Glad to know they work. I have been wondering about them, especially for when we go camping. I have patches of Lemon Balm in my main flower bed, and I think that must help with the bugs. We dont seem to have mcuh problem with mosquitoes in that bed.. Would I plant it again in the bed......NO.
I have been working this year ripping most of it out. I have two large clumps now in my 60 ft bed, with LOTS of stragglers showing their head again.
Tammy

I bought 2 mosquitos replelant plants, I put one at the front door and one in my back porch, but they don't seem to work. Each night when I am out there I still get so many bites.
I have to remember to put on my long pant and long sleeves.

When we sit on the porch, we bring out the electric fan with us. That keeps the mosquitoes off. They buzz around, but don't land or bite. Easy peasy.
For heavy duty gardening, I cover.

Hmmm! I think I'm going to try these too!

Hubby has been taking a Bounce dryer sheet out in his pocket when he goes. He claims this works. Haven't tried that yet either.

Yea, the fan trick does work, but not too practical when working in beds LOL!

Citronella plants do squat IMO.

I do like the citronella candles on the patio, and there are some lovely decorative candle holders, nice for when having people over :0)

DH sprays himself with diluted Listerine, he says it works - go figure. No clue if it actually does, I've not tried it, though I've thought about it.

mxk, can you be a bit more specific on exactly what "thingie" you are referring to, lol? Do you mean those telephone-cord-type things you put on your wrist?

Thanks!
:)
Dee

I'm glad it worked for you. I've been recommending them to people so I'm happy to hear it worked for someone other than me. I mostly use it for picking raspberries since there are always a bunch of mosquitoes back there and I don't want to get spray on my hands and then on the raspberries.

Dee - it's the Off clip-on mosquito repellant.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Thingie

mxk3 - I've heard of the Listerine thing. In fact, I see a bottle of it sitting on my shelf. I don't use it for mouthwash, so....must have been for bugs last year and remember it didn't work for me.

My Mom swears by taking the B-12 vitamin pill and also says different people have different types of blood (don't know if she means the type A, type B, etc. or what) and THAT is what makes some of us such a magnet.

All I know is, I walk outside...I get bit....it swells up into some strange looking shape like I have an amoeba under my skin. Sometimes the size of a quarter.

Not that this prevents them, but to counter the itch, I've found that hydrocortisone creme (in the tube) will take the itch away in about 5 minutes. Be patient. But it works.

Have yet to try the Off 'fan' thingys but am tempted.

I dislike mosquitoes as much as the next person, but I would never use Off or any other toxic insect repellant. I especially wouldn't use something that was formulated to be airborne constantly. Yes, you are avoiding putting it on your skin, but you have to be breathing it. Something you breathe in, goes directly into your bloodstream faster, doesn't it? The ingredients in insect repellants are toxic, that's why they kill bugs. They are just as toxic to humans, only we are larger so it doesn't effect us as much, but how much is too much? I especially wouldn't feel right to use something that was airborne around other people or children, who then would not have a choice of whether to be exposed to the insect repellant.

I did find a link to an article on alternative insect repellant products that are safe. There are lots of other articles you could find easily on Google about the risks of insect repellants so you can be better informed before you use it.

To me, the bottom line is that I have to make an effort to avoid harmful products. Even actively avoiding them, I imagine I am still exposed in ways I can't help, but if I give up avoiding what I can, then I am increasing my risks. It is easy to see that companies that produce products we use every day haven't got a good track record for keeping safety a priority and the FDA has fallen down on the job way too many times for me to feel trust that would allow me to just buy a product and use it without looking into it first.

Here is a link that might be useful: Non toxic insect repellants

PM2 - Glad I'm not the only one with reservations about something that's filling the air I breathe. I'd rather cover up and sweat or wear one of the bug net head covers or jackets.

Yes, I do agree the toxicity may be an issue, and I have thought about it. As I mentioned, I am planning on reserving use of the thingies for the marathon gardening sessions for the most part, will deal with the beasts in other ways at other times. :0)

When I was a kid they used to have a truck that would drive around fogging DDT. All of us kids would run behind the DDT fogger - it was great fun.

