Natural Ways To Repel Mosquitoes
Q. What are some natural ways to repel mosquitoes?
A. It's not for everyone but as an avid hiker i swear by rubbing a garlic
clove pinched to get the juiceflowing all over exposed skin. this is better, and
cheaper than dangerous deet products. also avoid perfumed soaps, cosmetics, hair
goop or anything that smells even like deodorant
A. I have been making a tea out of herbs from my herb garden of cat mint
and rosemary and it is working for me! I just cut the leaves and stems up in a
cup and pour in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for an hour or so, then
keep it in spray bottle in the fridge. Also, tea tree oil works.
A. When we lived in Malaysia, the locals swore that
eating lots of bananas provided the best protection against mosquitoes. The only
rider was that they had to be the small bananas (lady fingers, we called them).
Don't know how you feel about bananas, but it seemed to work for us :) Cheers
- Hush
A. I like these two: Rub citronella oil on exposed areas
or burn citronella candles.
Tansy or basil planted near a door will repel mosquitoes
A. We have plenty here too. We apply Avon Skin so Soft liberally before
going outside. It really works, it's a little oily but washes off with soap
when we come back in and shower. I have read where rubbing a Bounce (fabric
softener) sheet on arms, legs and face deters them. Golfers hang a sheet from
their belts, but I haven't tried this. Hope this info. helps you, God Bless
you and yours. - Shirley
A. I, also, live in the Blue Ridge Mountains and mosquitoes can be a
problem here. First I don't wear perfume of any kind: shower gel, deodorant,
shampoos all without perfumes. No attractants. Next, when I know I'll be outside
I take garlic supplements or eat foods with garlic. An excellent repellent.
Also, I use Skin So Soft Original Scent products. I have, also, used pennyroyal
and mint crushed and wrapped in a bandana wore around my neck. Don't forget
the pets. They can be wiped down with Skin So Soft and wear an herbal necklace,
too. Lastly, if bitten I never scratch the biten area but I will slap it to
bring blood and antihistamines to the area.
A. Bob, a fisherman, takes one vitamin B-1 tablet a day April through
October . He said it works. He was right. The odor the tablet gives out through
your skin (YOU can not smell it) repels mosquitos, black flies, no seeum's,
and gnats. It does not work on stinging insects. Hasn't had a mosquito bite
in 33 years. Try it. Every one he has talked into trying it works on them.
Vitamin B-1( Thiamine Hydrochloride 100 mg.) Kenn said NPR reports that if
you eat bananas, the mosquitoes like you, something about the banana oil as
your body processes it. (Maybe they need the potassium too- lol) Stop eating
bananas for the summer and the mosquitoes will be much less interested.
This is going to floor you, but one of the best insect repellents someone found
(who is in the woods every day), is Vick's Vaporub.
Plant marigolds around the yard, the flowers give off a smell that bugs do
not like, so plant some in that garden also to help ward off bugs without using
insecticides. "Tough guy" Marines who spend a great deal of time "camping out" say
that the very best mosquito repellant you can use is Avon Skin-So-Soft bath
oil mixed about half and half with alcohol. mix your own: 20 drops Eucalyptus
oil 20 drops Cedarwood oil 10 drops Tea Tree oil 10 drops Geranium oil 2 oz.
carrier oil ( such as Jojoba ) Mix together in a 4 oz. container. Apply to
skin as needed avoiding the eye area. Keep out of reach of children. Test on
a small area of skin for sensitivities . Experiment with different percentages
of essential oil One of the best natural insect repellants that I've discovered
is made from the clear real vanilla (not the grocery store vanilla extract
which is mostly alcohol). This is the pure vanilla that is sold in Mexico.
It's cheap there if you know of someone that lives there or in the US close
to the border. If not, health food stores usually carry it or can order it
for you. I use it half vanilla and half water and find that it works great
for mosquitoes and ticks, don't know about other insects. when all else fails--get
a frog - JoAnne
A. grow rosemary in your backyard. Mosquitoes hate it and you can use
it for cooking all year round. BB