Easy To Make At Home Insect/Bug Repellent!

I read somewhere a long time ago that whatever ailments there are on our earth the cures for them are also here. Now I might be taking that statement out of context but as far as I'm concerned flying Sherman-tank sized mosquitoes, ticks and the rest of their biting, pinching and stinging compatriots are near the top of my list of ailments... (well the wounds they leave behind at any rate)

With other words there are natural deterrents and cures available. To combat those pesky monsters we really do not need to use the dangerous chemicals that are so widely available on the market.

When the live and let live code just does not work... we need to prepare a war plan <==>(insect repellent) for this we must find the right plants. Plants that contain the helpful aromatic oils needed, the right strength of each and figure out which scent or oil helps ward off which pest. The functions of these oils are to thwart or repel damaging insects. Naturally these repellents are to go along with not instead of the use of the bloodthirsty flyswatters, mosquito zappers or the non-technical rolled up newspapers which all can work in some cases...

There are records of anti-bug-oil recipes going back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. (you just gotta admire those ancient Egyptians, they were a smart bunch). Naturally only the rich and famous were allowed (or could afford) to protect themselves against the blood thirsty mini vampires in a nice way. (I do not consider covering my whole body in a mud concoction a nice remedy)

It's only been roughly 100 years or so that it's been known that insects (especially the mosquitos) can cause more then just itchy discomfort. (i.e. the human casualties during the construction of the Panama Canal circa1875 to 1912)

For the past few decades the toxic, based on petro-chemicals, insect repellent have and are still being sold commercially. For example the 'N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide' (that's what I call a mouthful) or Deet for short, which was developed and put to use for the military in WWII and to the civilian world in the late 1950s. Since then even though Deet is suspected of being the cause of quite a few health risks, beginning with skin rashes and respiratory problems, it is still widely used.

If you must use Deet containing chemicals here are a few important facts that you should know:

• The higher the DEET concentration of the repellent formula, the longer it will provide protection.
• This protection is true against both mosquitoes and ticks, but the time frame of protection is longer for mosquitoes than ticks.
• When looking for protection against ticks (if you're going to be in the country, near forests and under-bush) look for products that specify for ticks and use it on your clothing as well as your exposed skin. (you need to brush against the vegetation for ticks to get onto you as those little monsters are not capable of jumping onto you)

Health Canada regulations allow the following concentrations for different age groups:

• For adults and children over 12 years of age use a product with up to 30% concentration of DEET . Each application should be effective for six hours against mosquitoes.

• For children aged two to 12 use products that have no more than a 10% concentration. These can be applied three times daily. Each application will be be effective for up to three hours against mosquitoes.
• For children aged six months to two years you can use a product with an up to 10% concentration but should not be applied more than once daily. It offers a three hours protection against mosquitoes. Do not apply on face and hands.

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*******Do NOT use personal insect repellents containing DEET on infants under six months. Use a mosquito net when baby or child is in a crib, playpen or stroller outdoors.*******

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Remember to check labels when combining sunscreen and insect repellents. Most of them are okay to be combined... Follow the instructions on the package for proper applications of each product. Apply the sunscreen first, followed by insect repellent. ( Use sunscreen with no scents added...sweet scents are an invitation telling the bugs "come and get-it... here are some of your favourite tasty and delicious morsels" )

There are a number of plants reputed to repel bugs, these include basil, fennel, garlic, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, spearmint, peppermint, catnip, cedar, juniper, penny-royal and many more.

How well they all do... really depends on the type of insects, the location, the time of year etc. Many swear that one, or a combination of some work well for them. However a mix of herbals that works really well here in southern Ontario for me might not do anything for a person in the humid and hot environment of the Amazon rain-forest or in the hot Nevada desert. I have tried and tested and use all of the following recipes. Which I use, at what time of ...day ...year ... depends on the circumstances of where I'm going to be spending my time.

I can't be shy about it and should confess that I'm very popular with the bug population. They all love me... one and all really, really love me and fight over who can to get closer to me first, just so they can have a pint or two of my blood or a hunk of my flesh. Then within the next day or two I get reminded of who was present by their calling cards. The mosquito leaves me with a red hard bump the size of a plum. The never to be outdone black flies (depending on how many I have of them, in my collection at a time) other than the big enormous lumps, make my eyes swell shut and give me something resembling hives for 24 hours. And as I have absolutely no self control when it comes to 'itchy' I become a bloody mess all within a couple of hours. With other words those xxxxxxx flying blood suckers pick me out of a crowd for their gourmet meal.

Having said that I can honestly say that I probably have tried just about every repellent and anti-bug concoction there has ever been (years ago I even tried the commercial crap, I'm ashamed to admit). Out of those hundreds of samples here are the recipes that work for me and I sincerely hope that they will come in handy to you also.

