Tiffany_2009
Oregon
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:39 pm Post subject: Any alternatives to deet for getting rid of insects? |
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So this weekend I tried to plant some wild flowers along the side of my garage and I could barely stand to be outside for more than 20 minutes because of the flying insects! Mostly mosquitos! They are aweful! I'm sure it doesnt help that across the street is a little wooded area with a big river running through. My other half threw me some bug spray which I don't think I have ever used in my life and it had 40% deet. Now since I don't use spray, I don't know too much about it but I have heard that deet is pretty bad for you especialy in a high concentration. Now my concern is, are there other alternatives out there that work and don't contain deet? Like an all natural product? I've heard that lemon eucalyptus oils works but I'm not sure....Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 
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Canadian Chelsea
Ontario, Canada
Posts: 252
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| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:52 pm Post subject: |
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Like you, I dislike any bug spray and don't use it on myself. I avoid going outside really early in the morning and late dusk when the mosquitos are most active.
A few years ago, I noticed some bats living in the siding of the house. These little guys sure do keep the mosquito population down. So much so, there is very few mosquitos around here even though we are near a great body of water and a small swamp.
Perhaps you could invest in someone building you some bat houses or maybe you could find some at your local hardware store.
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toni
 Administrator
Plants Moderator
Regular Plants Contributor
North Texas, Zone 8a
Posts: 11244
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| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:10 pm Post subject: |
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I have two sprays that I make and use with great success.
2 cups Witch Hazel
3/4 teaspoon Citronella or Lemongrass Essential oil
1/2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Witch Hazel you can find at any drug store.
Essential oil is not aromatherapy scent or flavoring for cooking, you will need to find a Whole Foods Market, Herb Shop or order it online.
The other one is
1 ounce Peppermint Essential Oil
3 ounces rubbing alcohol
Whichever you choose to make, mix the ingredients together and pour into small spray bottles.
Do NOT spray on your face, spray in hand and rub on face but avoid your eyes.
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Joan
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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I can tell you one thing that has not worked for me that is often recommended: Pennyroyal. Since I grow it anyway, I've tried rubbing it on myself and carry sprigs of it around. Didn't work. Tried it on my dog to keep gnats away and that did not work either.
Oh yeah, I was forgetting the famous Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil. It is famous for repelling mosquitos. It really works.
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gardenmama
Vermont
Posts: 575
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| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:34 pm Post subject: |
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My mom swears by using original scented bounce fabric sheets. She tucks them in the straps of her bathing suit or tank top..or around the neck...
Experts say to avoid brightly colored clothes and go for khaki, tan, light olive...drab colors don't attract the bugs.
The new off fan clip on bug repellent works as well. You don't have to spray it on. The contraption clips on your belt. Runs on batteries.
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lavenderfan
canada
Posts: 13
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| Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:51 pm Post subject: |
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I've used lavender lotions and oil and haven't had a mosquito bite in quite some time. I have lavender plants around the house, too. Seems to work for me. We even have an overflowing well surrounded by water, like a swamp!
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GracieLu
Berkley, Michigan
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:54 pm Post subject: |
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Avon also has a spray "off" product that smells great and works awesome for mosquitoes. I used it for our outdoor wedding.
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StillPinkie
Panama City, Fl
Posts: 44
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| Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 2:06 am Post subject: |
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I was living in La not too long ago and was in a friends garden and noticed shes didnt have the same problem with even bugs that I did.
She told me she had planted all the lemon scented plants she could get her hands on all thru out her yard. It worked like a charm.
Lemon grass, lemon balm, lemon basil, just to name a few.
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Tiffany_2009
Oregon
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:11 pm Post subject: |
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Well I found some spray....it contains essential oils and is all natural! I decided to give it a try and I LOVE IT! One of myfriends told me about it because she uses it and swears by it. I had to buy it online but it wasn't that expensive and now I really don't mind because it solved my problem!  Not sure what protocal is for giving info on msg boards so if anyones interested send me a PM or let me know what I can and can't say about it hehe 
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Tiffany_2009
Oregon
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Tiffany_2009 wrote: | | Well I found some spray....it contains essential oils and is all natural! I decided to give it a try and I LOVE IT! One of myfriends told me about it because she uses it and swears by it. I had to buy it online but it wasn't that expensive and now I really don't mind because it solved my problem! Not sure what protocal is for giving info on msg boards so if anyones interested send me a PM or let me know what I can and can't say about it hehe |
Ok welllll, I was out in the yard all day saturday, mowing our 2.2 acres and we are surrounded by trees and a river across the street so we have tons and tons more of mosquitos and bugs! I used my new spray again and I didn't get bit or stung once and I am such a magnet for anything that wants to bite! So I feel I should share with everyone my great finding!  It's called Horse and Handler Outdoor Body Spray and I bought it online at www.westcoastjuniper.com Hope this helps someone else too! Let me know if anyone else tries it and likes it, also, if someone knows of a store that sells it let me know!
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brombear
Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 58
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| Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 3:38 pm Post subject: mosquito repellent plants |
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Well, I am very sick of waking up in the middle of the night and slapping at my face in the dark because the sneaky little blighters have found a way in. so, now, under back stairs, pots by doors, planter boxes near vernadah back door, I have planted lemon scented geranium, lavenders, lemongrass, catmints ( n, cataria and n mussini, rosemary, basil, citronella, anything the smellier and lemonier the better. There are a few studies and numerous quotations that the netalactones in catnips are 10 times more effective than Deet. Early days but I'll keep you posted. At least it will smell nice walking into the house.
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cherylad
Regular Plants Contributor
S. Liberty County - Texas
Posts: 4177
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| Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:24 pm Post subject: |
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Great choices... I must remember that when the darn little creatures start attacking again.
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