For years, the claim that dryer sheets keep bugs away has been floating around home-related websites. How much of it is true, and how much is a myth? Because of our commitment to professional and effective pest control solutions, we’re always on the hunt to find bug-repelling tricks to share with homeowners. If you’re wondering if dryer sheets actually keep bugs away, here’s what you need to know.
Do Dryer Sheets Repel Mosquitoes?
There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that dryer sheets may repel mosquitoes, but there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.
Dryer sheets typically contain chemicals such as linalool, beta-citronellol, and geraniol, which are known to have some insect-repellent properties. However, the concentrations of these chemicals in dryer sheets are typically quite low, and it is unclear whether they are present in high enough concentrations to effectively repel mosquitoes.
Furthermore, even if the chemicals in dryer sheets are effective at repelling mosquitoes, the effect may not last very long. Dryer sheets are designed to provide a pleasant scent to laundry, not to repel insects, so any insect-repellent properties may wear off quickly.
In summary, while some people claim that dryer sheets can repel mosquitoes, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. If you are looking for an effective way to repel mosquitoes, it is probably best to use a proven insect repellent containing a higher concentration of active ingredients, rather than relying on dryer sheets.
Do Dryer Sheets Keep Other Bugs Away?
One study, conducted by a team of researchers at Kansas State University, used Bounce dryer sheets to determine their effectiveness in fighting off fungus gnats. The study was comprised of a test chamber that included two separate compartments, one that contained a Bounce dryer sheet and one that did not. When the researchers released the gnats into the chamber, they found that only 18% of the gnats moved into the compartment with the dryer sheet, while 45% moved toward the empty compartment.
The reason for this? Most dryer sheets contain the ingredient linalool, which can be found in plants like lavender, basil, and coriander, all of whichnaturally repelcommon garden pests. Similar studies found that this ingredient is also useful for repelling bugs like mites,weevils, beetles, and German co*ckroaches. While its ability to repel mosquitoes has not been confirmed, linalool can also be found in certain mosquito repellants and pesticides, which may mean dryer sheets are more productive at repelling mosquitoes and other annoying bugs than some may think.
Fact or Fiction? Answer: Both
Although dryer sheets haven’t been officially proven to repel mosquitoes, their effectiveness hasn’t been disproven, either. It’s possible these common household items are a successful mosquito-repellant. However, until it is proven that the linalool and other bug-repelling ingredients found in dryer sheets deter mosquitoes, we recommend using an EPA-approved bug spray that contains the ingredient DEET to prevent mosquito bites during outdoor activities. Just because dryer sheets are not made to repel mosquitoes, however, they still offer a myriad of other uses around the home.
Other Pest-Related Uses for Dryer Sheets
While their ability to act as a bug repellant hasn’t been officially proven, dryer sheets provide other bug-related uses. Dryer sheets can help remove dried insects from the windshield and body of your car. Just dip the dryer sheet in water, or spray the affected area with water, and rub off with the dryer sheet. The chemicals in dryer sheets can dissolve a car’s finish, however, so make sure you reapply wax to keep a glossy finish on your vehicle.
Dryer sheets can also be used to protect houseplants from annoying pests. Since they have been proven to repel fungus gnats, placing several dryer sheets near your houseplants could protect them from these root-eating pests. This is especially useful for plants placed in moist-environments, like the bathroom or backyard, where fungus is most likely to grow within the soil.
Although this claim has yet to be proven, some say placing dryer sheets in dark corners or cluttered areas of your home can also prevent spiders and other bugs from nesting since it is believed these bugs are repelled by the smell.
Our Conclusion
While dryer sheets may help the spread of pesky pests around your home, only one thing can get rid of these bugs once and for all: an effective,pest control treatmentfrom Aptive Environmental. One of our pest control experts can determine the best solution for your specific situation, and recommend the best course of action for ridding your home and yard of pests. Give our teama calltoday to receive a free quote.
FAQs
There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that dryer sheets may repel mosquitoes, but there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Dryer sheets typically contain chemicals such as linalool, beta-citronellol, and geraniol, which are known to have some insect-repellent properties.
Will dryer sheets keep bed bugs away? ›
The theory is that the scent from the dryer sheets will drive away the bed bugs and ultimately get rid of your problem. Unfortunately, this myth and isn't backed by any scientific findings: There's no proof that dryer sheets will kill or repel bed bugs.
What cleaning product do bugs hate? ›
Vinegar. What can't vinegar do? In addition to being a great cleaning agent, vinegar is effective in deterring many types of pests. Ants despise the smell of vinegar, and vinegar will wipe out the scent trails they leave around the house to navigate.
