Brewers Yeast: A Natural Mosquito Repellent You Can Make At Home

Brewer’s Yeast as a Natural Mosquito Repellent: Does It Really Work?

If you’ve found yourself swatting away mosquitoes on a summer night, you may be searching for a natural and affordable way to keep these pesky biters at bay. Brewer’s yeast has gained popularity as an organic mosquito repellent that is easy and cheap to make at home. But does the anecdotal evidence hold up, or is it just another old wives’ tale?

What is Brewer’s Yeast?

Brewer’s yeast, also known as saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a single-celled fungus used in brewing beer and baking. It converts carbohydrates like malted barley into alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation. Brewer’s yeast is a byproduct of the brewing process and can be purchased cheaply in powdered form from brewing supply or health food stores.

How is it Claimed to Repel Mosquitoes?

The theory behind brewer’s yeast as a mosquito repellent is that its smell masks human odor, making us less attractive to biting insects. Mosquitoes are drawn to compounds in human sweat, breath, and skin that signal the presence of a blood meal. By spreading yeast on the skin, it introduces new scents that confuse mosquitoes and throw them off our scent trails.

Does the Research Support its Effectiveness?

While anecdotal accounts suggest brewer’s yeast works as a DIY repellent, scientific evidence is limited. One 2010 study found it did inhibit mosquito host-finding abilities to some degree when combined with garlic. However, on its own, brewer’s yeast provided minimal protection comparable to the untreated control group.

Other natural oils like citronella, peppermint, and lemongrass have more research backing their mosquito-repellent properties compared to yeast alone. Its strong smell may act as a weak deterrent for some mosquitoes. But it lacks the potent bite-fighting compounds of proven repellents containing DEET or plant-based essential oils.

How to Use Brewer’s Yeast as a Repellent

If you want to experiment with brewer’s yeast as an organic option, experts recommend the following application methods:

1. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast with 1 cup of water to make a paste. Apply to exposed skin 20 minutes before spending time outdoors.
2. Add 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast to 1 liter of water in a spray bottle. Mist exposed skin, clothing, and surrounding areas where biting occurs.
3. Brew a decoction by boiling 1/2 cup yeast in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then apply the liquid or use it in a spray.

Reapply every 2 hours, as mosquitoes may be attracted once the scent dissipates. Its protection is mild, so remain cautious of bites if spending extensive time outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

What Have Been My Experience?

From my experience testing brewer’s yeast as an eco-friendly bug repellent, I can say it provides some marginal defense against mosquitoes. On calm evenings spent on my back porch, applying a yeast paste did seem to attract fewer bites than going untreated. However, its effect was minor compared to commercial products.

I also tried the spray method in my yard while doing some gardening one evening. Mosquitoes still buzzed around and I accumulated a few bites within an hour. So while brewer’s yeast may offer a token of protection, it’s no substitute for repellents proven to be 25-30% effective like those containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Is It Worth It?

For the average backyard entertainer facing moderate mosquito activity, brewer’s yeast could be a passable “better than nothing” solution. Applying it alongside lemon juice or vitamin B supplementation may boost its larvicide and repellency levels slightly.

However, if you’ll be spending prolonged time outside in peak biting periods or in areas with high insect population densities, a commercial insect repellent is really your best bet for true mosquito defense. The protection of proven repellents simply outweighs any marginal benefits yeast alone may confer.

Any Safety Concerns?

Brewer’s yeast is generally safe for topical application on human skin when used as directed. No reports of allergic reactions or toxicity exist. However, those with yeast sensitivities may want to patch test first or avoid using it. Its strong odor also isn’t for everyone.

As always, use insect repellent safely. Don’t apply to eyes, mouth, or broken skin. Wash hands after use, and store out of reach of children and pets. Overall, while brewer’s yeast presents minimal risks, its effectiveness alone isn’t worth relying on for serious mosquito protection.

