So, Does Irish Spring Soap Repel Mosquitoes? (2024)
Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other pest insects are always around and ready to ruin your time outdoors, whatever you happen to be doing out there.
Fending them off seems like a full-time job, but lately there has been an uproar about relief from an unlikely source.
There seems to be a growing clamor around the internet claiming that Irish spring soap will effectively . Is it true?
No, there isn’t much verifiable evidence that Irish spring can effectively repel mosquitoes, flies, or other insects. Though some ingredients in Irish spring are used in various commercial insect repellents, they are not present in quantities great enough to reliably repulse these insects.
Well, chalk up another one for the internet hype machine. Lacking verified laboratory evidence and successes under repeatable field conditions, I’m going to stick with proven options instead of common deodorant body soap. It would have been nice if it worked, though.
Despite this, let’s look into the matter a little bit further, and see if there isn’t a grain of truth in this claim.
Fact Check: Some Soaps Do Repel Bugs
I think it is a good idea to snuff out one blanket assertion right up front. Some detractors of this claim assert that no soap is capable of repelling insects, and that just isn’t true.
There are ingredients in some soaps that can repel insects, under the right circ*mstances.
DEET is the most common insect repellent ingredient found in bug sprays today, but it was actually first synthesized for use as a soap additive.
In fact, soap is still used as a delivery system for DEET in the case of certain specialty soaps that are designed as bug repellents. Some of these soaps even use all-natural ingredients, whereas others use modern, synthetic ones.
For instance, pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is another ingredient found in both bug sprays and some soaps that can be effective at repelling insects.
Pyrethrin is derived from certain chrysanthemum flowers, and when present in high enough concentrations, it can be effective at repelling or killing a variety of insects.
So, there are some soaps that can have an insect-repelling effect, but by design. But that begs the question, is it possible Irish Spring soap contains enough of any such ingredient to make a tangible difference in the “approach rate” of insects? Sadly, no.
The Ingredients of Irish Spring Don’t Show Much Promise, However
All soaps, Irish Spring included, are made with some combination of fats, oils and alkalis.
The fats and oils are what make up the soap part of the equation, while the alkalis are used to saponify the fats and oils, i.e. actually turn them into soap.
The main difference between different kinds of soap is what kind of fats or oils are used in the recipe.
Different fats have different properties that can be exploited to create different kinds of soaps.
For instance, olive oil is a popular choice for making “gentle” soaps that won’t dry out your skin. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is often used in higher-quality soaps because it produces a more luxurious lather.
So, what kind of fats or oils are used to make Irish Spring soap? According to the Irish Spring website, the recipe includes “tallow, sodium tallowate, sodium palmitate, and sodium cocoate.” Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat.
It’s what gives soap that “soapy” smell that you remember from your childhood. Sodium tallowate is just tallow with some of the water removed and replaced with sodium.
Sodium palmitate is derived from palm oil, while sodium cocoate is derived from coconut oil. These later two are in fact found in some commercial bug sprays.
But while Irish Spring soap contains some of the same ingredients as commercial insect repellents, they are present in far smaller quantities and don’t persist on the skin in any quantity even close enough to providing an effective defense.
What about the Anecdotal Evidence?
In fact, it’s hard to find any hard data on Irish Spring soap being used as an insect repellent anywhere on the internet, apart from various comments and user videos on websites here and there.
A quick search provides plenty of claims, but not much proof that can be independently verified.
In fact, the opposite seems to be true, with plenty of scientists, outdoor professionals, and other parties shooting the idea down with prejudice.
Anecdotal evidence can be worthwhile when you accumulate enough of it, but so many of the people shouting the miraculous ability of Irish Spring to repel insects are trying awfully hard to sell the idea.
And before you defend them, claiming they have nothing to gain from such behavior, keep in mind that attention is the currency of the internet realm, and all those views, clicks, and likes can add up to real-world money. Sometimes a lot of it…
Like most fads, no matter how stupid, if something is popular and people are talking about it will invariably lead to more and more people talking about it and then plenty of people who want to profit off of it.
Real-world, Verified Evidence Suggests Certain Soap Fragrances May Attract Insects
I get it; I would do anything that would have any chance of keeping those biting bastards off of me.
But as it turns out, Irish Spring and other scented soaps or lotions might be doing the opposite, the equivalent of painting a bullseye on our backs.
A 2015 article published by the Cleveland Clinic found that certain fragrances actually attracted mosquitoes.
The referenced data did not test Irish Spring soap specifically, but it did test a number of popular soaps and other products.
