I am trying to find the mixture for a homemade mosquito spray that my neighbor used on us when we were younger. It smelled great and I'm almost positive it had vanilla in it, does anyone know what I'm talking about?
Sam from Pueblo, CO
Regarding reader's comments about a good smelling insect repellent used on her as a child, it may have been Avon's Skin So Soft. (07/10/2008)
By Lee
(sent in by email)
Plant some rosemary. It's an herb that's very fragrant, and you can cook with it too. It repels any insect.
Sabrina (07/10/2008)
By ThriftyFun
As a plant based repellent try Thai lemongrass, grown in pots around the outdoor area for a general deterrent and cut, peeled and rubbed between your hands to create moisture enough to cover your exposed parts for a personal deterrent. It can also be used in cooking. (07/12/2008)
By robin
This is the info I found on catnip oil. I'm going to try putting it in an oil base, too.
Catnip Oil: Research by Iowa State University and the US Forest Service announced that nepatalactone, the essential oil in catnip, can be used as a very effective mosquito repellent. The authors stated that nepetalactone is about 10 times more effective than DEET. The researchers believe that catnip repels mosquitoes by an irritant reaction.
How to make: in a hand-held spray bottle, mix 1/4-1/2 tsp. (1.25 - 2.5 ml.) of essential oil of catnip (Nepata cataria), 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol, and 1 cup of water.
How to use: Shake well and then spray lightly on clothing, arms, and legs, being careful to avoid eyes or open cuts. Do not use on the skin of small children. Some persons may be sensitive to catnip oil. Keep the contents of the spray away from children and pets, and be careful around cats! :-)
As of 8/06, when I did my research, here's where I found it: 1/2 oz = 15 ml = 6 - 12 recipes worth
Mt Rose Herbs - OG VERY EXPENSIVE
(Eugene business); shipping = actual
1/2 oz $32
1 oz $57
4 oz $182.40
Aroma Thyme - OG, VERY TINY AMOUNTS (gets costly)
Canada 80-90% nepatalactones
shipping = $5 on small amounts
Herbal Remedies.com - OG, TOO LARGE
Canada 80-90% nepatalactone
They also have a pre-made insect repellent (cat nip, corn mint, glycerin, rosemary, and maybe pennyroyal. $14.95/8 oz)
shipping = $5.49?
2 oz $63.44
2 x 2oz $125.88
A Scents Worth - OG/No pesticides, GOOD FOR SINGLE ORDER
Canada, SALE
shipping = $8.36
1/2 oz reg. $14, sale $10.50
Essential Oil University GREAT FOR BIGGER AMOUNTS
Must have business name (intended for resellers).
Min. shipping = $9.95
USA
1 fl oz $13.88
4 fl oz $41.86
1 lb. $129.30
Canada - No pesticide residue/ Canada 80-90% nepatalactone
1 fl oz $15.00
4 fl oz $45.00
1 lb. $139.50
Deleted all non-OG suppliers (Essential Oil Co., Bramble Berry, alternative Health Resources)
Also, be careful how you store it. Mine came in a dropper bottle with the usual rubber bulb at the top of the dropper. At some point it tipped onto it's side while in storage. I kept wondering why it smelled so strong given that it was in a glass bottle in a plastic bag. When I took it out again next summer, turns out the oil had dissolved the rubber bulb! Thank goodness it was double bagged in plastic (which was none the worse for the wear, just messy). Hope that helps. (07/17/2008)
By Erica
Equal amounts of pure vanilla and water in a spray bottle. I got this from a lady in MI. (07/29/2008)
By Kellie
(sent in by email)
Are you sure that only Rosemary plant can repel mosquitoes, or can we also use Rosemary Essential oil as well? Or do we need any formulation of other plants? How many hours will it be effected? Please give favorable reply.
Thanks and regards, Yahya (10/19/2008)
By ThriftyFun
(submitted via email)
I tried rosemary essential oil bought at Whole Foods Market (wholefoods.com).
I live in Houston, TX USA and we get mosquitoes even in the winter. I sprinkled it around me where I sit outside, no luck. I used it on my exposed skin and sprinkled it on my sneakers, still no luck. If you ever do find a way to use it that really works, would you post it please? Or maybe I'm doing something wrong?
Thanks from Smoochie (10/24/2008)
By Jess
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