In Summary…

Brewer’s yeast has endured as a folkloric remedy against mosquitoes for its affordable price tag and accessibility. Anecdotally, some claim it provides a low level of defense against bites. However, the scientific evidence does not definitively support its repellency, especially when compared to DEET-containing products.

For occasional, light mosquito activity around the home, brewer’s yeast could offer a modest organic solution. But those in high-risk areas seeking reliable protection would be better served using an EPA-approved insect repellent.

In the end, some yeast on the skin may be better than none during a summer cookout. But its effects are likely too meager to trust wholly when serious bites are a concern. So for most users, commercial insect repellents will deliver superior mosquito defense.

I hope this detailed article addressed all of the potential questions and intentions a user may have when researching brewer’s yeast as a mosquito repellent. Please let me know if you need any other information on this topic!

Brewer’s Yeast as a Mosquito Repellent

Yeast Type	Effectiveness	Application Method
Baker’s yeast	Moderate	Sprinkle around dwelling perimeter
Brewer’s yeast	High	Mix with water and spray around yard and home
Nutritional yeast	Low	Eat as a supplement
Instant yeast	Moderate	Sprinkle around campsite
Active dry yeast	High	Soak and leave open containers around property

FAQ

1. What is brewers yeast and how does it work as a mosquito repellent?

   Brewers yeast is a type of yeast that’s used to make beer. It kinda contains a compound called riboflavin that produces an odor which mosquitoes don’t seem to fancy too much. When you sprinkle it on your skin or clothes, the riboflavin is thought to mask your natural scent and deter mozzies from biting you.

   

2. How effective is it really?

   Studies show it can be pretty useful to some extent. At the same time, it’s not as strong as DEET which is the gold standard bug spray. But brewers yeast is harmless and natural, so it’s worth a shot. You might need to reapply often on really buggy nights. Overall it seems to work pretty good for many folks, while others say it didn’t do much. I’d say give it a try and see if the mosquitoes leave you alone!

3. What kind of brewers yeast should I use?

   Any regular active dry brewers yeast found in grocery stores near the baking supplies should do the trick. Don’t use expired yeast though – it may have lost its potency. As long as it’s fresh, it basically doesn’t matter if it’s for making beer versus bread. The repellent compound riboflavin is present in all active yeast.

4. How should I apply it?

   The easiest way is to just sprinkle some brewers yeast directly on exposed skin, especially ankles, wrists, neck and such where mozzies tend to bite most. You can also mix a tablespoon of yeast with a little water to form a paste and smear it on. It might get a bit gritty, butShould wash it off before bedtime. You can even add yeast to a spray bottle of water for a homemade spray. Reapply every few hours for best defense against those bloodsuckers!

5. Are there any side effects?

   In general brewers yeast is very safe to use topically. However, some people report mild irritation or itchiness on the skin after application. This might be due to a small yeast allergy. There have also been rare cases of yeast infections from prolonged contact with moist areas. So it’s best to wash it off thoroughly before bed. Otherwise riboflavin is harmless and your health won’t be impacted. I’d say give it a try and see if any itch crops up – you can always switch to deet if needed.

6. Does it repel other insects too?

   While brewers yeast shows pretty good results against mosquitoes in particular, some anecdotal evidence hints it may ward off other biting bugs to a lesser extent. Folks have noticed fewer ant bites and flies seemed to avoid fresh yeast areas. However, it’s really not a substitute for commercially made repellents against ticks or aggressive bees/wasps. You’d need something stronger containing DEET or picaridin for full protection from those critters. Yeast is best used against mosquitoes and small flies basically.

On the other hand, while brewers yeast shows promise as an all-natural mosquito deterrent, it clearly has some limitations. DEET products still provide gold-standard defense against a wide range of insects. Personally, I’d try brewers yeast on low-risk evenings before resorting to chemical repellents. If the mozzies regularly chew me up regardless, then it’s back to good ol’ OFF Deep Woods XXtra! Perhaps science can improve yeast repellency further someday. In the end, what truly works best may differ for each unique individual. So experiment and see what keeps those biters away from you!