Does Irish Spring Soap Repel Mice, Bugs & More?

The short answer is NO! because there is no solid evidence to support the effectiveness of using it as a repellent.

But it’s an old-school, budget-friendly, popular choice for keeping insects and mice away from your plants. To use this soap, you’ll need to grate the soap bar by using the cheese grater near your plants, and its strong scent will help deter these pests.

Many pest control experts recommend this method for its simplicity and effectiveness. You might find yourself picking up an extra pack or two on your next shopping trip. However, before that, let’s find out if it’s as effective as they say!

What Is Irish Spring Soap?

Since its debut in 1970, Irish Spring Soap has been popular for its deodorant qualities. But its strong scent and essential oils have led to an interesting twist: some people believe it can repel insects. Although originally designed just to keep you fresh, the original deodorant bar is the version often chosen for this unique use.

Over the years, the brand has introduced various scents and types of soap, but it’s the classic deodorant bar that’s gained a reputation for these extra uses. Despite these creative applications, keep in mind that there’s no scientific evidence that the soap does anything more than clean you up well.

Reasons Behind Scattering Irish Spring Soap in the Yard

If you search on TikTok or YouTube for ways to keep insects away like wasps & yellow jackets, you might see people grating Irish Spring soap in their yards. This idea started with campers and bloggers looking for a cheap solution to pest problems. They claim that the strong scent of the soap deters garden pests.

Shannon Harlow-Ellis, an entomologist at Mosquito Joe, explains that Irish Spring soap has ingredients like picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus, which are often used in bug repellents.

But, its effectiveness can vary depending on how much you use and how you apply it. Like most natural remedies, it might work well for some and less for others.

Application Method: Repel Bugs With Irish Spring Soap Repellent

To get started, you’ll need just two things:

• Irish Spring soap
• A cheese grater

Don’t worry about the grater getting messy — the dishwasher will take care of it. Or, you can pick up an inexpensive one at the dollar store if you prefer to keep yours just for food.

Grating the soap is easy since it’s quite soft. The amount you grate depends on the area you want to protect. For instance, two bars of Irish Spring were enough for you to cover the areas if you’re growing sweet peas and some large strawberry pots.

This soap is affordable, so it’s practical even for large gardens or several container gardens without costing a fortune. After grating your soap, it’s time to sprinkle it around. Create a soap barrier around your sweet pea plants near your trellises and place the soap shavings strategically—not too close to the seeds but close enough to protect them and keep the pests at bay.

If the rain occurs, the soap won’t go away but stays in place. It swells and gels up a bit, but it continues to work effectively. But, if some soap washes away, you can always add more, but generally, it holds up well.

After weeks later, you’ll notice that both your sweet pea seeds and strawberry plants are untouched by the numerous chipmunks you have around. Plus, since this method only uses soap, it’s safe to use around pets and children.

Other Ways to Pest Control

If you’re looking to protect your plants from pests and you don’t want to share your hard work with bugs and animals, consider using Irish Spring soap. It’s a popular choice, but there are plenty of other soaps that can also do the job. Most pest control experts suggest trying soaps that contain eucalyptus oil, cinnamon, or mint.

Each type of soap has different ingredients and formulas, so it’s a good idea to experiment and see which one works best for keeping pests away. When you’re shopping online, add a bar of Irish Spring or any other soap with these ingredients to your cart to help keep your garden healthy.

Where to Buy Irish Spring Soap?

Irish Spring Original Deodorant Bar Soap is available on Amazon for $5.98.

If you’re considering trying this natural pest repellent, it’s often on sale on Amazon. With its classic anti-bug scent, the three-bar pack provides enough soap to spread shavings around various pest-prone areas. You might even have some soap left to use in your shower, too!

Is Irish Spring Soap Certified as Cruelty-Free?

Unfortunately, Irish Spring soap isn’t cruelty-free. This means that Colgate-Palmolive, the company behind Irish Spring, either tests the soap on animals or has a supplier that does.

If you’re looking for an alternative, there are plenty of cruelty-free soaps out there. These soaps often contain essential oils that repel insects, similar to the lemon eucalyptus oil found in Irish Spring. Other effective oils include citronella, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint.

One great option to consider is Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap in Peppermint. Alternatively, you could make your own bar soap and mix in these essential oils yourself!

Comparing Irish Spring with Other Pest Repellent Methods

When you compare Irish Spring soap to other pest repellents, you’ll find it’s quite popular among gardeners and homeowners looking for a way to keep pests at bay without harsh chemicals. By using this soap, it offers you the following benefits, such as:

• It’s especially good at keeping deer and rabbits away because its strong scent turns them off.
• This soap is safe to use around your kids and pets. It’s non-toxic, so the only real worry would be if a lot of it were eaten.
• Irish Spring is also easy on the wallet, especially if you buy it in bulk. It lasts a long time, and you can find it just about anywhere, making it a go-to choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot.
• It’s extremely easy to use. Just hang or place the soap in areas where you’ve noticed pests. You don’t need to mix or prepare anything, which is SUPER CONVENIENT!
• Irish spring soap is an eco-friendly option. It doesn’t harm your plants or mess with the soil like some synthetic chemicals might.

