For years, the claim that dryer sheets keep bugs away has been floating around home-related websites. How much of it is true, and how much is a myth? Because of our commitment to professional and effective pest control solutions, we’re always on the hunt to find bug-repelling tricks to share with homeowners. If you’re wondering if dryer sheets actually keep bugs away, here’s what you need to know.
Do Dryer Sheets Repel Mosquitoes?
There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that dryer sheets may repel mosquitoes, but there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.
Dryer sheets typically contain chemicals such as linalool, beta-citronellol, and geraniol, which are known to have some insect-repellent properties. However, the concentrations of these chemicals in dryer sheets are typically quite low, and it is unclear whether they are present in high enough concentrations to effectively repel mosquitoes.
Furthermore, even if the chemicals in dryer sheets are effective at repelling mosquitoes, the effect may not last very long. Dryer sheets are designed to provide a pleasant scent to laundry, not to repel insects, so any insect-repellent properties may wear off quickly.
In summary, while some people claim that dryer sheets can repel mosquitoes, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. If you are looking for an effective way to repel mosquitoes, it is probably best to use a proven insect repellent containing a higher concentration of active ingredients, rather than relying on dryer sheets.
Do Dryer Sheets Keep Other Bugs Away?
One study, conducted by a team of researchers at Kansas State University, used Bounce dryer sheets to determine their effectiveness in fighting off fungus gnats. The study was comprised of a test chamber that included two separate compartments, one that contained a Bounce dryer sheet and one that did not. When the researchers released the gnats into the chamber, they found that only 18% of the gnats moved into the compartment with the dryer sheet, while 45% moved toward the empty compartment.
The reason for this? Most dryer sheets contain the ingredient linalool, which can be found in plants like lavender, basil, and coriander, all of whichnaturally repelcommon garden pests. Similar studies found that this ingredient is also useful for repelling bugs like mites,weevils, beetles, and German co*ckroaches. While its ability to repel mosquitoes has not been confirmed, linalool can also be found in certain mosquito repellants and pesticides, which may mean dryer sheets are more productive at repelling mosquitoes and other annoying bugs than some may think.
Fact or Fiction? Answer: Both
Although dryer sheets haven’t been officially proven to repel mosquitoes, their effectiveness hasn’t been disproven, either. It’s possible these common household items are a successful mosquito-repellant. However, until it is proven that the linalool and other bug-repelling ingredients found in dryer sheets deter mosquitoes, we recommend using an EPA-approved bug spray that contains the ingredient DEET to prevent mosquito bites during outdoor activities. Just because dryer sheets are not made to repel mosquitoes, however, they still offer a myriad of other uses around the home.
Other Pest-Related Uses for Dryer Sheets
While their ability to act as a bug repellant hasn’t been officially proven, dryer sheets provide other bug-related uses. Dryer sheets can help remove dried insects from the windshield and body of your car. Just dip the dryer sheet in water, or spray the affected area with water, and rub off with the dryer sheet. The chemicals in dryer sheets can dissolve a car’s finish, however, so make sure you reapply wax to keep a glossy finish on your vehicle.
Dryer sheets can also be used to protect houseplants from annoying pests. Since they have been proven to repel fungus gnats, placing several dryer sheets near your houseplants could protect them from these root-eating pests. This is especially useful for plants placed in moist-environments, like the bathroom or backyard, where fungus is most likely to grow within the soil.
Although this claim has yet to be proven, some say placing dryer sheets in dark corners or cluttered areas of your home can also prevent spiders and other bugs from nesting since it is believed these bugs are repelled by the smell.
Our Conclusion
While dryer sheets may help the spread of pesky pests around your home, only one thing can get rid of these bugs once and for all: an effective,pest control treatmentfrom Aptive Environmental. One of our pest control experts can determine the best solution for your specific situation, and recommend the best course of action for ridding your home and yard of pests. Give our teama calltoday to receive a free quote.
FAQs
Most dryer sheets contain the ingredient linalool, which can be found in plants like lavender, basil, and coriander, all of which naturally repel common garden pests. Similar studies found that this ingredient is also useful for repelling bugs like mites, weevils, beetles, and German co*ckroaches.
Do dryer sheets really keep bugs away? ›
The Truth About Scientific Evidence
Other university studies demonstrate the effectiveness of dryer sheets to repel certain insects, including mites, food-infesting beetles, German co*ckroaches and weevils. These studies, however, do not show any significant impact as a mosquito repellent.
