Great question Michelle….here are some great ideas that I found for natural insect repellants:
Mother Earth News.com provided this special recipe for a natural insect deterrent but as any precaution, you should always use a small amount of a portion or your skin to be sure your skin is not allergic.
Herbal Insect Repellent
2 1/2 teaspoons total of any combination of the following essential oils: basil, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium and/or rosemary (available at health food stores)
1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available in liquor stores)
Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Transfer to small bottles for storage. To use, rub a small amount on any exposed skin (test first to be sure your skin will not be adversely affected by the repellent) or dab it on clothing.
About.com also had some great information on what mosquitoes are attracted to in order to try and avoid certain things. Here is a list:
• Dark Clothing
Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.
• Carbon Dioxide
You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.
• Lactic Acid
You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).
• Floral or Fruity Fragrances
In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
• Skin Temperature
The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.
• Moisture
Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.
I thought his was great information since I really wasn’t aware of the things that attracted mosquitoes.
About.com also had more information on which natural remedies worked the best and you can read more here http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aznaturalremedyindex/a/mosquito.htm.
It appears that many natural oils are actually natural repellants as well as garlic. I hope this helps.
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Great question Michelle….here are some great ideas that I found for natural insect repellants:
Mother Earth News.com provided this special recipe for a natural insect deterrent but as any precaution, you should always use a small amount of a portion or your skin to be sure your skin is not allergic.
Herbal Insect Repellent
2 1/2 teaspoons total of any combination of the following essential oils: basil, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium and/or rosemary (available at health food stores)
1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available in liquor stores)
Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Transfer to small bottles for storage. To use, rub a small amount on any exposed skin (test first to be sure your skin will not be adversely affected by the repellent) or dab it on clothing.
About.com also had some great information on what mosquitoes are attracted to in order to try and avoid certain things. Here is a list:
• Dark Clothing
Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.
• Carbon Dioxide
You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.
• Lactic Acid
You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).
• Floral or Fruity Fragrances
In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
• Skin Temperature
The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.
• Moisture
Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.
I thought his was great information since I really wasn’t aware of the things that attracted mosquitoes.
About.com also had more information on which natural remedies worked the best and you can read more here http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aznaturalremedyindex/a/mosquito.htm.
It appears that many natural oils are actually natural repellants as well as garlic. I hope this helps.
June 17, 2009 - 11:42amThis Comment
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