Sign-in to Account
Call Us

(855) 948-5816

aptive-registered-logo-white

Find Service Area

Fact or Fiction: Do Dryer Sheets Keep Bugs Away

Written by Aptive Environmental September 30, 2019

Updated August 2, 2024

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 which naturally repel common garden pests. Similar studies found that this ingredient is also useful for repelling bugs like mites, weevils, beetles, and German cockroaches. 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

But what about other pests like flies and spiders? Do dryer sheets repel or keep away these annoying insects? While there is no definitive scientific evidence that directly links dryer sheets with repelling flies, some users swear by their efficacy. Similarly, the question of “do dryer sheets keep spiders away?” remains somewhat controversial. Many believe that the smell of dryer sheets is disliked by spiders, potentially keeping them at bay. Although not scientifically proven, it might be worth a try if you are looking for a gentle and smell-friendly way to deter spiders and flies.

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 services from 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 team a call today to receive a free quote.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

Close-Up Of A Black Ant On A Green Leaf With Water Droplets.

Pest Control: The Lifecycle of Pests

Pests are a nuisance to homeowners, and can cause a lot of damage to property, as well as health risks to humans and pets. To effectively control pests, it is important to understand their lifecycle and behavior. In this article, we will explore the lifecycle of...

Feb 17, 2023
Aptive Employee Standing In The Front Yard Talking To A Customer.

Best Time for Pest Control Services: When to Act

When it comes to pest control services, timing is everything. Imagine this: it's a beautiful summer evening, the grill is fired up, and friends are coming for a backyard barbecue. But as you open the back door, you're greeted by an unwelcome surprise—a parade of...

Sep 17, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Interior Showcasing A Sleek Black Sink With A Matte Black Faucet. The Kitchen Features A Wooden Countertop With Various Appliances Like A Microwave And Coffee Maker, And Is Decorated With Multiple Indoor Plants And A Small Fruit Bowl, Adding A Touch Of Nature And Color To The Space. Natural Light Streams In Through A Window, Illuminating The Area.

Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Home’s Plumbing System

Hearing strange scratching sounds coming from your walls can be unsettling. It might be mice, but it could also be sneaky pests living inside your plumbing system. While the idea might be alarming, these tips for plumbing pest prevention can help reduce the risk of...

Sep 16, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Six-Eyed Crab Spider (Family Thomisidae) With A Reddish-Orange Body, Capturing An Ant On A Green Leaf. The Spider'S Detailed Texture And The Fine Hairs On Its Legs Are Clearly Visible.

What is an Arachnid?

What do spiders, scorpions, and mites have in common? They belong to a larger group of animals called arachnids. While you've most likely seen a spider or two around your home, these fascinating creatures are incredibly diverse. Let's investigate what makes them...

Aug 30, 2024
A Modern Two-Story Suburban Home With Gray Siding And A Dark Roof, Illuminated By Warm Interior Lights During Sunset. The House Features A Large Three-Car Garage, Well-Manicured Lawn, And A Driveway With Reflections From Recent Rain. The Sky Is Tinged With Soft Hues Of Pink And Purple As The Day Transitions Into Evening.

Pest Control Tips for Your Garage: Keeping Rodents and Insects Out

The garage is a space designed for tools and vehicles, but it can also attract unwanted pests. These intruders can cause damage by chewing wires, nesting in stored items, and leaving unsanitary droppings behind. Garage pest control doesn't have to be a constant...

Aug 28, 2024
A Modern Kitchen With White Cabinets, A Gray Backsplash, And Stainless Steel Appliances. The Kitchen Features A Gas Stovetop With A Shiny Pot And A Bowl Of Lemons On The Marble Countertop. Brightly Colored Orange Cookware And Various Fresh Ingredients, Including Bread, Herbs, And Flowers, Add Vibrant Accents To The Space.

The Five Most Common Kitchen Pests: Identification and Prevention

Keeping your kitchen clear of pests is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Kitchen pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can also contaminate your food and spread diseases. In this article, we'll cover the five most common pests, kitchen...

Aug 23, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Featuring White Cabinets, A Large Stainless Steel Refrigerator, A Marble Countertop Island With A Sink, And A Professional-Grade Stove With Red Knobs.

How to Prevent Bugs from Nesting in Your Gutters

You might not think about your gutters often, but pests certainly do. In fact, your gutters could be the perfect haven for various bugs. Without proper gutter bug prevention, these tiny invaders can cause significant damage to your home. Let's investigate why they...

Aug 1, 2024
An Elderly Man Wearing A Light Blue Shirt And Beige Pants Is Watering A Large Green Potted Plant In A Brightly Lit Hallway With Wooden Walls And Frosted Glass Windows.

Seasonal Pest Control: Preparing Your Home for Each Season

For many homeowners, the fight against unwanted pests feels like a constant battle. But did you know that adapting your strategies to the changing seasons can significantly improve your chances of winning this war? Enter: seasonal pest control.  Throughout the...

Jul 23, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Brown Mouse Perched On A Weathered Wooden Fence, With A Blurred Natural Background And Some Green Leaves Visible.

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Home Maintenance

Owning a home is a source of pride, but it also comes with the responsibility of ongoing maintenance. While tasks like fixing a leaky faucet might come to mind, don't overlook the crucial role of regular pest inspections offered by professional pest control...

Jul 23, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.