Here’s something interesting from the January 26th Trib “People’s Pharmacy” section:

Q You’ve had questions on how to get rid of cockroaches. A simple way to get rid of them and other insects is to place a few fabric-softener sheets around your home in the corners, on the floors and on the kitchen counters behind appliances.

I guarantee that soon there will be no insects. Some chemical in these dryer sheets really irritates and kills bugs.

A Several years ago, an e-mail circulated on the Internet claiming that fabric-softener sheets could repel ants, yellow jackets and other insects. Skeptics scoffed.

Now, scientists at Kansas State University have determined that Bounce fabric-softener dryer sheets actually do repel adult fungus gnats (HortScience online, Dec. 1, 2010).

The scientists also analyzed the dryer sheets and found that they contain linalool, a pleasant-smelling compound naturally found in basil, lavender and marjoram. This compound is known to be toxic to certain mites and other insects.

We were not able to find any data on cockroaches, but we appreciate your suggestion. We welcome comments and research reports from other readers.

icky, icky, icky, icky, icky, icky, icky…..ick to infinity…and beyond