoes.

Yes, mosquitoes are attracted to hot tubs, but it’s because of the people who are using it rather than the hot tub itself. It is hard to disguise yourself when you’re in the tub – any repellent will be washed off when you shower – but there are things you can do to keep them at bay.

If you have never owned a hot tub but are considering investing in one, then you should check out this recent article on my site—twenty-three essential things to know before deciding which one to buy.

Just click that link to read it on my site.


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Jeff Campbell