Yes, the scents and oils of the citronella plant work against mosquitoes, but other biting bugs don't worry too much about the scents and are turned off only once they have already bitten you.

Registered products containing citronella protect people against mosquito bites from 30 minutes to two hours.

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*********These products CAN NOT be used on infants and toddlers.**********

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Certain products containing citronella have a limit on the number of applications allowed per day. Make sure you read the product label before using.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5ml) borax
• 5 teaspoons (25ml) boiling water
  
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) beeswax
  
• 6 tablespoons (90ml) olive oil ~
• 5 drops citronella essential oil
  
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Methodology:

• Add borax into the boiling water, stir until borax is totally dissolved (use glass or stainless steel)
  
• Melt beeswax in double-boiler on low heat, add olive oil and stir until smooth
• Add water-borax mixture and remove from heat
• Add both essential oils, continue to stir until the mixture becomes thick, too thick to keep stirring.
• Scoop into a small jar or decorative tin with tight fitting lid
• Shelf life is 9-12 months if kept out of direct sunlight.
  

This cream is a good mosquito repellent for people with sensitive skin or the ones that have foolishly worked in the garden in the sun too long and have a bit of a sunburn.

Catnip is an herb that is most commonly used to stuff cat toys with for their enjoyment. However, the oil from this plant called nepetalactone has actually been found to be more than ten times better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Planting this plant near your patio will help repel mosquitoes. (I have quite a few catnip bunches planted around the back patio and the kitties love to do their acrobatics in them too.)

Caution: Catnip is a perennial and is almost as invasive as mint.

Catnip essential oil is very expensive, but because of its efficacy, even a 1 percent concentration will repel most biting bugs. For a stronger solutions use an up to 10 % mix

Ingredients:

• 1 cup carrier oil (I like to use jojoba oil)
• 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol or vodka (I prefer to use the rubbing alcohol for my outsides and save the vodka for my insides with a twist of lemon on the rocks)
• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1/2 cup witch hazel (I use the one with lemon)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons catnip essential oil

Methodology:

For use in a spray bottle mix all ingredients and shake well and then spray lightly over clothing, arms, and legs, remember to avoid eyes or open cuts. Double check because some people might have a sensitivity to catnip oil.

This is the spray I use when it's a really muggy and humid day out and those little monsters are out for blood in large hordes.

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************Do NOT use on the skin of babies and small children.*************

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For a cheaper blend (not as effective as the one above, but better than most other sprays)

Make your own Catnip Concoction

1) Fill a quart jar with fresh catnip (or an herb from the mint family like spearmint, peppermint, penny-royal etc. or a combination of them)

2) Cover with a good quality apple cider vinegar.

3) Shake twice a day for 10 days to 2 weeks.

4) Strain and either rub on or spray on. (naturally avoiding eyes)

I have quite a few large bunches of catnip and the rest of the mint gang growing around the yard and once the herbs start getting their leaves I start a new jar every week. This spray will stay active, on me, for about 2-3 hours.

This is the repellent I use around the house daily.

Here is an essential oil recipe that work well in my neck of the woods, on most biting bugs.

• 1/2 cup glycerin (available at drug stores) as a base
• 1/2 cup witch-hazel to thin it out (available at drug stores I like to use the one with lemon)
• 3 ozs jojoba oil
• 20 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops of Cedar-wood essential oil
• 10 drops each of these essential oils: citronella, tea tree, penny-royal and catnip

• 5 drops Geranium essential oil

  
  

  
  

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********Notes: Penny-royal should NOT be used on pregnant women********

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Combine the works in a 12 ozs fine misting bottle and shake well before using. Avoid eyes. It stays active on me for about 4-5 hours. If swimming the oils will melt away in about 1 1/2hours you will then have to re-apply. As essential oils are volatile I make up a fresh batch every time I head up north RVing.

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.

This concoction doesn't smell too bad and the whole idea behind it is to smell like a tree and not like a blood-donor. I find that on me it especially works well against black flies.

For the children's version I dilute the blend by adding an extra 2 ozs jojoba oil. We've been using this spray on my granddaughters since they were 3, they are now nine and five and we found that it worked well on them too, without hurting their precious tender skin.

Each herb of the mint family deter insects by masking the people smell that attract the stinging bugs. Plant spearmint, penny-royal, catnip etc around the home and play areas. Then you can harvest the leaves to make an oil rub.

How to make Mint Oil:

• Place mint leaves into freezer for several hours
• Once they're unthawed pack into a large jar with tight fitting lid (pickle jars work really well)
• Cover with jojoba, olive, walnut, sunflower or safflower oil
• Sit on a sunny windowsill for 5-6 weeks
• Shake daily
• Strain out leaf matter and add equal amount of witch hazel, rubbing alcohol or vodka to oil

Use as a skin rub. This was my Dads secret weapon against all those stinging bugs that tried to prevent him from catching those 3 foot long pikes. Even with the witch hazel or alcohol this feels quite oily... but it's a really heavy duty bug repellent that really works well.

