The Weird But Genius Way to Use Irish Spring Soap for Bugs
Wait… Irish Spring Soap for Bugs? Yup, It’s a Thing.
You know that bright green bar of Irish Spring soap your grandpa probably used? Turns out, it’s not just good for waking up your nostrils in the morning—it’s also a surprising DIY bug repellent for your garden and outdoor spaces.
I was skeptical too, but once you try this Irish Spring soap trick for bugs, flies, and even mosquitoes, you'll want to keep a stash of it in your shed, not your shower.
If you're tired of being a buffet for bugs every time you step outside, this super simple method might just be your new go-to. And bonus: it smells way better than most chemical sprays.
Tools and Materials
- 1 bar of Irish Spring Original Soap 🧼
- Cheese grater or knife
- Small mesh bags or pantyhose
- Twine or string
- Hooks, nails, or garden stakes
- Scissors
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How to Use Irish Spring Soap to Repel Bugs
1. Grab a Bar (Or Two)
You’ll want the original scent of Irish Spring—it’s the strong, fresh scent that makes bugs scram. Skip the fancy moisturizing versions. One bar goes a long way, but I always buy a pack so I can stash them everywhere.
2. Grate or Cube the Soap
Using a cheese grater (or just chop it with a knife if you’re feeling lazy), break the bar into small chunks or shavings.
This increases the surface area and helps the scent spread farther.
3. Bag It Up
Put the soap shavings into mesh bags, old pantyhose, or even small drawstring sachets. Anything breathable works.
Then tie the bags closed.
4. Hang or Place Strategically
Now comes the fun part. Hang these little sachets:
- On patio railings
- Near outdoor seating
- In your garden
- On fences
- Near doorways or windows
For mosquitoes, hang them close to where you sit outside.
For flies, hang them near garbage cans or outdoor food areas.
Bonus tip: Tuck a sliver into your garden boots or gloves to keep bugs and even mice out.
5. Refresh Monthly
Rain and weather can wear down the scent over time. I usually swap out mine about once a month, or sooner if we’ve had a lot of storms.
Does Irish Spring Soap Really Work to Keep Bugs Away?
Short answer: Yes!
Longer answer: It’s not a miracle cure, but for light to moderate bug problems, this method is surprisingly effective.
I've noticed fewer flies hanging around and way less mosquito dive-bombing when I'm just trying to enjoy a lemonade on the porch.
This trick won’t replace heavy-duty mosquito sprays in peak summer, but it’s a solid, low-effort way to keep bugs at bay naturally—and it doesn’t smell like chemicals. 🙌
Irish Spring Soap as Bug Repellent—Weird, But It Works
I’ll admit, I thought this was just another internet myth. But after hanging Irish Spring soap in a few key spots, the difference was obvious. Fewer flies, fewer bites, and a yard that smells like soap instead of bug spray? Yes, please.
Give this a try, and let me know if it works for you too!
Comments
Join the conversation
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I'm going to be "On it like Donkey Kong" soon. I like the idea and the scent- thank you!
I live in the country and bugs are a constant issue. Like you say- I have the spray but some areas are getting the Irish Spring Treatment! WIN!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Will this work for wasps?