THE FACTS

Listerine may have its place in the medicine cabinet, but to some resourceful outdoors types, it has a second life.

Pour a couple of ounces in a spray bottle, the story goes, spritz it in the air at the next barbecue, and  presto!  you have a cheap and pleasant-smelling mosquito barrier.

Image Credit... Leif Parsons

A primary ingredient in Listerine and several other commercial mouthwashes is eucalyptol, a natural oil that is also an active ingredient in botanical repellents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of the most effective mosquito repellents, along with DEET and picaridin.