Mosquitoes can cause uncomfortable, itchy bites.
In the summer, mosquitoes can become quite a hassle. Mosquitoes and other pests can leave itchy bites, causing a great deal of discomfort and possibly disease. If you want to enjoy your outdoor barbecue bug-free, there are a few ways to repel these pests. Bug spray and citronella candles are common repellents that can be purchased at your local drugstore. However, there is an unexpected household solution being used today: Listerine.
Function
Listerine, a popular antiseptic mouthwash, is commonly used to deter bad breath and reduce dental plaque and gingivitis. Yet Listerine also functions as a widely touted household alternative to drugstore repellents. Spraying yourself with Listerine allegedly keeps mosquitoes away.
Features
A key ingredient in Listerine is eucalyptol, a natural compound. Eucalpytol is also commonly used in botanical repellents. According to clinical studies, versions of eucalyptus oil can repel mosquitoes as well as reduce skin inflammation. Listerine contains .092 percent eucalyptol. Other ingredients such as thymol and menthol are also believed to repel pests naturally. Listerine also contains a high concentration of alcohol (26.9 percent), which can kill pests upon direct contact.
Benefits
Listerine is easy to obtain and may already be a staple in your medicine cabinet. As such, using Listerine as a repellent can be cost-effective. Listerine also lacks the unpleasant odor and sticky texture of some bug sprays. Furthermore, using Listerine as a natural solution may be safer for your skin. Many bug sprays contain an active ingredient called DEET, which can be hazardous if not used correctly. The Environmental Protection Agency lists numerous precautions for DEET usage, including avoidance of over-application and using the product on young children. DEET can also cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Using Listerine avoids these possible dangers to your skin.
Considerations
While Listerine offers a natural alternative to DEET-based products, Listerine does not protect against the West Nile Virus. This disease, often transmitted through mosquitoes, can have debilitating and potentially fatal effects on your health. It is important to consider using DEET products rather than household solutions if the West Nile Virus is a major concern.
Skepticism
While many people swear by Listerine as a household solution to pests, there have not been scientific studies to prove its overall effectiveness. Urban legend websites such as snopes.com argue that Listerine is not a viable method of repelling insects and using products specifically designed to repel pests is more effective and longer-lasting.
Tags: Listerine also, commonly used, household solution, itchy bites, Nile Virus, repel pests, using Listerine