Rubbing alcohol is a common household product recognized for its antiseptic properties and used for cleaning surfaces and minor cuts. It evaporates rapidly, causing a cooling sensation and having a distinct, pungent odor.
Do Mosquitoes Like Rubbing Alcohol?
Mosquitoes are not attracted to rubbing alcohol. They locate hosts by sensing carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaled by humans and animals, and specific chemical compounds on human skin, such as lactic acid and certain volatile organic compounds. Rubbing alcohol lacks these attractive chemical cues. Its strong, sharp odor is more likely to act as a deterrent, as it does not mimic the natural odors that attract mosquitoes.
The rapid evaporation of rubbing alcohol creates a cooling effect on the skin, which is not appealing to mosquitoes that are drawn to body heat. While consuming alcoholic beverages can make individuals more attractive to mosquitoes due to increased CO2 exhalation and body temperature, applying rubbing alcohol to the skin does not have this effect.
Rubbing Alcohol as a Repellent
Despite its strong scent, rubbing alcohol is not an effective lasting mosquito repellent for skin application. Its deterrent effect is minimal and short-lived because it evaporates quickly from surfaces, including skin. Unlike commercial insect repellents with active ingredients like DEET or picaridin, rubbing alcohol does not provide sustained protection.
While rubbing alcohol can kill mosquitoes on direct contact by dehydrating their exoskeletons, this is not a practical method for repelling them from a broad area of skin. For it to be effective as an insecticide, a mosquito would need to be directly sprayed with a sufficient concentration. Therefore, relying on rubbing alcohol as a primary means to keep mosquitoes from landing on you is not recommended due to its rapid dissipation and lack of sustained repellent action.
Applying Rubbing Alcohol to Bites
Rubbing alcohol can provide temporary relief from the itch and sting of mosquito bites. When applied to a fresh bite, its rapid evaporation creates a cooling sensation that can numb the area and distract from the itch, tricking the brain into not perceiving the itching sensation as intensely. Additionally, rubbing alcohol acts as an antiseptic, cleaning the bite site and potentially reducing the risk of secondary infection if the skin has been broken from scratching.
Some experts suggest it may also help by denaturing proteins in mosquito saliva that trigger the immune response, reducing itching and swelling. However, it is important to use rubbing alcohol cautiously. Applying it to broken skin can cause a burning sensation and irritation due to its drying properties and potential to damage healthy skin cells. It is a temporary solution and not a cure for mosquito bites; the itching may return after the alcohol evaporates.