Are you considering using dryer sheets for mosquitoes? Think again. These popular home products might help give your clothes a good clean, but they are not labeled for mosquito control and have not be tested for safety when used in this manner. Many people believe that dryer sheets repel mosquitoes due to temporary success. While they may work temporarily, dryer sheets certainly aren’t a long-term solution to mosquito problems, though. Here’s everything to know about dryer sheets and mosquitoes.
The Key Repelling Properties
So do dryer sheets keep mosquitoes away? In a Kansas State University study, researchers examined the efficacy of dryer sheets against insects. During their investigation, they found that the key repelling properties within the sheets were linalool, benzyl acetate, beta-citronellol and hedione. Let’s take a look at the repelling powers of each of these compounds on their own:
Linalool
In a study from the Journal of Vector Ecology, researchers found that linalool diffusers deterred mosquitoes by 93%. However, researchers from the Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology found opposing results. Linalool demonstrated a mild to weak repellency against yellow fever mosquitoes. As so, researchers concluded that the efficacy of linalool may depend greatly on the environment, as well as the makeup of the substance and the exact species.
Beta-Citronellol
Beta-citronellol is a naturally occurring property in citronella oil. Citronella is common in most commercial repellent products. As so, many people believe that citronella is a powerhouse repellent, but University of Florida researchers concluded otherwise. In their study, researchers found that citronella-based repellents were only able to deter mosquitoes for 20 minutes or less. While short-term coverage may be useful in some scenarios, it can’t offer you the protection you may need for backyard barbecues or summer campfires.
Hedione
Hedione is a fragrance compound that smells similar to jasmine — a shrub in the olive family. While no studies testing the efficacy of hedione as a mosquito repellent currently exist, we can conclude that it would not be an effective repellent based on studies conducted on olive oils. In an experiment from the International Journal of Mosquito Research, facilitators found that olive oil demonstrated some level of repellency when mixed with aloe vera gel. That said, it is unclear which substance carried the repelling properties. In fact, the researchers acknowledged that the olive oil was primarily used to soothe the acute effects of aloe vera on participants’ skin.
Dryer sheets and mosquitoes don’t go hand in hand. While some dryer sheets may provide short-term protection, they aren’t efficient in outdoor settings or over long periods of time. If you’re looking to reduce pest populations around your home, schedule an appointment with Terminix®. Our mosquito solution begins working immediately to help protect your property. Even better, it includes a special polymer layer that protects against weathering and irrigation. This means you and your home can enjoy long-lasting protection against pesky mosquitoes.