Insect Repellant

[GlimR]

I am going to be spending some evenings in the woods and can't abide the idea of using poison to keep from getting bitten...I can make a spray or ointment from citronila and camphor essential oils...any other suggestions??? Please?

[klomasius]

I've read that apparently pine essential oil helps deter insects.

I haven't used it myself, but I seem to recall someone who puts it into his clothes wash. The smell apparently disappears to the human nose at the end of the wash cycle, but can still be detected by insects, who stay away.

But don't quote me on that, I don't want you angrily chasing me down, covering in biting little critters! :p

[GlimR]

*hee hee* klomasius...I'd never do such a thing!!:D

Thanks for the suggestion~

[GlimR]

I found this~

Lavender essential oil works well. You can combine 10 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of lemon oil and 2 drops geranium or eucalyptus oil and mix it with 2 tablespoons oil(almond oil is best but any other vegetable based oil will do). You can also soak some strips of paper with it and hang it by the door or windows to keep them away. It's safe for kids and pets and smells so good!

[klomasius]

Excellent!

I need something for our camping trips to have about the tent, and don't much like burning citronella.

I may even try it here at home as the mosquitos seem to love going after my son when we have the window open on hot nights.

Thanks!

[iamacranberry]

I found this~

Lavender essential oil works well. You can combine 10 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of lemon oil and 2 drops geranium or eucalyptus oil and mix it with 2 tablespoons oil(almond oil is best but any other vegetable based oil will do). You can also soak some strips of paper with it and hang it by the door or windows to keep them away. It's safe for kids and pets and smells so good!

I've tried a similar combination and found it to be completely ineffective.

[Shuu]

I give my dog garlic to keep the bugs away. The smells seeps through the skin so bugs stay away, though humans can't smell it. Take it before you go to bed since your breath will stink for a while.

[GlimR]

iamacranberry~
Have you tried anything that IS effective?

[iamacranberry]

Unfortunately, no....citronella and pine are somewhat effective but not completely, but the mosquitoes especially will come and bite nonetheless. And then, of course, you smell like citronella and pine afterwards.

[Coconutcutie]

Essential oil of Basil works...and it smells delicious