Barbecue with mosquitoes, never again! This lemon trick is foolproof and adds flavor to the meat

Sunday 10 August 2025 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
Barbecue with mosquitoes, never again! This lemon trick is foolproof and adds flavor to the meat

You're enjoying that backyard barbecue with friends, everything is going well... until the mosquitoes start to appear. What if I told you that a simple lemon could do the trick and leave your meat with an irresistible aroma?

Yes, a lemon trick will scare away mosquitoes and boost the flavor of your barbecue. Here's how it works and why you'll want to try it next weekend.


The trick: lemon + cloves on the grill

The method is simple, cheap and has more than one function:

Cut lemons in half, stick several cloves in each half and place them next to the grill or directly on the grill, on the edges.

Why does it work?

  • The scent of clove and lemon naturally scares away mosquitoes. Both contain essential oils that act as natural repellents, mainly eugenol (from clove) and limonene (from lemon).
  • When exposed to the heat of the grill, these aromas evaporate and spread more intensely, creating an aromatic cloud in the air.
  • And the best part: the smell that mingles with the barbecue not only repels insects, but also enhances the flavor of the meat, especially chicken and pork.

Other ways to use the trick

  • In the room: you can spread bowls of lemon + cloves on the table or near the windows to keep mosquitoes away.
  • On the barbecue: throw squeezed lemon halves (with or without cloves) directly on the coals. This releases a smoky citrus aroma that goes very well with meat.
  • In the marinade: use the lemon juice beforehand and use the peels in the fire. Nothing is lost!

Efficient, natural and chemical-free

This trick is ideal for those who want an alternative without insecticides or strong-smelling candles. It's natural, safe for children and pets, and leaves the room smelling fresh and inviting.

Now that you know, try

If you're looking for a simple way to keep mosquitoes away and make your barbecue tastier, lemon with cloves is the perfect trick. It's the kind of tip that seems silly, but once you've tried it, you'll never want to do anything else.

Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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