The researchers found that mosquitoes are highly attracted to chemicals used as fragrance ingredients in many common hygiene products.
In fact, it was discovered that mosquitoes were far more likely to land on skin that had the fragrance chemicals on it. Bad news!
Now, this is not to say that Irish Spring will have that same effect, but do you really think it will repel mosquitoes?
Irish Spring Can Keep Pest Mammals Away from Gardens
Now, before we dismiss the notion that Irish Spring is merely scented soap and nothing more, there is one thing you should know.
As it turns out, Irish Spring does, in fact, have some pest repellent capability. Just not in the way you might think.
For some years, gardeners and homesteaders have known that placing Irish Spring soap in areas where deer, rabbits, or other mammals are a problem will often lead to those animals avoiding the area.
The scent of the soap is enough to put them off their feed, so to speak.
I myself can confirm as much: I grew up smack in the middle of rural Kentucky where farming and gardening were as common as anything.
Neighbors and family alike, when faced with mammalian intrusion upon their garden, would bust out a bar of new Irish Spring, and shave it into splinters before hanging small sachets of it around the perimeter of the garden.
And that was much of the time problem solved, believe it or not. So, there you have it.
Irish Spring soap might not be effective at keeping bugs away from your skin, but it could very well do the trick when it comes to keeping deer out of your garden.
Don’t Depend on Irish Spring as Protection from Biting Insects
So, bottom line, you should not count on Irish Spring soap as any kind of effective protection from biting insects like mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies, or anything else.
It conceivably might work in certain circ*mstances, somehow, but there are much better options out there for insect defense that will give you the protection you need without smelling like grandpa’s aftershave.
And, like most other scented body care products, it might just do the opposite and attract the bugs.
New research analyzes the interplay between soap scent, the body's unique odor profile, and mosquito attraction. Researchers say coconut-scented soaps were among the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.
New research analyzes the interplay between soap scent, the body's unique odor profile, and mosquito attraction. Researchers say coconut-scented soaps were among the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.
One of the best Irish spring soap uses in garden is to keep insects and pests away from plants. The soap contains strong-smelling ingredients like eucalyptus, which are known to repel pests. Simply hang the soap in the garden where you want to get rid of the pests!
Since the US Department of Agriculture developed DEET in 1944, the synthetic chemical has been a mainstay of bug repellents. Short for N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, DEET works by activating the olfactory receptors in mosquitoes, effectively repelling them because they dislike its smell.
Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
Irish Spring Soap has a strong fragrance that helps to repel mice. Their sharp sense of smell finds this fragrance to be too strong. Many testers say that putting soap shavings strategically keeps their home mice free.
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.
Spraying window cleaner directly onto small insects like ants or mosquitoes will kill them within a few moments. For co*ckroaches, window cleaner can make them temporarily unconscious so that you can squash them. This works on initial contact, but Windex will not continue to kill bugs after it has dried.
You can use dishwashing or detergent soap to create bubbles. Mosquitoes are attracted to water and once they are in the water, they get trap in the bubbles and die.
Since coffee grounds have such a pungent and intense smell, mosquitoes do not like to come near it. Mosquitoes are repulsed by all types of coffee, whether it is fresh, used, or burnt. The most effective way to use coffee grounds for mosquito control is by burning them, as it creates a stronger aroma.
Dragonflies as well as being a natural predator of the mosquito are a fascinating and unique group of insects. Dragonflies are often referred to as "mosquito hawks" for their supposed ability to kill thousands of mosquitoes.
Washing with soap was shown to alter a person's odor profile, making them more or less attractive to mosquitoes. To make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes, you can use products containing DEET, picaridin, citronella, lemon, and eucalyptus.
I personally LOVE the smell of the original scent Pine-Sol. It smells so fresh and clean to me. Luckily, flies don't like the smell (mosquitoes don't either), which makes this a great DIY solution for getting rid of those bugs.
However, researchers found that mosquitoes generally were more attracted to Dove and Simple Truth soap. Floral scents can be attractive to mosquitoes because it reminds them of flowers—and flowers produce nectar that they use for food.
Sanitizer contains form of alcohol, ethyl alcohol to name one as active ingredient. And other main ingredients are also water, glycerin and fragrance. But disinfectant cannot be used as mosquito repellent. Almost 99% of disinfectant available in market has no effect on terminating or repelling mosquito problem.
It has taken decades of research, but scientists are close to working out why mosquitoes bite some people, and not others. It comes down to a complex trifecta of carbon dioxide, body temperature and body odour that makes some people more inviting to mozzies than others.
