Homemade Mosquito Repellent With Listerine

The female mosquito is the only mosquito that bites. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide, warmth, moisture and body odor emitted by humans or animals. She bites because she needs blood in order to lay eggs. Mosquito bites are itchy and uncomfortable. They may also carry illness such as West Nile Virus. There are many mosquito repellents on the market but some people prefer to use a natural method. Mosquito repellent using Listerine is a widely touted natural and thrifty method.

Process

• Place contents of Listerine bottle into a spay bottle.

  Spray yourself, your deck and your yard.

  Use the spray inside a dog house or on the dog's bedding.

  Mosquitoes should be repelled for a few days.

  Purchase the Original Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash, the yellow one, for the best mosquito fighting power.

Reason

• Listerine contains the ingredients thymol, eucalyptol and menthol. These ingredients are derived from natural plants believed to repel mosquitoes.

Myth

• Urban legend site www.snopes.com indicates that the fact that Listerine repels, and kills, mosquitoes is an urban myth. While spraying Listerine may have a short term effect, Snopes indicates there are better products, specifically designed for mosquito control, on the market.