Ask The Biologist

Not Snake Oil

Not Snake Oil

By Bob Humphrey

There’s sound science behind scent-eliminating sprays.

QUESTION: It seems like the latest craze with hunters is spray cover scent (Code Blue, Dead Down Wind, Scent Killer, etc). They basically soak themselves with whichever scent-killing spray they chose and hit the woods. Does this stuff actually work? Have there been any tests/studies? –Greg P.

ANSWER: Odor-suppressing sprays, solutions and soaps have been around for a long time, and there is a substantial body of evidence behind the science. Depending on the specific solution, they work in different ways.

Human odor is largely caused by bacteria, which thrive in warm, moist environments. They consume lipids, oils and dead skin cells and it is their waste products that produce the odor. Washing away bacteria reduces odor potential, but they quickly re-form.

Some solutions destroy bacteria at the cellular level. Others work at the molecular level by binding with odor molecules. Still others introduce enzymes that consume bacteria. If you visit websites of some of the leading manufacturers, you can find more information on their research and how their products work.

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