i really don’t like to use harsh chemicals, but let’s be honest, the “green” version of things are often more expensive and don’t always work.
but i keep on trying. sometimes i hit on things that work, like my reed diffuser.
a while ago, i read that lemongrass and peppermint are deterrents to many insects. i mixed 40 drops of each essential oil in 200 mL of water in a spray bottle. i’ve sprayed around our windows, doors, and the lattice on the deck which for some reason seems to attract all sorts of wasps.
the down side:
* essential oils are somewhat expensive. about $8 for each bottle above.
* you need to reapply after each rainfall
the up side:
* despite the price, a little goes a long way
* it smells good… a lot like burt’s bees bug spray, and i’m assuming they use similar essential oils
* i know what’s in it and i’m ok with what’s in it (see note below). this is a big plus for me.
does it work? it seems to. my yard is hardly a controlled test environment, but i’ve noticed fewer winged critters buzzing about me after i spray this mixture. i realize that it could be coincidence or a particularly less buggy year.
note: although peppermint and lemongrass oils are used in such small amounts here and are derived from natural sources, they are still chemicals and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. peppermint oil is also combustible, so keep it away from open flames (the bbq, for example) and can irritate the eyes… so um, don’t spray it in your eyes. follow the manufacturer’s directions of use.
now that i’ve sucked all the fun out of this and cleared myself of liability ;-) … if anyone tries this, let me know how it works out for you. any other suggestions for natural bug repellants?
I have heard that catnip is a natural repellent, though I don’t know how you actually use it. I’m always in search of ideas though, as the mosquitoes are quite bad where we live and they seem to seek me out!
hi christine, nice to hear from you! i have to get caught up :)
do you get told that you must be sweet-blooded? still, doesn’t make me feel better about the mozzies seeking me out either! let’s not even talk about that time the june bug flew into my hair…
oh I love this Ana.
I will be making this for sure ;)
I’ll give you the full credit once I post on my little space ;)
cool! looking forward to reading it ella.
Totally with you on not wanting to use traditional insecticides. I will happily give your recipe a try, as I’ve already been mosquito bait several times this season.
ooh i hope it helps you too.
oh what a great tip! thanks! i have no idea if it gets buggy in the greater boston area in the summer. i guess i’ll find out soon enough!
yeah i guess so! fingers crossed :)
you are nice to share your recipe…I like the sounds of it and have never liked Off and all of those other nasty sprays…I would rather stay indoors than spray that stuff on me
skeeter time is coming to these parts…I will give your special mix a whirl
oxo
i’m gonna have to try that recipe. i normally use citronella or trap the big ones in a piece of paper and escort them off the premises ;D
i hope i can find these oils here so i can try this out. we have no a/c, and no screens. so unless we want to die of heat exhaustion and sit in complete darkness at night, we are limited to some fans placed strategically and opening the windows during the few weeks it gets hot here. that being said, flies seem to love coming in and hanging out, as well as these really annoying little gnats, and other unmentionable (because i don’t know what they are) insects…and moths. which i chase all over to get rid of because i don’t want them eating any of my wool! i’ll let you know if i’m able to try this and how well it works:) thanks for the informative post:)
What a good tip!!! Mosquitoes love my blood, so I’m going to have to give this a try!
Usually, if I know I’m going to be outside I’ll refrain from using scented products (perfumes, lotions, etc.) cause it attracts bugs like you wouldn’t believe.
One thing I do use is tea tree oil. I’ll apply it like I would a par fume. It works, usually, but sometimes smells kinda off.
I’m really excited to try your nice smelling concoction!