While the internet is full of useful information, there does seem to be information out there that is not particularly accurate when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites. In this post, we examine some tips that have been suggested for mosquito control that are not actually effective.
One question that comes up often is: Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes?
Unfortunately, as Snuggles the Bear can attest while they are effective on controlling wrinkles they aren’t as effective in controlling mosquitoes.
The tale goes
Some Other Common Mosquito Control Myths
Garlic
Eating garlic as a mosquito repellent is often touted on the web. Unfortunately, a 2005 study (Rajan, Hein, Pirle and Wickel) determined that consuming garlic was not an effective method to prevent mosquitoes from biting. However, it does seem to keep your annoying neighbors and co-workers away.
Using vanilla as a mosquito repellent
Two different studies (Khan et al 1975; Tawatsin et al 2001) showed minimal to no repellent ability of vanillin; the main extract of the vanilla bean. The later study did show a benefit to vanillin being added to other ingredients to increase their repellent time. It may be somewhat worthwhile to look for vanillin as an ingredient in the better performing repellents that are on the market.
Eating vitamin B for mosquito prevention or wearing a vitamin skin patch
A 2005 study (Ives and Paskewitz) showed consuming vitamin B had absolutely no effect on repelling mosquitoes. A further study in 2013 showed that vitamin B-1 delivered via a skin patch was of no help in repelling mosquitoes.
Ultrasonic mosquito repellents
These are supposed to mimic the sound of the mosquito’s mortal enemies — dragonflies and bats. Overall, these devices do not work. The EPA did a two-year quality test on these devices and found they were not effective. In fact, the FTC went after the manufacturers of these devices for fraudulent claims. The newest versions of these ultrasonic repellents come in the form of an app for your smartphone. The app claims to employ the same theory of using sound to scare off mosquitoes, but there is no evidence that this technique actually works.
Citronella wristbands
These wristbands are infused with some type of botanical oil such as citronella or peppermint oil. The theory is that your body heat will activate the oils in the wristbands and act as a repellent. Unfortunately, they only provide protection in the area immediately around the band and don’t protect anything more than a small region of your body. And let’s face it, a full body band would look kind of silly.
Mosquito plants
The Pelargonium citrosum is reported to act as a deterrent to mosquitoes by releasing a citronella oil fragrance. A 1996 study by scientists at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada found that the plants did not naturally produce enough citronella oil to be effective as a mosquito repellent. Theoretically you could crush the leaves and rub them on your skin, but who has time for that?
Bats
Bats are often touted as a natural remedy for mosquito control. While it’s true that bats do consume mosquitoes, but the obnoxious insects only make up a small percentage of a bat’s nightly meal.
Bats are opportunistic feeders and typically seek out larger prey. While bats will dine on certain species of mosquitoes, they are unlikely to meet up with Aedes Aegypti, the species that carries the Zika virus, as this species is a daytime feeder while bats feed at night.
Although bats can’t be your front line defense against mosquitoes, it may be worthwhile to put up a bat house. Bat populations are decreasing across the United States due to destruction of habitat. Installing a bat house can easily provide a safe place for them to roost and reproduce. Bats can also provide relief from other garden pests like moths and Japanese beetles.
Birds
If you grew up in the country or have driven through rural areas, you have undoubtedly have seen Purple Martin houses dotting the landscape. Purple Martins have often been claimed to be mosquito-eating machines. This claim is based on an often-quoted statement by a researcher in the 60’s that a Purple Martin will eat 2,000 mosquitoes a day. Unfortunately, the quote has been misrepresented since the 60’s. The scientist was basically saying that the bird, due to its metabolism, would need to consume its body weight in insects and that would amount to 2,000 or more mosquitoes daily.
Other studies have shown that mosquitoes make at most between 0-3% of the Purple Martin’s diet. Similar to bats, they prefer larger and meatier meals. Keep in mind, Purple Martins like to feed in broad daylight and at treetop level, while mosquitoes are active in the early morning and at dusk and typically fly low to the ground.
A good recap of the various studies regarding Purple Martins and mosquito control can be found here. A more recent study involving the Western Bluebird showed evidence that Bluebirds also consumed mosquitoes. But again, not in enough significant numbers that would impact the mosquito population to a great deal. So, while birds can’t be your front-line defense against mosquitoes, you should still consider putting up houses to provide a nesting habitat for these creatures. They can help to keep other garden pests in check and provide viewing enjoyment as they settle into your backyard.
Are Bug Zappers Effective for Controlling Mosquitoes?
Nothing says summertime like sitting on your porch at dusk with a cold PBR in hand and listening to the crackling pops of winged beasts meeting their electrified doom. If hours of mindless yet satisfying entertainment are your objective, then a bug zapper may be just what you’re looking for. However, if eliminating mosquitoes from your yard is your goal, you might look elsewhere.
While these portable death machines can kill a lot of insects, unfortunately few of the casualties are mosquitoes. Studies show that only about 3% or so of the barbecued corpses collected from zappers are mosquitoes. You can read our article here for further explanation on the pros and cons of using a bug zapper for serious mosquito control.
We hope this insight into what doesn’t work for controlling mosquitoes saves you time, money, and from unnecessary scratching.