Do dryer sheets keep co*ckroaches away? ›
Linalool is an alcohol derived from plants, and it gives dryer sheets their distinctive scent. In sufficient concentrations, linalool can indeed be used as a pest repellant, but your average dryer sheet doesn't contain enough of it to actually work on roaches.
What scent do bugs stay away from? ›
Bugs hate the smells associated with repellency, such as lavender, citronella, vinegar, peppermint, and geranium. These oils are considered a natural way of driving away bugs from your home without harming you, your family, and other animals.
What kind of dryer sheets repel bed bugs? ›
A: No, dryer sheets are not scientifically proven to eliminate bed bugs. While some people claim they have had success using them as a temporary repellent, professional pest control services are the most effective solution for bed bug infestations.
What sheets do bed bugs hate? ›
The authors suggested that bed bugs avoided yellow and green colors since those colors resemble areas of intense lighting, rather than darker reds and blacks.
What smell do bugs hate the worst? ›
Peppermint is one of the many natural insect repellents found and used worldwide. Because of its menthol properties, insects, with their enhanced senses, find it unpleasant. You can buy insect repellents with peppermint as one of the main ingredients.
Does hydrogen peroxide keep bugs away? ›
Spray hydrogen peroxide: For DIY mosquito repellent, mix up a batch of 1/3 hydrogen peroxide and 2/3 water and spray it over your patio and its perimeter, especially in places where guests will be sitting and eating. Choose 3% hydrogen peroxide to keep plants safe.
Does spraying vinegar keep bugs away? ›
Vinegar is one of the best ingredients to make a pest control spray. It is effective in repelling ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and many others. Creating a mix is quite simple and is considered safe for humans and pets. Acidity of the vinegar is potent enough to kill many pests.
The bugs that are theoretically most likely to shy away from the dryer sheets are certain mites, food-infesting beetles, and weevils, German co*ckroaches, and, according to one study, fungus gnats.
What can I put around my bed to keep roaches away? ›
What can I spray on my bed to keep roaches away? To keep roaches away from your bed, you can create a homemade spray using water and a few drops of essential oils known to repel co*ckroaches, such as peppermint or tea tree oil. Spray this solution around your bed frame and nearby areas to deter roaches.
Do spiders hate dryer sheets? ›
What happens when you wipe your baseboards with dryer sheets is that you pick up crumbs and dust. In doing so, you remove a valuable food source for bugs and spiders. The scent of certain dryer sheets may also help repel spiders.
What do bugs hate the most? ›
Lemongrass, citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, catnip, and lavender oils all possess properties that repel bugs. The oils can be used individually or combined to make a simple anti-bug potion.
Does Vicks vapor rub work as a bug repellent? ›
Deter Insects
We may be fans of Vicks, but insects decidedly are not. Dab a bit on your arms, legs, neck, or other areas of exposed skin to keep bugs (including mosquitoes) at bay, however, it is not as effective at preventing bites as a commercial insect repellant.
What is the best natural bug repellent? ›
Citronella
Citronella and citronella oil typically come from the Cymbopogon nardus plant. Research suggests that in prime conditions, citronella is effective as an insect repellent, with low toxicity to humans, but air quality and high temperatures can affect how well it works.
How do you keep bedbugs from biting you? ›
A few ways to stop bedbugs (and bedbug bites) include:
- Use a protective cover on your mattress and box springs. ...
- Reduce clutter in your bedroom so bedbugs don't have many places to hide.
- Vacuum regularly, including your mattress, carpet, curtains, and upholstered furniture.
Encasem*nts are also useful in preventing a bed bug infestation from starting. Bed bugs like to hide inside of mattresses, in the mattress seams, and especially in the cracks and crevices on the box springs. Once the mattress and box springs are sealed inside encasem*nts, bed bugs don't have anywhere to hide.
Do I have to throw away my clothes if I have bed bugs? ›
Most times, clothing, bedding and furniture from a home with a bed bug problem can be treated and do not need to be thrown away. If you decide to dispose of items, they should be carefully sealed in a plastic bag or container first so the bed bugs don't spread.
How do I protect my laundry from bed bugs? ›
Tips for reducing the risk of bringing home bed bugs
Before leaving the location, sort anything that can be washed and place it in plastic bags. Separate the laundry as you would if you were normally laundering items. This will prevent escaping bed bugs as you try to sort the laundry at home.
