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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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...
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...
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CPT Jacob Swartout
Interesting. I am going to research the products with DEET some more. Be great if the mosquitos were just afraid of humans and not come near us at all.
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SFC Rich Carey
It works, especially with chiggers - of course the guys next to you may not care for it
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Suspended Profile
The fifth test item was Bounce Fabric Softner Sheets . . . not so promising
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/8584161/5-mosquito-repellents-does-it-work
http://www.kfvs12.com/story/8584161/5-mosquito-repellents-does-it-work
CPT Jacob Swartout
I believe my wife would be upset to find out the dryer sheets are gone. Lol. I'm sticking with Deep Woods Off for now.
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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.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
They were horrible at Ft Stewart. You couldn't salute the flag without smacking your legs, neck, arms, etc constantly during the mornings.
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