Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes? The truth about this DIY method
Content updated: March 3, 2026
Key takeaways
- To use a dryer sheet as a mosquito repellent, rub the sheet on your clothing before going outdoors. The scent may deter mosquitoes.
- While dryer sheets aren’t effective long-term mosquito repellents, some of their ingredients may work better when used on their own.
- Linalool, beta-citronellol, and hedione fragrances may each offer short-term mosquito deterrence, with effectiveness varying by formulation, environment, and the mosquito species you are trying to repel.
Jump to section:
How to use dryer sheets to deter mosquitoes
Why dryer sheets repel mosquitoes
Effective ways to keep mosquitoes away
Are dryer sheets an effective mosquito repellent? These popular home products might help give your clothes a nice clean smell, but they are not ideal for mosquito control. While you may see temporary success repelling mosquitoes with dryer sheets, it's not a long-term solution. When it comes to pesky mosquitoes, DIY isn't the best option. Don't believe us? Here's everything you need to know about dryer sheets and mosquitoes.
How to use dryer sheets to deter mosquitoes
When people use dryer sheets to repel mosquitoes, they typically rub a sheet on their clothing before going outdoors. It's important to note that while dryer sheets may contain certain chemicals that mosquitoes don't like, they are not effective at repelling mosquitoes long term. Studies have shown that the scent of dryer sheets is not strong enough to deter mosquitoes for a long period of time, and they may even attract other insects.
Why dryer sheets repel mosquitoes
So, do dryer sheets keep mosquitoes away? In a Kansas State University study, researchers examined the efficacy of dryer sheets against mosquitoes. During their investigation, they found that the key repelling properties within the sheets were linalool, benzyl acetate, beta-citronellol, and hedione. Let's take a look at the repelling powers of each of these compounds on their own:
Linalool
In a study from the Journal of Vector Ecology, researchers found that linalool diffusers deterred mosquitoes by 93%. However, researchers from the Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology found opposing results. Linalool demonstrated a mild to weak repellency against yellow fever mosquitoes. As so, researchers concluded that the efficacy of linalool may depend greatly on the environment, as well as the makeup of the substance and the exact species.
Beta-Citronellol
Beta-citronellol is a naturally occurring property in citronella oil. Citronella is common in most commercial repellent products. As so, many people believe that citronella is a powerhouse repellent, but University of Florida researchers concluded otherwise. In their study, researchers found that citronella-based repellents were only able to deter mosquitoes for 20 minutes or less. While short-term coverage may be useful in some scenarios, it can't offer you the protection you may need for backyard barbecues or summer campfires.
Hedione
Hedione is a fragrance compound that smells similar to jasmine — a shrub in the olive family. While no studies testing the efficacy of hedione as a mosquito repellent currently exist, we can conclude that it would not be an effective repellent based on studies conducted on olive oils. In an experiment from the International Journal of Mosquito Research, facilitators found that olive oil demonstrated some level of repellency when mixed with aloe vera gel. That said, it is unclear which substance carried the repelling properties. In fact, the researchers acknowledged that the olive oil was primarily used to soothe the acute effects of aloe vera on participants' skin.
Effective ways to keep mosquitoes away
Dryer sheets and mosquito control don't go hand in hand. While you may be tempted to DIY mosquito control and use fabric softeners for mosquitoes, dryer sheets aren't efficient in outdoor settings or over long periods of time. The best way to reduce pest populations around your home is to schedule an appointment with Terminix®. Our mosquito solution begins working immediately to help protect your property. Even better, it includes a special polymer layer that protects against weathering and irrigation. This means you and your yard can enjoy long-lasting protection against pesky mosquitoes.