Our rating: False. At most, Listerine could provide a brief buffer against mosquito bites. But the evidence is the product does not contain enough of the essential compounds to truly provide protection against mosquito bites.

Carnivorous plants just do not attract mosquitoes. Carnivorous plants have sugary nectars that attract insects that like sugar: flies, moths, butterflies, etc. Certainly, the occasional misguided mosquito may get caught, but the plants will not make a dent into your insect plague.

Several carnivorous plant species (including Venus Fly Traps, Pitcher Plants, and Common Bladderwort) eat mosquitoes as part of their insect diet. These aquatic plants capture insect larvae in ponds and lakes, and can effectively reduce numbers of mosquito larvae.

Some naturally derived oils, such as peppermint, camphor and citronella, can be mixed with water and used as a spray to help repel mosquitoes. Oils such as eucalyptus and lavender can be lightly applied directly to the skin to prevent mosquitoes from landing to bite.

• Our pick. Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent Gen 2.0. The best for mosquito control.
• Runner-up. Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repeller. Not as convenient, durable enough for camping.
• Budget pick. Pic Mosquito Repelling Coils. Cheaper, but smoky and smelly.

As a repellent, rubbing alcohol is quite effective. When rubbing alcohol is applied on the skin, it deters mosquitoes from biting you but may leave your skin too dry since it is hygroscopic in nature.

Baby oil is a mineral oil with added fragrance. Many parents use it to moisturize their baby’s skin. Though creamy baby oil is not advertised as a mosquito repellent by Johnson & Johnson, many people say that it effectively keeps mosquitoes away. This non-greasy cream is fast absorbing.

3 Put out a dish of soapy water. If you’re having an outdoor meal, you can keep mosquitos away by placing a dish of water with some dish soap in a discreet place nearby. The mosquitos will be attracted to the water source, and they’ll get trapped in the soap bubbles and drown. | Get Rid of Mosquitoes Step 10.

Mosquitoes fed sugar water with or without salt survived at high rates throughout the experiment, with few exceptions. Mosquitoes fed water only or salt water only, meanwhile, fared worse, but also at similar rates. Adults mosquitoes just don’t die faster because they drink salt water.”