No ill effects so far in 57 years and my 3rd arm comes in handy!

Thanks for my morning laugh! So funny!

I appreciate the humor, but I'm not sure if you were making a joke or you really did run behind the foggers. At any rate, I guess we could all delve into the many reasons why DDT is now banned in the US, but is anyone really interested in getting into a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of pesticides? We all have access to information about the dangers of them, if we choose to look into it. I am not an expert on them nor do I intend to become one. But I choose to pay attention to the risks associated with them and avoid them.

What I am aware of is that the Environmental Defense Fund, the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and other environmental groups began court proceedings that led to the restriction of DDT use. I'm sure they had better things to do with their time too, but I guess they thought it was important to at least give people a head's up about the dangers that manufacturers would not tell people.

I speak up to share my views on the subject whenever it comes up and I've done that. I'm going back to gardening, without mosquitoe repellant. [g]

Oh, sorry Babs, I meant to say, happy to hear that someone else feels the same way. I haven't used those bug net coverings, how are they to work in?

Prairiemoon, I am with you. DH works at EPA in the groundwater and pesticide program. Not good. I wear long pants and sleeves when I garden and feed the birds to keep them around eating my bugs! I also pat on some lemon juice around my collar, hat, and hairline-works until I sweat it off!

Grinder12000, we used to do that too, LOL! Your the first person I've heard that from in my entire life! We're fairly close in age...think we're the only survivors? I don't have any extra appendages, but there are those pesky...uh...mental problems, He-he!!!

No joke Prairiemoon, we actually did this! It was the 50's...who new?

Oh, and these days I usually use a homemade catnip spray when gardening. It works, but has to be re-applied frequently. But, if I have to go into tick territory, I'll sometimes use a deet product on my clothing...it makes me ill if on my skin...but I hate ticks on/in my skin too!

My Husband and I both have the same blood type. I get eaten alive and he does not. I don't wear perfume. I was wearing the thingie last night while deadheading and I found when I leaned over it blocked the thingie air vent and I still got bitten! I must deadhead while standing like a soldier.

Maybe you should try sticking the thingie someplace else, Redsox. Maybe your back pocket? I usually have it on the front pocket of my pants and it works well from there.

I don't believe that this repellent has any insecticide in it. I thought it was more of a scent based confuse the mosquito type of thing. I checked their webpage but they don't list the active ingredient. And their precautions page was just silly. How are supposed to not breathe in the vapor when you are wearing it? Anyway, I figure this repellent isn't as bad as spraying something on your skin especially when you are going to be touching food and food crops.

cyn, I feel bad for your DH, it sounds like a very stressful job. We keep the birds coming all year here too. It amazes me how much that helps out. I hadn't heard of lemon juice. I've tried rubbing any fragrant herb in the garden on exposed skin and I felt that has worked pretty well for short periods of time. If I keep putting on more, it makes a difference to me. Mint and lavender seem to be the most effective for me.

noinwi, yes, exactly....in the 50's who knew anything. My parents both smoked and who knew it could kill you. That's the trust issue that I was talking about. You have to do your best to think about what you're doing because you can't depend on a company that makes pesticide or cigarettes or anything else, to worry about whether they're poisoning you or not. You should be able to but you can't. Then the next thing you know, 20 years later, you find out how bad it was for you.

Thanks for the catnip idea, I'm low on mint this year. :-)

I'm glad I checked this thread about the "thingy". I'm thinking it would be good for my DH to use fishing. We just have a little Jon boat with an electric trolling motor that we use on the local lake, and when the not moving, especially on a still day, he gets swarmed with skeeters. He's reluctant to use repellents due to the scent getting on his lures, and the skeeters keep him from fishing in the evenings when the fish are biting well.

"I must deadhead while standing like a soldier."
Redsox, I know getting bit is not funny, but the thought of you doing that really makes me chuckle!

I tried one so far. It worked if I stayed in one area but as I was moving from the weed area to the cart apparently the movement decreased the effectiveness. Probably would work in the Jon boat at least while it is not moving.

I just started using this during the past month when outside gardening and have to say it works *great* for me.

