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: n 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. n 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. n 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. n 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.

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.

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.

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!n

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.n

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!n

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.n

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