Posted on May 26, 2014
Does using fabric softener dryer sheets really repel mosquitos away from you?
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I once heard that if you put fabric softener dryer sheets in your uniform pockets it repels the mosquitos away from you. Has anyone done this to confirm it really works better than lets say, Deep Woods Off?
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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i heard there is no repellent that works with asian blood, my korean mother told me. I've never heard of using fabric softener but I just spray repellent and it works okay.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
I think I agre on that. Every place I go to they seem to like our Asian blood. I wish there was some kind of pill or drink that would put a distinct smell on my skin that the mosquitos hated. I will keep the Deep Woods Off for now. My wife would be upset to find out I took the whole box of dryer sheets to the field.
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GySgt (Join to see)
Ive been stationed in those states where the state bird is the mosquito, you need to push out west and you'll be good to go!
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The most effective repellents would include (DEET) diethyl toluamide, ethyl hexanediol, dimethyl phthalate, or dimethyl carbate. These repellents provide protection for up to about 5 hours depending on perspiration, temperature, & how abundant the mosquito's are.
Mosquito's find you by detecting body heat, carbon dioxide, and odors like sweat. DEET & other chemicals mess with their sense of smell and blocks the chemical receptors for carbon dioxide and lactic acid - which are 2 substances released by our bodies that serve as attractants.
Currently, we don't have anything better to combat mosquitoes than DEET. The idea behind using dryer sheets (or any other odor changing material) is to mask the CO2 and lactic acid from them so they don't detect it.
Mosquito's find you by detecting body heat, carbon dioxide, and odors like sweat. DEET & other chemicals mess with their sense of smell and blocks the chemical receptors for carbon dioxide and lactic acid - which are 2 substances released by our bodies that serve as attractants.
Currently, we don't have anything better to combat mosquitoes than DEET. The idea behind using dryer sheets (or any other odor changing material) is to mask the CO2 and lactic acid from them so they don't detect it.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
I'm going to stick with Deep Woods Off for now and may switch up later to another brand.
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CPT Richard Riley
For informational purposes, here is information the public affairs office put out a few days ago .....
http://www.army.mil/article/127072
http://www.army.mil/article/127072
Army invention helps prevent mosquito-borne disease
A device invented by Army entomologists to control the population of mosquitoes that carry diseases is now available to installations.
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