This is how I garden in the woodland areas when the mosquitoes are out in force:
{{gwi:240775}}

I would keel over from heat stroke if I had to garden with all that gear on, not ot mention how uncomfortable it would be for me. I recently purchased the OFF clipon and it works great for me even when I am moving around the garden not one bite. One thing I have not seen mentioned here is mosquito borne illnesses not something I want to encounter for me this is the answer. Each person has to make their own decision on whether to use this product or not.

That would make me keel over too. The heat and humidity here are so intense just being outside is difficult enough.
I am more concerned about ticks and disease and, of course, whatever potential goodies come with mosquitoes than the hazards of deet.
I think I would rather wear the stuff than breathe it though. At least I can wash it off.
No really great options.

I believe if you have plants, the leaves must be rubbed in order for them to "work". Just sitting there in a pot or planted does nothing...

Be very careful!
I turned it on inside my car while watching a concert with windows open.
Two hours later, I had great stomach pains,etc. and they lasted all night. Thought I had stomach poisoning but it did not make any sense as my wife did not and we had eaten same meal.
Turns out one of the symptoms is exactly what I had and it was hanging from sunvisor right in front of me!!!
NEVER use in an enclosed space or inhale it!!! Yes, there is a warning in package but not on fan itself-be careful!!!!

Prairiemoon, I'm sure you probably didn't mean to write this, "The ingredients in insect repellants are toxic, that's why they kill bugs." But for those who take your statement at face value, repellent is not an insecticide (which does kill).

Citronella plants do diddly-squat IMO.

I've used the Off thingies again this season, works great! DH has very good success with them as well.

So many times we look for ways to get rid of mosquitoes or other pests that we don't think about the consequences. Not only to our selves but to the environment as well. How many of you know that mosquitoes don't come around someone wear light clothing??? Dark clothing attracts them. There is one solution and I'm sure there is more. we have to be pursuant in our efforts to keep the poisonous stuff from our families.

Mosquitos don't come around someone who wears light clothing?!?! Whaaat?!? I can vouch first hand that is *NOT* the case!!

hey!!!!!

i like to protect mother earth..

but i draw the line when her spawn suck my blood ...

THEY ALL MUST DIE !!! ... and the sooner the better

i will offer.. that if you never bathe .. most bugs wont come near you either .... or so i have heard ... one option i never tried myself ... and i bet.. if you dont bathe.. and wear white clothing.. you would be all set ... lol

ken

Ummm no the Off mosquito repellant thing did NOT work for me. Tried both clipping it to me, and putting it directly under where I was sitting. Got multiple mosquitoe bites still. Some within a foot of where the darned thing was located!
dell

two things i am sure that attract bugs .... are

perfume .. including in the day.. hairsprays, deoderants, soaps, talcs, fabric softeners .. etc ...

and get this ... beer ...

dad was a magnet ... what can i say ... not sure if it was the yeasty odor ... or the CO2 exhaled [.. is that the right CO ... lol] .. and if i am not mistaken ... the basis for some attractants ...

the fragrance thing.. is why.. bees seem to attack or be lured to women in the garden ... whenever i have a garden tour.. its always them ... [mostly because they smell better than the men.. lol] ...

soooo.. if you want to go into the garden .. i suggest you dont wear pheromones that attract bugs that use such to find food [which is the whole point of a fragrant flower] ...

but i digress a bit from the blood sucker theme ....

ken

I used the Off clip on last fall because my sister left me with several of them so thought I'd give them a try. Very successful for me, both moving around and standing still. Be sure you have the fan turned on.

...and check that the repellent is full and does not need a refill. I found them very effective.

Hey I'm with you guys I don't like the little creeps either. I just don't like spraying chemicals if possible. As far as the light clothing it has worked for other people. I was just suggesting to see who it would work for. Maybe yo had perfume or something on to attract them. As far as the lemon balm plants. Did you take a leaf ans squeeze it then rub the oil on you Skin???

I know we don't want to put toxins in the environment or around our families. I found a great site on how to get rid of mosquitoes and they have organic ways to get rid of these pest.