If you’ve been told that eating garlic will keep mosquitoes away, you’re not alone. The idea has gone viral more than once, especially every summer, when people start looking for natural ways to avoid bites. According to doctors, this “hack” doesn’t work.
The truth is that no matter how much garlic you eat, mosquitoes don’t really care. What actually attracts them are things like body heat, sweat, and the carbon dioxide you exhale. Here, we’ll look at what science says about the garlic myth and explore a few other food-related claims that experts say are just as misleading.
Why eating garlic won’t stop mosquito bites
Garlic has a strong reputation as a natural repellent—for vampires and, supposedly, for insects too. The claim likely comes from garlic’s sulfur compounds, which are known to have antimicrobial properties. But when it comes to mosquitoes, these compounds don’t seem to make any difference.
A 2005 study tested this theory directly and found no significant change in how often participants were bitten after eating garlic compared to when they didn’t. In other words, mosquitoes were just as likely to go after them either way. The factors attracting mosquitoes are mostly biological, like body size, temperature, and the amount of carbon dioxide you breathe out.
Pregnant women, for instance, are often bitten more because they exhale more carbon dioxide and tend to have warmer skin. Sweat, perfume, and even certain soaps can also draw mosquitoes in. That’s why public health experts recommend practical protection: using insect repellent with DEET, installing window screens, and removing standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.
Other food myths experts want you to stop believing
Garlic isn’t the only food-related myth that keeps spreading. Here are a few that doctors say it’s time to let go of:
- Chocolate causes acne. Research hasn’t found a direct link between chocolate and pimples. Breakouts are influenced by hormones, stress, and genetics, not an occasional candy bar. If anything, high-sugar foods may worsen acne in some people, but dark chocolate in moderation is perfectly fine.
- Microwaving food destroys nutrients. Heating food in the microwave doesn’t make it less healthy. In fact, shorter cooking times and lower heat can preserve more vitamins than boiling or frying. Just use a microwave-safe container and avoid overcooking.
- The five-second rule. Dropping food and picking it up within five seconds doesn’t make it safe to eat, as bacteria transfer instantly on contact. Floors and countertops harbor germs, and eating dropped food raises your risk of foodborne illness. If it falls, it’s best to toss it or rinse it thoroughly.
- You should always peel fruits and veggies. Peeling may make produce look clean, but it also removes fiber and essential nutrients. Just wash your produce thoroughly to remove dirt or pesticides, and keep the skins on whenever possible.
These myths persist because they’re easy to repeat and because they sound like common sense. But not everything you read or hear about food and health is true. Garlic won’t keep mosquitoes away, chocolate won’t ruin your skin, and the microwave isn’t your enemy. Before you buy into the next viral health tip, check what the evidence says first.