Bugs, Summer Nights, and the Truth About Fire Pits
You’re finally kicked back by the fire, drink in hand, good friends all around and then the first mosquito makes its move. Within minutes, it’s a full-blown buzz-fest, and suddenly your cozy night feels like a battle zone.
Everyone’s heard it before: “Don’t worry, the smoke keeps bugs away.” But does it really? It’s time to dig into what your fire pit can actually do when it comes to those tiny pests, and where it falls short.
Why Mosquitoes Hate Smoke And When It Works
Yes, there’s some truth to the idea that fire pits can help keep bugs away, but it’s not as simple as lighting a flame and expecting a bug-free zone.
Smoke can interfere with how bugs sense humans, confusing the carbon dioxide and scent trails they use to find you.
But the effectiveness of this trick depends on a few key things: what you’re burning, how your fire pit is set up, and how long the fire’s going.
Let’s break down when it actually works and when you’re just fueling a myth.
The Science Behind It
Mosquitoes, like other bugs, track humans by homing in on carbon dioxide and lactic acid, both of which we naturally emit when we breathe and sweat.
Smoke from a fire pit helps disrupt that tracking by creating a haze that masks those chemical signals. It also irritates their tiny respiratory systems, making it harder for them to stay in the area.
Think of it like signal jamming: it doesn’t kill them, but it makes it a lot harder for them to lock onto their target. That’s why smoke works best in close range, while the fire is actively burning.
What You Burn Matters
Not all fires repel bugs equally. It all comes down to what’s being burnt.
Moist wood tends to create more smoke, which helps mask mosquito-attracting scents and confuse their senses. But the real bug-fighters are herbs and woods that naturally release repellent compounds.
Burning eucalyptus, sage, rosemary, or even citronella logs can fill the air with oils like eucalyptol and camphor, both known to make mosquitoes disappear.
If you want your fire pit to double as a bug defense system, skip the plain firewood and get strategic with your fuel.
How Long It Lasts
The bug-repelling magic of smoke is short-lived, though.
As soon as the fire burns low or the smoke thins, mosquitoes start creeping back. In wide open or windy areas, the effect fades even faster since the smoke can’t linger.
Without a steady, smoky burn, most of the protection disappears within minutes. And let’s be real, sitting in a cloud of smoke that long isn’t great for your own lungs either.
Not All Fire Pits Are Created Equal
When it comes to keeping bugs away, not every fire pit pulls its weight. Wood-burning fire pits produce real smoke, which helps mask scents and drive mosquitoes off.
Natural gas and propane fire pits, on the other hand, burn clean and don’t offer much protection. Each has its purpose, but they’re not built the same when bugs show up.
Wood Fire Pits Are Best For Bug Repellent
Wood-burning fire pits give off the kind of thick, natural smoke that mosquitoes hate. The scent, warmth, and density of the smoke help mask the carbon dioxide and body odors bugs use to find you.
Plus, tossing in herbs like sage, rosemary, or eucalyptus boosts the repellent effect even more. You can also control what goes in, meaning you're not locked into one method.
For serious mosquito control and that classic campfire vibe, wood is still the winner.
- Strong, natural smoke disrupts mosquito senses
- Works better with herbs like sage or rosemary
- Gives you flexibility to choose bug-repelling fuel
Propane and Gas Fire Pits Are Clean but Bug-Friendly
Propane and natural gas fire pits are all about clean flames, which means zero smoke and, unfortunately, zero mosquito protection.
While they’re perfect for ambiance, warmth, and style, they won’t do anything to keep bugs away.
Trying to toss herbs or materials into the burner to create smoke is a no-go and can seriously damage the system. It might even void your warranty.
If mosquitoes are the problem, these pits won’t be the solution.
- No smoke means no natural bug repellent
- Ideal for aesthetics, not insect control
- Burning anything besides fuel is risky and not recommended
Three Clever Ways to Actually Keep Mosquitoes Away While Enjoying Your Fire Pit
So you’ve got a rectangular propane or natural gas fire pit which means it's sleek, smokeless, and sadly... useless against bugs. But don’t worry, we’re not here to leave you swatting in silence.
Below are our top three ways to keep mosquitoes and bugs out of the party, no matter what kind of fire pit you’re rocking.
#1 Add Citronella Torches or Candles Around the Space
Surround your seating area with citronella candles or tiki torches to keep bugs guessing.
These natural repellents create a scent barrier without interfering with the clean flame of your gas fire pit with hidden propane tank.
Bonus: they add soft lighting and cozy vibes that make your setup feel even more intentional.
#2 Use an Outdoor Fan to Keep Bugs Grounded
Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and even a gentle breeze can knock them off course.
Placing small, quiet patio fans under furniture or around your fire pit creates airflow that makes it tough for bugs to reach you.
This method works especially well on still, humid nights when mosquitoes are most likely to crash your hangout.
#3 Try Mosquito-Repellent Diffusers or Thermacell Units
These portable, flameless devices create an invisible barrier mosquitoes can’t stand.
They use heat to release synthetic allethrin, a plant-inspired repellent that keeps bugs away without smoke or strong smells.
Completely safe to use around propane round fire pits, they’re a top pick for clean, effective bug control.
The Simple Answer: Do Fire Pits Keep Bugs Away?
Yes, fire pits can keep bugs away, but only under the right conditions.
A wood-burning fire pit with the right smoke-producing herbs can help repel mosquitoes and bugs.
But propane and natural gas fire pits burn too clean to make a difference.
We recommend not using fire alone to keep the critters away. It’s best to use it as one part of a smarter bug-fighting setup. Mix in fans, diffusers, and citronella to truly take your backyard back.
Why Trust Active Oasis?
We’re not just selling fire pits here. We obsess daily over how they’re actually used.
Every product we feature is tested, reviewed, and chosen with real outdoor living in mind. Our team lives for fire pit season and takes pride in helping you create a safer, smarter, and more enjoyable backyard experience.
From choosing the right flame to keeping bugs off your guest list, we’ve got your back with insights that actually matter. When we say we care about your space, we mean it.