I take a garlic supplement when I know I'll be outdoors around mosquitos. I've been doing this the last 2 summers and it actually works for me! Without it I get eaten alive!! It seems vampires aren't the only bloodsuckers to be repulsed by garlic. Is there a scientific explaination for this?
2006-07-28 04:23:57 · 8 answers · asked by M M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Garlic does change the property of the blood slightly, and has proven to reduce bites by mosquitoes. I have worked in northern Canada where the bugs get really bad, and some of my co-workers have done the same as you and yes it does work. Like I said I beleive it has to do with blood chemistry. I have also known some people that have used it directly on the skin, they smell bad, but at the end of the day usually have the least amount of bites.
I also know some people that swear that fabric softener rubbed on the skin is the miracle bug repellant without the unpleasant aroma of garlic. That might also help you out.
I am a deet man myself, usually deep woods off, I should go for a sponsorship...hahaha
Your question has some scientific explanation, which probably involves the effect of garlic on the bloodstream, but Im not versed in blood chemistry enough to help you in the exact scientific explanation, but your reasoning is correct!
2006-07-28 04:34:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Probably not because mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that you breath out.
Only a good insect repellent with deet will do.
2006-07-28 04:27:22 · answer #2 · answered by Skypilot49 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mosquitos are attracted by Carbon dioxide. The only repellants that work are ones that mask CO2.
2006-07-28 04:27:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You'll just get attacked by French and Italian mosquitoes.
2006-07-28 04:29:40 · answer #4 · answered by BobbyD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like you just answered your own question. If it works for you, and doesn't create a bad odor for you, keep using it.
2006-07-28 04:28:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure but will give it a try since I got camping all the time.
2006-07-28 04:27:55 · answer #6 · answered by Jeff L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dunno about garlic, but I KNOW if you put vinegar on you, mosquetos stay away. Good Luck. Either way you are stinky tho!
2006-07-28 04:26:31 · answer #7 · answered by Angel Eve 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have heard of it but bug spray w/ deet in it is your best bet...
2006-07-28 04:26:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