You can scare many bugs and animals away by simply putting a bar of Irish spring soap where you don't want them. You can make small pieces of Irish spring soap and spread them out over spaces as well.
Product Details. Irish Spring 5-in-1 Men's Body Wash and Shampoo for Hair, Face and Body gives you an all-over clean feeling. This body wash washes away bacteria and retains skin's natural moisture, and is made to be used on your hair, face, and the rest of your body.
Will Irish Spring soap keep mice away? The short answer is no, there is no hard evidence that is actually happening when people use it as a repellant. The main part of this myth comes from the idea that soap is mainly made from animal fat and mice eat animal fat.
There is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that Irish Spring soap is effective at repelling snakes and other animals which find its aroma highly disagreeable.
Does Irish Spring soap keep squirrels away? Yes, Irish Spring soap can help to keep squirrels away. The scent of the soap is unpleasant for the animals and will prevent them from entering your home or yard.
Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are a good base for an insect repellent, as they deter flies and, combined with specific essential oils, will deter mosquitoes and ticks as well.
Q: Do light-colored clothes repel mosquitoes? A: Unfortunately, light-colored clothing does not repel mosquitoes, but there is an upside to light-colored garments. Light-colored apparel is more difficult for mosquitoes to zero in on — but these colors won't stop mosquitoes from biting you once they spot you.
Topical repellents are applied directly onto the skin or clothing; they provide a “barrier” against mosquitoes. For maximum protection, topical repellents should be applied to all exposed skin but avoid your eyes and mouth.
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. Opt for a 3% hydrogen peroxide to keep plants safe.
Instead of spraying DEET or an insecticide at mosquitoes, try 90 percent isopropyl alcohol, which you should be able to find in almost any pharmacy. Put some in a plastic spray bottle and adjust the nozzle so you get a fine mist. Next time a mosquito comes close or rests on a wall, just zap it with the alcohol.
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.
— you have a cheap and pleasant-smelling mosquito barrier. A primary ingredient in Listerine and several other commercial mouthwashes is eucalyptol, a natural oil that is also an active ingredient in botanical repellents.
How do you make bug spray with Dawn dish soap? Mix two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with a gallon of water to make bug spray with Dawn dish soap. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle & utilize it as a spray for repelling mosquitoes.
According to the Entomological Society of America, a recent study by a bevy of expert mosquito researchers offers an important warning to consumers: Products claiming to reduce mosquito populations with salt-water solutions are ineffective.
When soap is added into a water body, the surface tension of water is reduced or broken; and adult mosquitoes will be unable to stand on its surface. Any mosquitoes that attempt to stand on the soapy water may sink and fail to lay eggs on the surface.
Tomatoes, beans, and lentils as well as other foods rich in thiamine are said to release a smell that repels mosquitoes and other bugs. Grapefruit, oranges, and lemons are all citrus fruits that mosquitoes apparently aren't fond of smelling.
Mix two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with a gallon of water to make bug spray with Dawn dish soap.Transfer the solution into a spray bottle & utilize it as a spray for repelling mosquitoes.
However, researchers found that mosquitoes generally were more attracted to Dove and Simple Truth soap. Floral scents can be attractive to mosquitoes because it reminds them of flowers—and flowers produce nectar that they use for food.
Here's why this was the basis for the study: According to researchers, mosquitoes rely on plant nectar to get some sugars in addition to the blood to produce eggs. Researchers tested Dial, Dove, Native, and Simple Truth soaps. Three of the four soaps, with a fruity or flowery scent, increased mosquito attractiveness.
Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are a good base for an insect repellent, as they deter flies and, combined with specific essential oils, will deter mosquitoes and ticks as well.
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.
This is a home remedy to trap mosquitoes. Whenever you are entertaining outdoor, place a dish outside with soapy water in it. You can use dishwashing or detergent soap to create bubbles. Mosquitoes are attracted to water and once they are in the water, they get trap in the bubbles and die.
Lemongrass, citronella (not citronella candles), and catnip can act as natural mosquito repellents. Essential oils, like lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil, can also have positive effects on mosquito prevention.
SALLYEANDER Sallye Ander No-Bite-Me Soap - Bug & Insect Repellent Soap - 1 Bar - Safe for Kids and Infants - Repels Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Fleas, and Ticks.
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Introduction: My name is Sen. Emmett Berge, I am a funny, vast, charming, courageous, enthusiastic, jolly, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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