Beatusduo Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Does anyone have a mosquito repellant recipe that they would care to share? If you currently make your own repellant and know that it works I would very much appreciate some information. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Mud? :001_smile: Actually, I'd be curious about this too. Mud is the only idea I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellers Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Dryer sheets. Put one in your pocket and it should help keep mosquitoes away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beatusduo Posted May 23, 2011 Author Share Posted May 23, 2011 I have heard of the dryer sheets before. This would be fine at home, while gardening, etc. However, while backpacking this wouldn't be my first choice. I don't want to peak a bears interest or associate me with a familiar human scent. I know DEET works, but I am trying to stay away from it. Has anyone tried or heard of Listerine working. Supposedly the gold color one is supposed to work. Still looking for ideas. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthbeautyprojects/a/naturalinsectrepellent.htm googled it, never tried it, curious to know how effective it is. :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I happen to have all of those essential oils. I'll test the recipe and report back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Lemon eucalyptus-containing repellants have tested as effective but the CDC does not state that the oil itself will work. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/repellentupdates.htm I wouldn't rely on dryer sheets if traveling to a heavily infested area especially if malaria or other diseases are a concern. I do use DEET. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Word of caution: Alcohol is absorbed through the skin. So be sure that anything you're using is alcohol free. Children died of alcohol poisoning back when alcohol rubs were standard treatment for fevers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beatusduo Posted May 23, 2011 Author Share Posted May 23, 2011 Thanks for all the suggestions! I will try the eucalyptus/witch hazel combination this weekend. The mosquitoes are already out in my area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I don't make my own, but Pennyroyal herb (steeped as a tea) is supposed to be very effective. The essential oil (as most are) is extremely toxic if ingested, though. Not that one would potentially absorb enough over a season to lead to toxicity, but... If you're looking for a natural alternative, I like HOMS BiteBlocker or BioUD (but not the BiteBlocker Extreme... smells like Depression-era soap. Blech) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I have MIL who only uses natural. She is extremely smart and educated about natural substances and concoctions. NOTHING SHE HAS USED ON DD HAS EVER ACTUALLY WORKED. And I am talking about every summer from birth until currently 12 years. You may have decreased bites, but if you want NO bites, I really believe you have to go chemical. Discouraging but true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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