I guess we’re all familiar with soap, but did you know certain soaps can also repel mosquitoes? Well, it was something that I ignored until recently, and I wondered if the mosquito repellent soaps really do work.
There are other sorts of repellents, like ultrasonic devices and bracelets, that don’t have much effect, so let’s check out these mosquito soaps to see if they are effective.
What is Mosquito Repellent Soap?
Mosquito soap is a soap that contains ingredients such as natural herbal extracts that leave a fragrance on your skin. This fragrance keeps mosquitoes away.
This is an alternative to using repellent sprays or lotions containing chemical products such as DEET or picaridin.
When used regularly, the repellent soaps may help to keep mosquitoes away, but their effectiveness will vary depending on the species of mosquitoes, the active ingredients, and the concentration.
Mosquito soaps usually contain natural ingredients that repel mosquitoes. According to a study published in Medical News Today, coconut-scented soap was found to be among the most effective in repelling mosquitoes. This is because coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
Although mosquito soap can reduce the risk of bites, it shouldn’t be your only protection. If mosquito-borne diseases are present in your region, consider other protection measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants, spraying insect repellents on your skin, and staying indoors when the mosquitoes are most active.
What Kind of Soap Repels Mosquitoes?
I have read of tests with soap containing DEET and permethrin but have only been able to find one “soap” available containing DEET.
That is the “Mosbar.” It was developed in association with the World Health Organisation to combat malaria. To use, you apply the bar to the skin with water to form a lather that you allow to dry without washing off. The soap provides 10 hours of protection.
Soaps containing permethrin are used to treat scabies.
Most of the widely available mosquito-repelling soaps contain essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, catnip, or lavender.
Are There All Natural Mosquito Soaps?
There are several bug-repellent soaps that are all-natural. The active ingredients are essential oils, and the inactive ingredients and fragrances are also natural.
Many of these natural soaps also claim that with regular use, they will relieve itching and reduce swellings caused by insect bites. However, most natural mosquito soaps won’t be as effective as chemical-based repellents.
The Best Mosquito Repellent Soaps
These mosquito soaps are reported to work by their users and can be useful in repelling nuisance mosquitoes.
No-Bite-Me all-natural, repellent, and anti-itch soap.
Blue Moon Elise natural soap uses essential oils to repel mosquitoes
Osana soap uses natural herb extracts to keep mosquitoes away
Essential Armor natural soap uses 8 essential oils
These soaps may repel the majority of mosquitoes. However, if you are going to a region where mosquitoes are known vectors of dangerous diseases such as Malaria, Dengue, or West Nile Virus, then you are recommended to use a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR 3535 that has been thoroughly tested and are EPA-registered repellents.
Products containing essential oils are considered “minimum risk products” by the EPA. This means they don’t undergo testing, so you can’t be sure they are effective.
Can You Make a Homemade Mosquito Soap?
Yes, it is possible to make homemade mosquito repellent soap using natural ingredients that are commonly available. Here’s a simple recipe for making mosquito-repellent soap at home:
The ingredients you will need:
- a soap base, often sold by lots of 2 lbs (0.91kg). This could be a melt-and-pour soap base such as castile soap or goat milk soap. There are many types of soap bases that use the same basic ingredients, and they differ in the natural ingredients that are added. This could be goat milk, olive oil, cocoa butter, or honey.
- a soap mold
- essential oil (you can use a combination of oils such as lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, or lemongrass)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Cut the soap base into small pieces.
- Melt the soap base in a microwave, and use short bursts, stirring from time to time until the soap base has all melted. A double boiler could be an alternative to a microwave.
- Add about 0.70 fl oz (20 ml) of essential oil to the mixture and stir well. You can use a combination of oils or just one type of oil.
- Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it set for several hours or overnight.
- Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mold and use it as needed.
To use the homemade mosquito repellent soap, simply wet your skin and lather the soap onto your body, paying special attention to areas that are more prone to mosquito bites, such as the ankles, wrists, and neck. Rinse off the soap after a few minutes and enjoy the benefits of a natural mosquito repellent.
It’s important to note that while the natural soaps may be effective in repelling mosquitoes, they are not as potent or long-lasting as commercial mosquito repellents containing DEET. Therefore, it’s important to reapply the soap regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of a soap that repels mosquitoes may seem appealing. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of such a product is likely to vary from person to person and will also depend on the concentration and type of the essential oil used.
It is also worth noting that there are many other ways to protect oneself from mosquito bites, such as wearing protective clothing, using mosquito nets, and applying insect repellent. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent as the most effective way to prevent mosquito bites.
In conclusion, while mosquito repellent soap may be a convenient and potentially effective way to protect oneself from mosquito bites, it should not be relied upon as the sole means of protection. Instead, individuals should take a comprehensive approach to mosquito bite prevention, using a combination of methods to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illness.
