A walk in the park, a summer camping trip, or a backyard barbecue—nothing can ruin these outdoor activities more than annoying mosquitoes.
When you’re out on a walk, and you get bitten by a mosquito, you have the tendency to grab the nearest bottle of spray you have. In most cases, it’s usually a bottle of rubbing alcohol, hoping its strong scent would repel the mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, alcohol doesn’t work that way. It won’t stop mosquitoes from biting you, and it definitely won’t keep them away.
The strong scent emitted by the alcohol simply masks your body’s natural smells, making it harder for them to detect you. But mosquitoes can still sense the presence of humans through other means, such as movement and body heat, so alcohol won’t do much in protecting you from those pesky bloodsuckers.
Rubbing alcohol is a staple in most households, and it’s well-known for different uses, such as disinfecting surfaces and treating minor cuts. However, it’s best to leave its use for repelling mosquitoes off the list.
To keep those pesky insects away, you’re better off investing in insect sprays or mosquito coils instead. Rubbing alcohol can be used for different things, but not as a mosquito repellant.
Alternatives to Alcohol to Repel Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be the bane of outdoor activities, making a leisurely experience feel like an endurance test in swatting and slapping. With the potential to carry and transmit diseases, they can also pose a serious healthcare risk.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you need to turn to different products that contain active insect-repellent ingredients, such as DEET or picaridin.
Here are some better alternatives to alcohol:
Vinegar
Yes – vinegar is an effective solution to keep mosquitoes away. The strong scent of vinegar can mask your body’s smell, making it difficult for mosquitoes to detect you.
While this is a well-known DIY remedy, not too many people like spraying vinegar solution on their clothes.
Burnt Coffee Grounds
The aromatic smell of coffee can also be a great mosquito repellant. To maximize its effectiveness, try burning some ground coffee and allow the smoke to surround you.
The smell can help keep mosquitoes away without having to apply any liquid on your skin.
Incense Sticks
The scented smoke from incense sticks helps to keep mosquitoes away. Light one up and let the aromatic smell do its work in keeping them at bay.
Not only will it repel the insects, but it can also make your outdoor activity a whole lot more pleasant.
Synthetic Repellents Containing DEET or Picaridin
Synthetic chemical repellents are one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes away. Products containing DEET or picaridin are your best bet when it comes to repelling these pesky bugs.
These products should be applied directly onto your skin and clothing, giving you the protection that you need from those bothersome mosquitoes.
Picardin works by masking scents that attract mosquitoes, and the best thing about this is that it helps you against bites for up to eight hours after application.
Physical Barriers
Nothing beats a physical barrier to keep mosquitoes away. Screens, windows, and doors can help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or your yard area.
Additionally, you can also use mosquito nets if you’re camping out in conjunction with insect repellants, coils, or sprays.
Final Thoughts
Rubbing alcohol, while it might seem like a brilliant idea to help repel mosquitoes, but it doesn’t do much against these pesky bugs.
They can help disinfect mosquito bites but not keep the mosquitoes away. To protect yourself from these insects, it is best to use products with active ingredients like Picaridin or DEET, along with physical barriers such as screens or mosquito nets.
