Does Rubbing Alcohol Repel Mosquitoes?
We found no official source saying rubbing alcohol repels mosquitoes. The CDC recommends EPA-registered insect repellents and says it does not know how well non-registered products work. Rubbing alcohol is also flammable and is for external use only.
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Rubbing Alcohol Dilution Chart (PDF)
How much 99%, 91% or 70% rubbing alcohol and water to mix for a 70% or 60% cleaning solution, for 100, 250 and 500 ml. Every line shows its source and the date we read it. Print it or keep it on your phone.
- Ready-made amounts for 99%, 91% and 70% bottles
- The 60-90% range the CDC gives for alcohol disinfectants, and safety notes
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What the CDC recommends instead
The CDC says to use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. It states: “We do not know the effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, including some natural repellents.” Isopropyl alcohol is not on that list, and we found no EPA or CDC page that recommends it for this.
EPA says a registration number means the company gave EPA technical information on the product’s safety and effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
Why not to use rubbing alcohol as a repellent
- The label of a 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol we read is “for external use only” and says fumes can irritate skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
- It is flammable. The label says to keep it away from fire, flame, heat and sparks, and NIOSH lists its flash point as 53 degrees F.
- NIOSH lists dry, cracking skin among the effects of exposure.
If you use a repellent
Follow the product label. The CDC says to apply sunscreen first and repellent second, not to use repellent on skin under clothing, and not to use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure what is right for a child or during pregnancy.
People also ask
Does rubbing alcohol keep mosquitoes away?
We found no official source that says so. The CDC recommends EPA-registered repellents.
What does the CDC recommend to repel mosquitoes?
An EPA-registered repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD or 2-undecanone.
Is it safe to spray rubbing alcohol on skin?
The label says for external use only and warns of irritating fumes and flammability. It is not a repellent product.
Sources
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