Feverfew as Insect Repellent?

[Michelle KochStudent]

I’ve been doing some research on deet free insect repellents, specifically permethrin and pyrethrin, and the safety and efficacy, especially around dogs, but also on humans.  I know that pyrethrins are derived from a certain variety of Chrysanthemum, but also Feverfew produces pyrethrin as well.  In my internet search, I found a blog article saying that it would be safer to just grow feverfew and make a tea to spray on topically (as well as on your other garden plants), and also could be sprinkled on dog’s food a few days per week.

I was wondering how effective (and safe) it would be to make a homemade herbal insect repellent with feverfew combined with wormwood.  Perhaps using both a tincture and an infused oil, and either make a lotion or add to some water in a spray bottle and spray it on.

For myself, I’ve been using some stuff I ordered online, that has essential oils of lemongrass and eucalyptus, with 70% effectiveness (and the scent is a bit much), but I’d like to be able to help my dog too.  What do y’all think about using feverfew as a topical insect repellent?  Since I don’t have a garden, I would have to order some feverfew online.  Would it be a waste of money?  Thanks for your input.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Rachael Cocke, Paige

[Dee.MWStudent]

Since this isn’t a matter of growing it, maybe look into neem leaf as an insect repellent.  We’ve brewed the tea as a houseplant insecticide.

Its not homemade, but we purchase EcoSmart insect repellent for our family and dog. The dog dislikes the indignity of spraying his belly and bum, but it would take forever to find ticks in his thick, dark coat.  It has an unusual blend of essential oils, and maybe that just confuses the bugs, but we’ve found it works well, mosquitoes included, and doesn’t set off our chemical sensitivities.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’ve never tried the feverfew idea. If you do it, let us know how it works. :0)

What I have done is grab a handful of lemon balm leaves or some other aromatic mint and rubbed them on my skin to keep the bugs off while I’m outside working the gardens.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

2 users thanked author for this post.

barbvoakes@hotmail.com, Michelle Koch

[Rachael CockeStudent]

One of my favorite uses!

[Lisabeth SeverinStudent]

Hi Michelle,

Catnip, believe it or not, is actually repellent to mosquitos and possibly other bugs as well. There have been scientific studies on it and a university (possibly Cornell) was developing a super catnip that has more of the special insect repellent properties.

Catnip is super easy to grow. However, it will attract any felines in the neighborhood to you, so if you’re allergic to cats you may need to pass on it.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Lisabeth Severin.

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Michelle Koch

[Author]

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