Mosquito Repellent that actually works

[AnnettStudent]

Does anyone know of an herbal or all natural mosquito repellent that works well? This year has been a wet one at the right time for mosquitoes and there are a LOT of them in my neck of the woods. Help!!

[Katrina BoatwrightStudent]

I have been using Bug-Bouncer. So far, it has been effective.

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

Thanks namestig.

Does anyone have a repellent recipe with plants or common household items that you know works?

[IdahoHerbalist]

Anything with a strong scent will work. Renee has been using Lemon Balm with great success. Peppermint or any of the strongly scented mints will just as well. Rub it on exposed skin. The idea is to mask your mammalness. If you can put it where it will disrupt your CO2 signature as well you will be that much more protected.

[John ThorogoodStudent]

Really interesting concept, “disrupt your CO2 signature” any where specific, that you favour, i could look this up please?

[IdahoHerbalist]

I have seen mosquito catchers that use co2 to attract them. It only makes sense that disrupting that signal to them will do the opposite. I do believe I have seen some articles on both.

[Linda RoystonStudent]

I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where the mosquito is sometimes joked about being the state bird .I have invested many hours researching this subject. I have made various sprays over the years. All of them worked to a certain extent being better than nothing but if you do not mind the odor the best natural solution to the problem I have found uses garlic. I take a few cloves of fresh garlic crush them and put them in a small ziplock bag. I pin it to my shoulder with the open part at the top. That puts it close to where you are breathing out one of the things that attracts them to you.

They are also attracted to anything black so wear light colored clothes. If you are an avid herb grower and buy a lot of new plants in black pots from your local garden center and plan to recycle and use the pots, you will find that those empty black pots will attract them. I clean and save some of the bigger ones but I paint the outside of them a lighter color.

Planting any of the mints or lemongrass works well to help keep them away from areas that you like to spend time in. Last summer I had two huge pots of lemongrass on my little front porch. One on each end. It helped create a lovely little bug free oasis for me to sit and enjoy my morning coffee in.

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

MsLinda, this is grreat info. Thanks a ton. I loooove garlic and lemongrass!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’ve used lemon balm but, as Steven said, any of the strong mints would do. I haven’t tried garlic…good idea. Though this probably wouldn’t work on Italian mosquitoes.

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

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