Can bugs be kept away with so-called old wives' tale remedies?
Rooted in oral storytelling traditions, old wives' tales provide a unique take on remedies for many illnesses as well as preventative measures. Although these tall tales typically have little basis in true scientific research or facts, many believers seek out these folk cures as an alternative to modern medicine. There are many different tales about using household and/or natural items as insect repellents, ranging from foods and beverages to cleaning products. Does this Spark an idea?
Truth or Fiction
There is little medical or scientific reason to believe in the validity of old wives' tales. Although some of these stories and remedies may have been carefully passed down from generation to generation, few have proven to be effective in the laboratory environment. This is especially true of insect repellent. Old wives' tales concerning insect repellent may revolve around all-natural or chemical-free alternatives. Understandably, these methods are advantageous in that they provide a non-toxic, earth-friendly choice. Unfortunately, most of these tales are more fiction than fact. According to the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), the most effective repellents include the chemical DEET. This directly contradicts old wives' tales that tout the benefits of food, plant and nature-based repellents.
Safety
Old wives' tales are simple stories made up by individuals who usually have little or no scientific or medical training. Some preventative measures, such as using insect repellent, arose from a trial and error process with natural or everyday household items. Simply because a tale states that a repellent is natural or chemical-free does not make it safe or effective. Many natural items, such as plants, vitamins and oils, can be hazardous to humans and animals if not used properly. Professional clinicians and scientists typically do not approve these measures as safe for use. Many products and items included in these tales should either not be used or used in the quantity or way described. Many tales that advise using seemingly non-harmful ingredients may, in fact, be extremely hazardous to your health. Before trying an insect repellent based on an old wives' tale, ask a doctor or other expert.
Food Repellents
Foods and spices are often central to old wives' tales concerning insect repellents. For example, garlic is a favorite substance. From possibly true tales, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, to the totally false myth of a mosquito repellent, garlic is said to have many different uses. While garlic may taste good and help to season our food, there is no scientific evidence that eating it will help repel insects. Another food product repellent in old wives' tales is the banana. Although healthy to eat, there is no proof that this fruit can or would repel any insect.
Household Repellents
Some old wives' tales mention simple household products or cleaners as effective insect repellents. These typically untrue tales are in no way grounded in actual scientific research and may be hazardous to your health. Items such as dryer sheets, Lemon Joy dish soap and even Listerine have all been the subject of insect repellent wives' tales. These so-called repellents have never been proven as a safe or effective way to keep bugs at bay. Although most old wives' tales involving these items call for outdoor use, placing them near an insect infestation or directly on the insects, accidental ingestion could pose a serious health hazard. Cleaning and hygiene products should only be used in the manner indicated on the packaging.
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