Homemade Mosquito Recipes

Try these tried and true recipes to keep the hordes at bay this summer while you and the bugs share the warm weather.

Rubbing Alcohol

Splash plain rubbing alcohol on yourself and allow it to dry to deter mosquitoes from biting . And once it dries, it leaves a pleasant odor on the skin, not repugnant at all. And it only costs less than 50 cents a bottle!

Vicks Vaporub

One of the best insect repellents is Vick's Vaporub. Rub it on your pants and legs to ward off ticks. If you can tolerate the smell it's pretty good.

Marigolds in the Yard

Plant marigolds around the yard, the flowers give off a smell that bugs do not like, so plant some in that garden also to help ward off bugs without using insecticides. Try putting a bounce dryer sheet on your belt or in your sock, the sheet will mask your smell and ward off the bugs.

Avon Skin-So-Soft

One of the very best mosquito repellants you can use is Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed about half and half with alcohol. An added plus is that it smells great too.

Vanilla

One of the best natural insect repellants is made from the clear real vanilla (not the grocery store vanilla extract which is mostly alcohol). This is the pure vanilla that is sold in Mexico. It's cheap there if you know of someone that lives there or in the US close to the border. If not, health food stores usually carry it or can order it for you. Use half vanilla and half water and find that it works great for mosquitoes and ticks, don't know about other insects.

Moth Balls

Put out moth balls in the yard where children can't find them, they are great for mosquito. Or make a mixture of 1part baby powder, 1 part flower of sulfur(found at drug stores), 1 part cornstarch. Mix in a resealable bag and sprinkle on the ground. Repels most bugs.

Garlic Cloves

Finely chop a dozen garlic cloves into 4 ounces of mineral oil. Soak for a day or 2, strain it and add 4 drops of dishwasher liquid. Dilute with half cup of water and pour into sprayer.

Catnip Concoction

Make your own by filling a quart jar with some herbs from the mint family like catnip, spearmint, pennyroyal and then cover with apple cider vinegar. Shake twice a day for two weeks. Strain and either rub on or spray on.

Lavender Oil

Use lavender oil, and dab it on your pulse points On your wrists, behind your ears, temples, behind your knees, and on your ankles. Smells wonderful to you but bugs hate it.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.outdoortentexperience.com