skip to main content

insect repellent and relief

21 years ago

Does anyone have a good insect repellent recipe to share? My 3 yr old and I get eaten up by mosquitos and fleas every summer. Also, I've heard that chickweed salve is good for itch relief. I live in Austin, Tx and was wondering if the chickweed I have in my yard is stella media. Does it have to be stella media to work? Does anyone know if there are any adverse reactions to chickweed (external and internal -just in case)?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Daisyduckworth
21 years ago
PERSONAL INSECT REPELLENT:
400ml almond oil
large handful crushed lavender flowers
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Put all ingredients into a screw-top jar and shake vigorously. Leave on a sunny windowsill for about 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day. Rub onto skin with cottonwool.
OR
Pour 1 litre boiling water over a handful of sage sprigs and 3 mint sprigs. Allow to cool. Strain out the herbs, add 1 litre rubbing alcohol. Splash or spray onto hair, skin and clothing. Repeat after swimming or if perspiring heavily.

A lot of herbs and kitchen items will soothe insect bites, including lemon balm, calendula petals, a used tea bag, the inside of a banana skin, lavender oil, cider vinegar, a paste of bicarbonate of soda, aloe vera gel, celery juice, parsley, raw potato to name a few. Chickweed is very effective, but don't what you have in the garden (and certainly don't eat it!) unless you are 110% it is chickweed. I do not know of any adverse reactions from chickweed, but individuals react to different things in any ways, so be aware, as you would be with any herb. Chickweed is a very useful herb, but I don't advise giving medicinal doses of it to a child, though a small amount tossed into a salad won't hurt.
Traute_Biogardener
20 years ago
Best remedy for any poison, from the North American Indians is wet clay. Keep it wet with Seran Wrap. Easier relief which you can carry on you at all times is natural vitamin A capsules or capsules of vitamin A+D. Squeeze onto sting directly. Vitamin E is not quite as effective but also works.

