Shoo Fly Shoo- Mint the Natural fly repellent

Mountain mint, Apple mint, Orange mint, spearmint, peppermint- what do they all have in common? Flys and gnats don't like them.

I personally love mint and I have several kinds around the farm. When I see one I like I purchase it. Each mint seems to have a little bit of a different taste and texture making them each unique in their own way, not to mention they are easy to grow!

Kinds of Mints I grow:

• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Chocolate Mint
• Walkers Cat Mint
• Orange Mint
• Apple Mint
• Common Mountain Mint

Mint common uses:

Some of the first things that pops to most peoples minds when the word mint is mentioned is candies, snacks, ice cream, chewing gums, and even the word weed pops up from time to time. Mint is usually ground up and the flavoring is used in a variety of items and even perfumes. Mint is also used as a natural remedies for arthritis, backaches, gallstones, and morning sickness in pregnant women. While these are all great uses the one I feel is of importance for me as a farmer is the natural fly and gnat repellent.

How it Works

Mint of any kind usually works although I had to admit I do tend to be a bit stingy with some of my more exotic and expensive varieties and usually end up using the common mint as I don't use it to cook and make candies with.

I usually get a few leaves from the plants and crush them up a bit in my hand and rub it on my arms, legs, and boots. I even use this on my livestock when they pregnant to avoid using chemical based fly repellents. On the livestock it does take a little more. But once again just pinch the leaves and rub on the legs, ankles, back, and head. No poison in their systems and not to mention cheaper on the producer.

For our barn we usually grab a plant or two and blend it up in a blender add a little water or vinegar and spray. Although the flys and gnats usually return after it has died down I have to believe that it has to be a little bit healthier of an option for my family and barn.