When I first read this tidbit of advice on how to get rid of mosquitoes, I have to admit I was excited since I was sure I probably had some Listerine in the bathroom. Take Listerine and put it in a spray bottle. Then spray around where mosquitoes reside. Voila! No more mosquitoes!
Since I wanted a tad bit more information, I googled it and wouldn’t you know the first link is to Snopes. Snopes is the place to learn to truth about urban legends, old wives tales, and in general Internet rumors. Apparently it does work and will kill the mosquitoes it is directly sprayed on but says “false” to the claim that it will help repel mosquitoes.
I may try it anyway. I mean we already use Listerine, so all I need is a spray bottle. If it knocks out even 10% of the local mosquito population, then I’ll be happy.
Since my original post, I have used the generic form of Listerine around our front porch to see if it deters mosquitoes. The smell seems to last for about a day and that’s about how long there seems to be a decrease in mosquitoes. It could be just my imagination but definitely seems we are bitten less after spraying the mouth wash around our home.
Update:
I’ve a follow up to this post that you can find here where I talk about why Listerine is suppose to work on mosquitoes.
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by Toys Toys and More Toys » Blog Archive » Listerine kills mosquitoes?, on April 29 2008 @ 10:28 am
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by Listerine kills mosquitoes? | Product reviews, on April 29 2008 @ 11:46 am
[…] post by housewife Author: Time: Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 1:20 pm Category: 1 Comments: You can leave a […]
by vivclark, on April 30 2008 @ 12:48 pm
had never heard that one before, but when it comes to mosquitoes, i am willing to try anything!
by David, on May 1 2008 @ 8:28 am
what about ants? does listerine attract ants or other bugs?
After weeks of searching for a solution, I’ve decided to try the Skeeter Defeater. half because of its name and half because i hope it works.
www.skeeterdefeater.com
by housewife, on May 1 2008 @ 12:44 pm
I think everything attracts ants here! LOL. There will be no food, nothing and the ants will just be having a field day.
I’ll have to check into skeeter defeater. Like the name, too. It is much cheaper than the mosquito vacuum contraptions we’ve seen before at Sam’s Club and have seriously considered getting.
by Brett, on May 24 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Just noticed you were talking about the Skeeter Defeater. I am the Marketing Director for the company, and just wanted to thank David for trying it out, and for Housewife for considering it. I think it works great, but of course, I might be a bit biased (although you are right about the price being less than the vacuum products).
As for Listerine, I’ve heard that it does actually serve as a good mosquito killer. I don’t know what other effects it has on the environment or landscaping (I’ll ask our chemists). The thing I can’t get around is how do you deliver it, or spray it, effectively?
by mosquitoes listerine, on May 29 2008 @ 3:54 pm
[…] where mosquitoes reside. … Toys ” Blog Archive ” listerine kills mosquitoes?, on April 29 2008 …http://www.geekyhousewife.com/2008/04/29/listerine-kills-mosquitoes/Listerine chases away mosquitoes-Unproven!Suggestion to spray listerine mouthwash around your […]
by Why Listerine 'works' to kill mosquitoes | Geeky Housewife Household Tips, Product Reviews, Toy Reviews, on May 30 2008 @ 4:30 am
[…] month, I wrote about some advice I read that Listerine kills mosquitoes only to go to Snopes and find it to be false, or at least according to them. After doing some more […]
by John D. Bagshaw, on June 11 2008 @ 11:06 am
I heard that there is a recipe for mosquito repellent using water and listerine Thank you
by listerine mosquito, on June 20 2008 @ 4:11 am
[…] kills mosquitoes only to go to Snopes and find it to be false, or at least according to them. …http://www.geekyhousewife.com/2008/04/29/listerine-kills-mosquitoes/Has anyone tried using the listerine for keeping away mosquito? Did it work?”When tested on house […]
by mosquito listerine, on July 7 2008 @ 3:46 am
[…] kills mosquitoes only to go to Snopes and find it to be false, or at least according to them. …http://www.geekyhousewife.com/2008/04/29/listerine-kills-mosquitoes/snopes.com: Mosquito Repel LoreAre home remedies to repel mosquitoes effective ways to defend […]