Listerine as Bug Repellent: Use Listerine to Repel Mosquitoes & Flies

Can you use Listerine as Bug Repellent? Will it Repel Mosquitoes, Flies, and Aphids? Scroll on for all the answers!

Using Listerine as Bug Repellent keeps mosquitoes, flies, and aphids at bay! In this article, we’ll understand how it’s a reliable choice for keeping those pesky insects at bay.

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Using Listerine as Bug Repellent

Listerine contains ingredients like Eucalyptol and Menthol, recognized for their bug-repelling qualities. However, the concentrations of these compounds in Listerine usually hover below 1%. This minimal concentration can help for shorter periods but is insufficient for providing long-lasting protection against mosquitoes.

Note: Listerine is primarily designed for oral hygiene, not as an insect repellent.

Bug Repelling Compounds in Listerine

Here is the concentration of the compounds in Listerine. 

• Eucalyptol Content: Listerine contains around 0.09% Eucalyptol, a compound known for its bug-repelling properties. Eucalyptol comes from Eucalyptus oil, which is excellent at keeping pests and mosquitoes away.
• Menthol Presence: Menthol, another bug-repelling compound found in peppermint, is also found in Listerine at concentrations of approximately 0.04%.

With their subtle concentration, Eucalyptol and Menthol in Listerine contribute to its repellent nature, although the effect is limited compared to dedicated insect repellents.

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Using Listerine to Repel Mosquitoes & Flies

Listerine’s bug-repelling effects are short-lived. Due to its composition of alcohol and water, Listerine tends to evaporate quickly when applied to the skin. This limits its effectiveness compared to traditional insect repellents designed to provide hours of protection.

However, you can still use it to eliminate mosquitoes and flies in your home and garden. Here’s how to use it.

• Spray Around: Use a spray bottle to put Listerine around your garden. Spray it on plants and near sitting areas to help keep mosquitoes away.
• Make a Mix: Mix water and Listerine in a bucket. Then, pour it on the ground in the garden.
• Dab on Skin: You can put a bit of Listerine on your skin if you do not have any other remedy handy. But be careful, don’t use too much. It will help keep mosquitoes from bothering you while you enjoy your garden.
• Refresh Regularly: Listerine wears off quickly, so refresh it occasionally. A fresh application could keep mosquitoes and flies at bay for a while.

Note: You should know that these steps only show you how you can use Listerine to repel bugs temporarily. It is not recommended to do so. 

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You should go for CDC-recommended bug sprays for reliable and lasting protection against mosquitoes and other insects.

Listerine as Bug Repellent: Will It Work for Aphids?

Are aphids bugging your plants? You should try this easy mix of Listerine and liquid dish soap bug repellent!

What You Need

• One teaspoon Listerine mouthwash
• One teaspoon Dawn liquid dish soap
• 1 smalltsp cayenne pepper
• 1.5 liter Water
• An empty spray bottle

How to Make It

1. Pour everything into a bowl.
2. Mix it up! Give it a good stir.
3. Grab an empty spray bottle and fill it halfway with water.
4. Add a couple of squirts of dish soap from the top and fill the bottle the rest of the way with water.
5. Shake it gently to mix it all.

Once it’s ready, spray the mix on the tops and bottoms of the leaves of the plants where the aphids are. Do it every week until those little pests are gone!

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FAQs

1. Can I rely on Listerine to protect me from mosquitoes?

You can use it for short-term effects, but it will not work for long. For dependable protection, you should choose CDC-recommended bug repellents.

2. How long does Listerine’s bug-repelling effect last?

Listerine’s effects are brief as it evaporates quickly. Traditional insect repellents are designed for longer-lasting coverage, making them better options.

3. Are there any alternative items that effectively repel bugs?

While some everyday home items may have bug-repelling properties, their efficacy varies. For robust protection, you should opt for good insect repellents. Or those that the CDC recommends.

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