How to Make a Mouthwash Mosquito Repellent: A Simple Summer Solution
If you're gearing up to host a summer gathering and find yourself unprepared for mosquitoes, don't stress—I've got an ingenious DIY solution for you: Listerine.
This everyday toiletry serves as an excellent backup plan when you need to fend off mosquitoes.
Let me walk you through how to create this homemade mosquito repellent with mouthwash, it's super simple!
Tools and Materials:
- Listerine mouthwash
- Spray bottle
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1. Prepare Your Solution
Grab a spray bottle and fill it with one cup of mouthwash. The minty scent will not only freshen up your space but also repel those pesky mosquitoes.
2. Apply the Mouthwash Mosquito Repellent to Problem Areas
Identify areas in your backyard where mosquitoes tend to congregate. Give these spots a good misting with the Listerine solution. Be sure to spray all nearby surfaces, including the air around you.
3. Protect Your Skin
To keep mosquitoes from biting you, lightly mist your skin with the mixture. Allow it to dry for about a minute before heading back into the outdoor fun.
Maintenance Tip:
Keep your mouthwash mosquito repellent handy outdoors, as the effects typically last for about 30-40 minutes. When you start feeling those mosquito bites again, simply reapply the solution as needed.
Upgrade Your Mosquito Defense Strategy!
Homemade Mosquito Repellent with Mouthwash Tutorial
Who knew that a bottle of Listerine could be the secret you needed to keep mosquitoes away?
With this simple DIY hack, you can enjoy your outdoor gatherings without the nuisance of buzzing insects. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!
Disclaimer: This mosquito mouthwash repellent is intended for temporary relief and may not be as effective as commercial mosquito repellents. Please use caution and discretion when applying any home remedy for pest control.
Comments
Join the conversation
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What a great idea. I am going to try this. Our area in the SanFernando Valley, CA, is infested with those ankle-biting mosquitoes; it is unbearable.
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I’m not so sure about misting my arms and legs with a Listerine bottle but i’d muchhhhh rather just put a bottle out there without the top or in like a little cup 😠I wonder what that would do lol
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
How to keep flies away from porch
Original amber-colored or blue?
Multiple fact checks and expert sources note that while Listerine and some generic mouthwashes contain small amounts of essential oils like eucalyptol and menthol—compounds known to have some insect-repelling properties—the concentrations are far too low (less than 1%) to provide meaningful or lasting protection against mosquitoes.
Clinical studies that found essential oils to be effective as repellents used much higher concentrations of these oils (often 10–75%), which is far greater than what is found in mouthwash
. Additionally, the alcohol and water base in mouthwash causes it to evaporate quickly. Did anyone really find this method really works?