Trea tree oil isn't bad either.
Related Discussions
Does shredded CEDAR mulch really repel insects?
Q
Comments (8)
'Cedar' is a generic term that is used to refer to several types of trees, most of which are not true cedars (Cedrus species) at all. On the west coast, 'cedar' most likely refers to Western red cedar, Thuja plicata. In other parts of the country, 'cedar' usually refers to some sort of native juniper. Both contain a lot of essential oils that repel insects, primarily by smell. But neither type repel ALL insects. Mollusks - like snails and slugs - are not typically affected, although their presence may be reduced to some extent just because they are not inclined to creep over the rough surface. However, I would not rely on ANY type of cedar mulch to deter slugs/snails -- you need to bait for these types of garden pests. Insects that will be deterred are some types of ants, cockroaches, termites, fleas, moths, some varieties of flies. Cedar wood chips (either type) are often used as pet bedding because of this property. Also some desirable garden inhabitants, like butterflies, will avoid cedar. But other insect pests will find either type of cedar a welcome habitat, as they will burrow and live in the moist, dark recesses of the thick mulch layer and feed on the decomposing wood. These includes earwigs, vine weevils, pill or sowbugs (roly polys) and various beetles. Western red cedar is a valuable timber tree with very durable, long-lasting wood. Western red cedar mulch is a by-product of this industry but still tends to be pricey. Eastern red cedar is a weed tree and mulches made of this type of wood tend to be rather inexpensive.
...See More
Insect repellant
Q
Comments (2)
I'm sort of joking...but about ten years ago we had the most horrendous black fly season and a neighbor made giant caftan coverings of tulle for the entire neighborhood so we could actually visit each other...hilarious but it worked. I actually have one of these head things for emergency situations....we call 'buzz head'...not sure what bug it is but they just will not stop diving for attack... After a good rain, check everything around your yard...those pests can breed in a tiny cap full of water...empty garden buckets..turn them upside down by habit....even a 1/2 bag of soil with folded pocket of its plastic collects water... I make my own summer body lotion that has lemongrass, citronella and cedarwood in a coconut oil base....a bit 'hippy' but it has been working... smells good! I've only had about one bite a weekend so far so it seems to work and i'm out all day till sunset. Here is a link that might be useful: insect protection
...See More
Is Lime good for both of insects repellent and lawn maintenance?
Q
Comments (3)
i though lime was a soil amendment ... i can not comment on what your 'heard' .... mostly because i cant hear it ... to gauge the veracity of such ken from kims link above: Management of earwigs requires an integrated program that takes advantage of their habitat preferences. As moisture-loving insects, earwigs wouldnÃ¢ÂÂt normally thrive in CaliforniaÃ¢ÂÂs arid climate without the moisture and shade provided by irrigated gardens. Where earwigs are a problem, consider reducing hiding places and surface moisture levels. Initiate a regular trapping program. If these measures are followed, insecticide treatments shouldnÃ¢ÂÂt be necessary. Baits are available for earwigs but often arenÃ¢ÂÂt very effective. Keep in mind that earwigs are omnivores and are beneficial in some situations, such as when they feed on aphids, and donÃ¢ÂÂt need to be managed in many situations.
...See More
Do nasturtiums really repel insect
Q
Comments (2)
Nasturtiums are known to be traps for some insect pests but not repellants. Some report they will repel Whitefly and some of the squash family pests. Nasturtiums also are attractants for a number of our pollinators. kimmq is kimmsr
...See More
andy_sa
20 years ago
I mix my own repellent from lavender/sage/rosemary oils, but anything smelly and herbal will do. I use 30 drops per 100ml of liquid. You'll need something to dissolve the oil, either solublizer or alcohol, then make the rest up with filtered water. This doesn't last long, and needs reapplying regularly.
One thing, avoid herbs that may relax you if you're driving, etc. (clary, vetiver, even lavender for some people).
For the actual bites, I use lavender oil, or aloe vera. Some people find raw onion effective.
kfgesq
20 years ago
The absolute BESt thing I have ever bought for mosquito repellent is called mosquito contro. It is a little battery powered device that repels mosquitos. Here is how: Only female mosquitos bite; they hate two things; male mosquitos (lol) and dragon flies. This device emits a sound of both and is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I have not had a mosquito bite in years! You can put thr name in the web browser and get several sites where you can buy it. Not expensive...great thinking!
vmperkins
20 years ago
Taking garlic oil caps can work.
Traute_Biogardener
19 years ago
Now would be a good time of the year to start preparing your body so you won't get attacked by mosquitoes at all next year. If you haven't already got my remedy, contact me, and I will send you the write-up. No, I am not selling anything. I am merely sharing how I got free of mosquitoes and other pests for life.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Organic Matters: Thwart Insect Pests With Trap Crops

By Therese Ciesinski

Add a few sacrificial plants to your garden to lure insects away from the harvest

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: How Do You Spell Urban Heat Relief?

By Justine Hand

Turn even a small balcony into a summer oasis with retreat-conjuring plants, furniture and accessories

GARDENING GUIDES Southwest Gardener's September Checklist

Arid desert gardens get welcome relief this month with cooler temperatures and moisture in the air. Here's how to make sure they thrive

0

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Mertensia Virginica

By Curtis Adams

Virginia bluebells provides relief from winter with a big display of color

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Gardening for the Bees, and Why It’s a Good Thing

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When you discover how hard bees work for our food supply, you may never garden without them in mind again

EARTH DAY How to Design a Garden for Native Bees

By Debbie Ballentine

Create a garden that not only looks beautiful but also nurtures native bees — and helps other wildlife in the process

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Porch Life: Banish the Bugs

By Becky Harris

Don't let insects be the bane of your sweet tea and swing time. These screening and product ideas will help keep bugs at bay on the porch

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 8 Rot-Resistant Woods for Your Outdoor Projects

By Falon Mihalic

No need for chemical treatments on your deck or pergola. These woods stand up to weather, insects and time beautifully on their own

Sponsored

More Discussions

Herbs (Chaste tree)

0