Did you know that you might already have the best natural repellent at home? And no, we're not talking about citronella. We're talking about Listerine!
The internet has warmed up again for one of those “life hacks”, which are simply too good to ignore. This time it's about using the well-known mouthwash Listerine – not for fresh breath, but as a weapon against those pesky, itchy mosquitoes. But does it really work or is it just another viral gimmick?
TikTok doesn't lie (ever)
Among the online tricks that occasionally make the rounds on social media, one in particular has caught our attention: using Listerine mouthwash as a mosquito repellent. The idea is simple – pour Listerine into a spray bottle, spray it around your room or patio, and – voilà – the itchy bites should be gone!
The photos accompanying this idea show the classic yellow Listerine Original bottle equipped with a homemade sprayer, creating an almost professional-looking natural repellent with a refreshing menthol scent.
Why would Listerine even work?
Listerine contains several essential oils, such as:
- Eucalyptol
- Menthol
- Thymol
- Methyl salicylate
All of these ingredients are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties – but also for being a bit of a nuisance to mosquitoes. In fact, they remind them of the scents of some plants, which are used in natural repellents. So the theory has some scientific basis.
What does science say?
Well, that's where the excitement stops a bit. According to entomologists (read: experts on bugs and their buzzing cousins), Listerine may work for a very short time—because it has a strong smell—but not a substitute for proven repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
Listerine dries too quickly and loses its effectiveness, so mosquitoes may still find you – they just have to wait about 10 minutes.
When (not) to try the Listerine trick?
✅ Try it if:
- You're having a picnic in your backyard and you're without the right repellent.
- You are bothered by the smell of classic repellents.
- You like to DIY and want to be experimental.
❌ Skip it if:
- You go camping in a swampy area where the mosquitoes are like vampires on caffeine.
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients in Listerine.
- You're expecting miracles. Seriously, this is mouthwash, not a Harry Potter spell.
What do users say?
The comments under the post are a mix of excitement, skepticism, and classic Facebook jokes. Some claim they had “the most peaceful summer without a single speck”, while others report being attacked by mosquitoes despite their fresh breath.
As always with internet tricks – results may vary depending on your lawn, temperature, and probably your astrological sign.
A final thought
Listerine as a repellent is definitely something you should try – if nothing else, you’ll smell like mint, which is better than sweat or campfire smoke. At worst, you’ll have disinfected patio tiles. At best… you might discover your new favorite summer trick.
Experiment, but remember: nature is wild, mosquitoes are even wilder. And Listerine… well, it was made for breath. But hey – if it works, why not?