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***********Notes: Do NOT use on babies or young children.***********

********Notes: Penny-royal should NOT be used on pregnant women********

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Being an avid hiker I quite often end up in areas where ticks like to roam and frolic. Remember ticks will transfer onto you when you brush against the vegetation, they can't jump.

I swear this truly is the best way to keep ticks off you. This method has worked well for me whenever I ventured into the thick woods or in the under-bush areas. Tuck your pant legs into your socks and if you're planning on being in tick territory for long use duct tape to seal off your socks (maybe not the fashion statement of the century but...) and sprinkle powdered sulphur onto your shoes and pants. (Sulphur is available from most farm supply stores).

When returning from tick central check your clothes and your body for ticks. Remember it's important to check pets regularly as well. Ticks are really quite gross when they're all engorged with blood.

If you find a tick latched on to yourself (they take a bit of time to do so) or your pet make sure every part of it gets removed from under the skin.  Duct tape works quite well in removing ticks. Or pull out slowly and gently with tweezers. Do not squeeze too hard as you don't want to back-flush the ticks 'innards' into your bloodstream or pull of the body without the bored in head part.

If you have to be daring (and not really smart) and want to head into 'tick territory' in shorts and Tshirt rub your legs and arms with Vick's Vaporub. Mind you it's debatable as far as I'm concerned which would be easier to tolerate the strong smell of the vaporub or the ticks.

Here is an essential oil recipe that work well in my neck of the woods, on most biting bugs.

• 1/2 cup glycerin (available at drug stores) as a base
• 1/2 cup witch-hazel to thin it out (available at drug stores I like to use the one with lemon)
• 3 ozs jojoba oil
• 20 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops of Cedar-wood essential oil (also available in spray-on bottles at your local pet store)
• 10 drops each of these essential oils: citronella, tea tree, penny-royal and catnip

• 5 drops Geranium essential oil

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********Notes: penny-royal should NOT be used on pregnant women********

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Combine the works in a 12 ozs fine misting bottle and shake well before using. Avoid eyes. It stays active on me for about 4-5 hours. If swimming the oils will melt away in about 1 1/2hours you will then have to re-apply. As essential oils are volatile I make up a fresh batch every time I head up north RVing.

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.

This concoction doesn't smell too bad and the whole idea behind it is to smell like a tree and not like a blood-donor. I find that on me it especially works well against black flies.

For the children's version I dilute the blend by adding an extra 2 ozs jojoba oil. We've been using this spray on my granddaughters since they were 3, they are now nine and five and we found that it worked well on them too, without hurting their precious tender skin.

Soybean Oil

P-menthane 3,8-diol

A product containing this active ingredient was recently registered in Canada. It provides up to two hours of protection against biting insects but should not be used on children under three years of age. It can be applied up to two times per day.

Besides using an insect repellent, It makes sense to reduce your risk by taking the following steps.

• Avoid being outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear full length pants, long-sleeved shirts and enclosed shoes if you are outdoors when mosquitoes are active, especially in tick territory
• Again in ticks domain remember to tuck your shirt into your pants and pull socks up over your pant legs
• Wear light-colored clothing which will help reduce your overall attractiveness to stinging bugs.
• If you're planning a trip to tropical areas see your doctor or visit a travel clinic several weeks before you leave. Serious mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria are common in the tropics
• Around the home its important to remove standing water from pool covers, wading pools, under flower pot saucers, pet bowls, wheel barrows, old tires etc. Mosquitoes develop in standing pools of water, so don't forget to clean bird baths at least once a week and also clean out eaves-troughs. Rain-barrels should have fine mesh net coverings
• Compost all dead and decaying leaves (grow mint or catnip around the composter)
• Keep grass around the home and play areas cut short
• Swallows, toads, dragonflies and even bats help in keeping the mosquito population down. (in my mind the census is still out about which might be better mosquitoes or bats)
  
• Invest in bug zappers for the deck (2-3 smaller ones are better then just one large one)
• Grow lots and lots of marigold of all kinds around your patio and play areas. These flowers have a particular scent that many insects find objectionable
  
  

~When you've been a chew toy for the mosquitoes at the camp site make a paste of baking soda and apple cider vinegar and spread it on the bite marks. It will give a bit of relief from the itching. Same for bee, wasp or yellow jacket stings.

• Anna Petherick (2008-03-13). "How DEET jams insects' smell sensors".
• "Test: Mosquito repellents"

• DEET General Fact Sheet - National Pesticide Information Center
• DEET Technical Fact Sheet - National Pesticide Information Center
• US Environmental Protection Agency information on DEET
• Review of scientific literature on DEET (from a RAND Corporation report on Gulf War illnesses)