How to Use Soap to Repel Flies, Mosquitoes & Pests Naturally
Flies driving you crazy this summer?
Believe it or not, bar soap—yes, the same soap you use to wash your hands—can help keep flies, mosquitoes, mice, deer, and other pests away.
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But does it actually work?
I decided to test Irish Spring, Dial, and lavender soap in my own yard and garden to see if pests really avoid them. Plus, I’ll share exactly how and where to use soap to repel pests, and why Castile soap is my top pick for edible plants and homemade sprays.
Soap Repel Flies, Mosquitoes, & Pests Video
My Pest-Repelling Soap Test
The soaps I tested:
- Irish Spring – A strong-scented classic, famous for pest control.
- Dial – A milder deodorant bar.
- Lavender soap – Naturally disliked by many pests.
- Castile soap – Gentle, plant-based, great for sprays.
The setup:
I cut equal-sized chunks of each soap and placed them in my yard and garden where pests usually roam.
The results after several days:
None of the soaps were eaten, chewed, or moved. While that may not sound exciting, it’s actually a good thing—it means pests avoided them entirely.
Why Soap Works to Repel Pests
Many pests—including flies, mosquitoes, mice, deer, rabbits, and squirrels—can’t stand strong scents like:
- Menthol
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Citrus
Strongly scented soaps overwhelm a pest’s sense of smell, making the area unpleasant and keeping them away naturally.
- Irish Spring – One of the strongest scent profiles; great for deer and rodents.
- Lavender – Effective for mosquitoes and flies.
- Dial – Mild scent; less effective for pest control.
How to Use Soap for Pest Control
1. Doorways & Entry Points
Rub a strong-scented soap (like Irish Spring) along:
- Doorframes
- Bottom edges of doors
- Inside and outside thresholds
This creates a scent barrier to keep bugs and crawling pests from entering your home. Reapply after rain.
2. Window Sills
Rub soap along window sills to repel bugs and rodents from sneaking in.
3. Porch & Patio Decor
Hide soap in decorative containers:
- Place a bar in a mason jar with a Parmesan-lid top for airflow.
- Tuck jars under lanterns, planters, or porch decorations.
- Open the lid when you’re sitting outside to release the scent.
4. Outdoor Furniture
Rub soap along the edges of patio tables and chairs to repel ants and spiders while you relax or eat outside.
5. Shredded Soap for Sprinkling
Grate strong-scented soap and sprinkle it:
- In garbage cans (keeps odors fresh and pests out)
- Around non-edible plants to deter deer and rabbits
- In planters to repel insects
Store grated soap in a jar with a sprinkle lid for easy application.
6. Protecting Trees & Garden Beds
Place bars of soap in mesh laundry bags or soap bags and hang them from fruit trees to deter squirrels. The strong scent keeps them from climbing and stealing fruit.
Castile Soap: Best Choice for Edibles and Skin
For edible plants and skin-safe bug spray, use liquid Castile soap—I like lavender or peppermint.
It’s made from plant-based oils and contains no harsh chemicals, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, making it safe for both food gardens and direct skin contact.
DIY Natural Bug Spray with Castile Soap
You’ll need:
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap
- Spray bottle
- Funnel
Steps:
- Mix water and soap in a measuring cup.
- Pour mixture into a spray bottle.
- Use on garden plants (edible or not), outdoor furniture, or directly on your skin to repel pests.
Best for: Aphids, ants, spiders, and general garden pests.
Reapply after rain for lasting protection.
Creative Soap Hacks for Pest Control
- Sprinkle grated soap in your shed, garage, or basement to repel mice, spiders, and squirrels.
- Place bars under car seats to keep rodents from nesting in your vehicle.
- Keep bars in drawers or closets to add a fresh scent and deter moths.
- Drop a bar into musty chests to remove mildew odor.
- Use as a laundry stain remover by rubbing directly on the stain before washing.
When NOT to Use Soap
Avoid placing soap near ponds, bird baths, or standing water—soap runoff can harm pollinators like bees and butterflies.
My Soap Rankings
- Castile soap – Best for sprays, edible plants, and skin-safe bug repellents.
- Irish Spring – Strongest scent; ideal for deer, rabbits, and rodents.
- Lavender soap – Gentle but still effective for mosquitoes and flies.
- Dial – Mild scent; not ideal for pest control.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend a fortune on chemical repellents—sometimes the best solutions are already in your bathroom cabinet.
If you’re not sure where to start, try Irish Spring for general pest control or Castile soap for garden-safe sprays.
Soap Repel Flies, Mosquitoes, & Pests Video
Further Reading:
- Awesome and Easy Irish Spring Soap and Flies Hacks
- Amazing Inexpensive DIY Bug Killer, Repellents, and Traps
- Natural Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Bugs Without Harsh Chemicals
- DIY Pest Control: Effective & Chemical-Free Solutions
- How To Get Rid of Vegetable Garden Pests with These 13 Easy Tips
Chas’ Crazy Creations is all about practical DIYs, budget-friendly home hacks, and natural solutions that work. I test every method I share so you can skip the guesswork.