How bad are dryer sheets for the environment? ›
From an environmental standpoint, dryer sheets aren't needed to keep clothes clean. As single-use products, they produce needless amounts of waste and emit potentially harmful chemicals into the air.
Do dryer sheets help keep bed bugs away? ›
Although there is no concrete proof that dryer sheets can kill or deter these pesky pests, they are believed to mask the insects' scent and make them less likely to approach. By placing dryer sheets near your bedding and mattress, you may create an additional barrier against bed bug infestation.
Why not use dryer sheets? ›
Chemicals and fragrances added to dryer sheets have been known to irritate skin, cause headaches, and even trigger asthma. Environmental concerns may also deter you from using dryer sheets.
Do dryer sheets really repel bees? ›
Dryer sheets can repel bees because they dislike a strong scent.
Do roaches hate the smell of dryer sheets? ›
Linalool is an alcohol derived from plants, and it gives dryer sheets their distinctive scent. In sufficient concentrations, linalool can indeed be used as a pest repellant, but your average dryer sheet doesn't contain enough of it to actually work on roaches.
How do you make dryer sheets eco-friendly? ›
All-Natural Dryer Sheets
Cut old T-shirts into approximately 8-inch squares. Stuff them into a mason jar. In a separate bowl or jar, mix together vinegar and essential oil; then pour into mason jar with T-shirts and stir to combine. Store in airtight container and use as needed.
Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets? ›
Wool dryer balls offer a plethora of benefits over traditional dryer sheets. Firstly, they are chemical-free, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Secondly, they are eco-friendly, as they reduce drying time, save energy, and are made from a renewable resource.
Does anything keep bed bugs away? ›
Powdered Pepper. Bed bugs don't like the smell of pepper—especially the powdered one. This ingredient is typically found in every household as it is used for cooking. The powdered pepper will help keep away bed bugs because they cannot stand the smell.
The authors suggested that bed bugs avoided yellow and green colors since those colors resemble areas of intense lighting, rather than darker reds and blacks.
Can bed bugs survive the washing machine? ›
Fortunately, bed bugs should not be able to survive the high temperatures of the washing machine. By setting the water temperature to around 50°C (122°F) or higher and using a dryer on the highest heat setting, you should be able to effectively kill all bed bugs and their eggs.
Are dryer sheets eco-friendly? ›
Dryer sheets are made from synthetic polyester, and the toxic chemicals contained in dryer sheet fabric softeners are what target the electrostatic charges. Dryer sheets are a sneaky single-use plastic, designed to be used once then tossed out, where they will persist in the environment forever.
Which is better, downy or bounce dryer sheets? ›
Final Verdict. Our best overall is Bounce Dryer Sheets. They smell great, get rid of static and wrinkles with just one sheet in the dryer, and are affordable. If you want something free of fragrances and dyes, consider All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets for Sensitive Skin, our best for sensitive skin option.
What happens if you use too many dryer sheets? ›
Using too much can make clothes feel “crunchy,” Richardson said, which can leave you reaching for the fabric softeners and dryer sheets. If you use less detergent to begin with, then your clothes will stay softer without needing to introduce additional products.
Are ants repelled by dryer sheets? ›
Dryer sheets also work to repel ants which are also very sensitive to the scents on dryer sheets. You can place the sheets near water pipes or other openings they may have found into your home, and they will not come back.
Will dryer sheets keep fleas away? ›
Some even claim that rubbing dryer sheets on your pets will help. Though these home remedies might work to kill some fleas, they do not work to take care of an entire infestation. You may notice a reduction, but those fleas will come back in force if even a few are left behind to reproduce.
Do dryer sheets really repel dust? ›
Repel dust: Ditch your can of dust-attracting spray and use a dryer sheet to dust your electronics, blinds, ceiling fans, baseboards, and other dusty areas of your home. It leaves behind a trace of anti-static residue for a fresh scent and effective dust repellent.
How do you use dryer sheets to repel gnats? ›
Position the dryer sheets near the plants: Place the cut dryer sheet pieces near the plants you want to protect from gnats. You can use various methods: Insert them into the soil: Stick the dryer sheet pieces directly into the growing medium or soil around your plants.