10 Clever Hacks With Irish Spring Soap You Need to Try

Irish Spring soap is surprisingly versatile around the house and garden—try these hacks to see how well they work for you!

1. Keep deer out of your garden by hanging a bar of Irish Spring soap on your fence. Drill a hole in the bar, thread a rope through it, and hang it up. Small animals like deer don’t like the smell of this soap, which will keep them away from your plants.
2. Freshen up your closets by breaking a bar of Irish Spring soap into pieces and placing them in the corners. This will help eliminate musty odors and can even deter mice.
3. Make your basement mouse-free by placing bars or shavings of Irish Spring soap in the corners and on windowsills. The scent deters mice and other pests like spiders.
4. Deter squirrels and rabbits from your garden by sprinkling Irish Spring soap shavings around your plants. This smell keeps various critters from turning your garden into a snack bar.
5. Boost your car’s scent by putting chunks of Irish Spring soap in a small dish under the seat or in the back of your car. This keeps your car smelling fresh and can prevent mice from sneaking in.
6. Ease sticky dresser drawers by rubbing a bar of Irish Spring soap on the sides and joints of the drawers. This helps the drawers slide smoothly.
7. Keep your tennis shoes fresh by placing chunks of Irish Spring soap inside them when not in use. This tackles the sweaty smell that often accumulates in athletic shoes.
8. Eliminate backpack or gym bag odor by putting chunks of Irish Spring soap in a small plastic baggie with holes poked in it. Toss this in the bag to keep it smelling clean.
9. Protect your garage and shed from mice, chipmunks, and spiders by hanging bars of Irish Spring soap or scattering chunks and shavings in corners and other entry points. This also helps control odors.
10. Unstick a stubborn zipper by rubbing Irish Spring soap along the zipper tracks. This lubricates the zipper, making it easier to use.

FAQs

Does Irish Spring Soap Really Repel Mice?

You might have heard that using Irish Spring soap shavings can keep mice away because of their strong, distinctive scent. While some people say it works for them, there isn’t much science to back this up. Mice usually come around looking for food and a place to stay, so just using soap might not be enough to stop them.

Can Irish Spring Soap Be Used for Repelling Insects?

According to pest control experts, Irish Spring soap might help keep some garden pests like aphids and mites away because it smells strong. But, it’s not a consistent way to control bugs compared to using products made just for insect repellent.

How Do You Use Irish Spring Soap to Repel Garden Pests?

To keep pests away with Irish Spring soap, simply cut it into small pieces or shave it into slivers. Place these in areas where you’ve seen pests, like near spots where mice get in or in your garden where bugs gather. To make the soap last longer, pop the pieces into a breathable fabric or mesh bag. This stops it from washing away or melting too fast.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Using Irish Spring Soap as a Pest Repellent?

No, using Irish Spring soap to keep pests away is usually safe for you and your pets. But remember, it’s not a substitute for good cleaning habits or calling in the pros if bugs really start to take over. Also, be careful not to overdo it with soap in your garden—it could hurt your plants.

How Long Does the Repellent Effect of Irish Spring Soap Last?

The effectiveness of Irish Spring soap as a repellent can change with the weather. Rain and wind might weaken the soap’s scent faster but it can still work well. You’ll likely need to swap out the soap every few weeks to keep its repellent power strong.

Can Irish Spring Soap Deter Larger Animals Like Deer or Rabbits?

Yes, some gardeners hang Irish Spring soap bars from trees or place them around the edges of their gardens to keep deer or rabbits away. The strong smell usually turns these animals off. But you might find that physical barriers like fences are a more dependable choice.

What Are Some Alternative Natural Repellents to Irish Spring Soap?

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to keep pests away, consider using active ingredients such as peppermint, lemon eucalyptus, or citronella. These active ingredients are well-known for their ability to deter pests. You can also plant lavender, marigolds, and garlic around your home. These plants are great for naturally reducing the number of pests in your area.

To Sum Up

While you might typically think of Irish Spring soap for keeping yourself clean, many people also find it useful for keeping pests and rodents away from their gardens. The strong smell of the soap, thanks to certain repellent oils, has made it a popular choice among gardeners and homeowners who prefer not to use harsh chemicals. However, how well it works can vary, so it might not solve all your pest problems on its own. Experimenting with how and where you place the soap will help you get the best results.

Irish Spring soap is a straightforward, safe, and environmentally friendly option if you’re looking for a natural way to manage pests. Try using this soap to repel insects and bugs, and check out the other handy uses to see what works best for you. I’d be glad to hear how it goes!