Researchers say coconut-scented soaps were among the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
However, researchers found that mosquitoes generally were more attracted to Dove and Simple Truth soap.
Three of the soap-washed sleeves attracted the mosquitoes, except for the Native-brand soap that contained a coconut scent. “Remarkably, the scents of all the soaps were primarily dominated by limonene, known for its repellent effect on mosquitoes.
Reportedly, the study found that each volunteer had a unique odor altered significantly by the designated soap. Some of the subjects who used Dove or Simple Truth soaps were significantly more attractive to mosquitos, according to the study, while those who used Native were less attractive.
Researchers found that mosquitoes were attracted to human scent that contained a high level of carboxylic acids, which are secretions that protect the skin, said the study published in Current Biology.
Sanitizer contains form of alcohol, ethyl alcohol to name one as active ingredient. And other main ingredients are also water, glycerin and fragrance. But disinfectant cannot be used as mosquito repellent. Almost 99% of disinfectant available in market has no effect on terminating or repelling mosquito problem.
Basically, to avoid being a mosquito-target you should stay as scent-free as possible, wear light clothes, avoid bogs and use an effective repellent (such as those containing DEET or icaridin).
Tea tree oil
This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But recent studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent. Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.
Peppermint Oil
People will use it to treat everything from skin problems to depression. Peppermint oil can also be extremely useful in pest control, especially at keeping mosquitoes away. Most pests cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil, even though a lot of humans love it. It's also toxic to many insects.
When soap is added into a water body, the surface tension of water is reduced or broken; and adult mosquitoes will be unable to stand on its surface. Any mosquitoes that attempt to stand on the soapy water may sink and fail to lay eggs on the surface.
Ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus work well," says Laura C. Harrington, a professor in Cornell University's entomology department. Mosquito repellents come in a variety of formulas and some naturally provide a bit more protection than others.
Windex – Windex is one of the most common and most effective DIY household products for pest control. Windex is toxic to most pests, especially spiders. Spraying window cleaner directly onto small insects like ants or mosquitoes will kill them within a few moments.
There are many types of insect repellents, and some are more effective than others. A home-made lotion of Dettol and olive oil (front left) does work, but not as well as products containing DEET (diethyl toluamide). A cream containing DEET (front right) is the most effective known repellent.
Mosquitoes dislike the scent of certain liquids, such as vinegar, garlic water, or essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender. Using these liquids can help repel mosquitoes.
Skin Armour – This soap contains eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, menthol, and calendula oil. All of these are proven to repel mosquitoes.
Artificial fragrances found in body products like perfume, shampoo, and hairspray have been known to attract mosquitoes. Try using unscented products through the summertime, or natural products that are scented with essential oils - especially ones that are known to repel bugs, like lavender, rosemary and peppermint.
Deter Insects
It is also an insect repellant and kills fleas," says Jose. "This is the major substance in Vicks, aside from Vicks use in upper respiratory infections, that can be used to repel mosquitoes and even fleas."
Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin. Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.
The bottom line is that mosquitoes clearly preferred fruit- and flower-scented soap, and disliked coconut-scented soap. Just how much they prefer a soap scent depends on how the soap interacts with a person's natural body odor, the study showed.
Mosquitoes may bite you more for various reasons, including your blood type, your clothes, your breathing, or even the bacteria living on your skin. Mosquito bites come solely from females, who rely on the protein in human blood for egg production. Male mosquitoes survive on nectar for nourishment.
Yes: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
OLE is EPA-approved and effective for warding off mosquitoes. You can get it (or its synthetic version, PMD) in products like Repel and Off!
No, you cannot use Listerine in place of bug spray. According to Doctor Karla Robinson, it does repel mosquitos. However, it does not have lasting effects. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A social media post making the rounds claims you can use Listerine mouthwash as a repellant for mosquitoes.
The good news is deodorant spray or stick can act as a mosquito repellent if applied on to exposed body parts. In case of being bit, swipe onto a mosquito bite to reduce itching.