Does using fabric softener dryer sheets really repel mosquitos away from you?

CPT Jacob Swartout — Mon, 26 May 2014 22:39:57 -0400

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?

Response by SFC Kevin Cornett made May 26 at 2014 11:03 PM

SFC Kevin Cornett — Mon, 26 May 2014 23:03:56 -0400

I've never heard this, Sir. In fact it seems with the sweet smell it may attract some insects. I'd stick with Deet and prometherin treatments.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2014 11:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 May 2014 23:27:36 -0400

Lived in Alaska where the state bird is the mesquito and the only thing that worked was DEET. Additionally keep everything tight and use a head net.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2014 11:53 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 May 2014 23:53:50 -0400

I have used the dryer sheet method and it works okay, but DEET is the way to go as it is the best repellent for mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are so bad back home at Minot AFB, that they come in and spray with a C-130.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 1:54 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 May 2014 01:54:01 -0400

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.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 1:57 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 May 2014 01:57:29 -0400

The fifth test item was Bounce Fabric Softner Sheets . . . not so promising

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/8584161/5-mosquito-repellents-does-it-work

5 Mosquito Repellents: Does it Work?

Response by CPT Richard Riley made May 27 at 2014 4:19 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Tue, 27 May 2014 04:19:50 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made May 27 at 2014 8:55 AM

SFC Rich Carey — Tue, 27 May 2014 08:55:02 -0400

I would take sulfur cream of tartar tablets before heading to the field

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 27 at 2014 5:34 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 27 May 2014 17:34:15 -0400

I was told that there was an experimental program run with 2 SF A Teams in Panama in the 1970's. One was given a Vitamin B complex and the other a placebo . The Vitamin B complex worked pretty well.

I do not have any more info than that. I used to trade my smokes in my C-rats for the fruit, then hang out by the smokers to let the smoke repel the skeeters...