It’s a common question and one that we’re often asked. The answer is yes, it is possible for Pine Sol to repel mosquitoes. To be more accurate it was possible for Pine Sol to repel mosquitoes. As it is currently formulated Pine Sol is ineffective as a mosquito repellent.
The powerful scent of the cleaner is assumed to be off-putting to the pests, and conjecture states that it will keep them away from any area where it’s being used.
However, the reports that state Pins Sol is an effective mosquito repellent may be dated or based on confusing Pine Sol with pine oil. Pine Oil in high doses has been shown in a 2005 study to be effective against mosquitoes. (1)
Here is the anomaly in the online findings that claim mosquitoes are repelled by mosquitoes. Because of its disinfectant and deodorizing properties, Pine-Sol was based on pine oil when it was created in 1929. (2) As of 2016, Pine-Sol products sold in stores do not contain pine oil.
As originally formulated, the pine oil in Pine Sol may have been an effective mosquito repellent but with the current formulation it consists of 8-12% pine oil (3) and it is the pine oil that has found to be the effective ingredient to repel mosquitoes. However, if Pine Sol were an effective mosquito repellent the manufactures would likely state this as a selling point.
At most the oils found in pine sol could possible help reduce the larvae of mosquitoes by drowning them out. But as stated in one of our cited studies, the dosage level would have to be very high to have any practical utility.
What Does Pine Sol Repel?
The simple answer is that pine sol is made as cleaner and deodorizer. It is effective as a cleaner to fight dirt, grime grease. To attempt to use pine sol as a bug or mosquito repellent may not be the best option for natural mosquito repellents.
When reading about homemade natural bug and mosquito repellent formulas that are most effective contain citronella, eucalyptus, pine, or lavender diluted and mixed with percent variations. Many DIY mosquito repellent formulas have been shown to be effective.
The most effective formulations that add pine sol may be effective, however this doe not mean that Pine Sol is the catalyst to repel the bugs or mosquitoes. We have found many people ask if Pine Sol attracts ants.
Does Pine Sol Attract Ants?
Pine Sol does not attract ants. In fact, if it did that would be a terrible detractant to consumers. Moreover, the strong smell of Pine Sol likely has no repellany effect to ants. This is because Pine Sol is formulated as a cleaner and disinfectant.
In our opinion it is assumed that mosquito is a good bug repellent because users may co relate the use with lessen amounts of pests. The more you keep crumbs and food particles away from ants and other insects like mosquitoes they will not be attracted to the area you want them to away from.
Pine Sol As A Mosquito Repellent Conclusion
When trying to decide what is the best mosquito repellent to use, we have provided a variety of research so you won’t have to sift through the variety of findings online. It is always best to see what works best for you and your family and consider the factors that may differ for you and others.
If you want to try a natural mosquito repellent there are many of other viable options than Pine Sol based mosquito repellents.
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