For those who do not want to put DEET on their skin:
Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipe
20 drops Eucalyptus oil
20 drops Cedarwood oil
10 drops Tea Tree oil
10 drops Geranium oil
2 oz. carrier oil ( like olive oil, almond oil or grape seed oil) Note: You must use some kind of carrier oil to dilute the essential oils- never put essential oils directly onto skin.
Mix together in a 4 oz. container. I get a small spray bottle at drugstore that holds just the right amount and has a fine spray. You could also just keep in bottle and put on a cloth and rub onto skin. When spraying on the skin avoiding the eye and any mucous membrane areas. Keep out of reach of children. Test on a small area of skin for sensitivities . You can experiment with different amounts of essential oils.
I would re-apply every two hours or so. You can aslo put some on a handkerchief and tie around your neck to avoid nasty mosquito bits on the neck and face.
Posted by admin as Camping and Mosquitoes, Camping and Safety, Camping and Wildlife, General Camping at 10:50 PM EDT
1 Comment »
It’s important you take steps that will protect you and your family from mosquito bites. The good news is, it’s easy.
Use insect repellent when outdoors.
Cover up.
Use insect repellent when camping
Use an insect repellents on exposed skin, such as those containing DEET. A light coating will do.
The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30% for adults and no greater than 10% for children.
DEET-based repellents can also be used on top of clothing. Do not use it under clothing.
Several DEET-free botanical repellents are federally registered but provide a shorter time of effectiveness.
If you are going outdoors for less than 30 minutes, these are safe, effective alternatives.
- Burning Candle ( which gives off carbon dioxide and naturally repels mosquitoes)
-Citronella Oil
Also try dabs of these natural oil on a handkerchief around the next or wrists:
Rosemary Oil
Lemongrass Oil
Cedar Oil ( try getting cedar oil spray at pet store and safe to use on pets AND humans- including kids)
Peppermint Oil
Clove Oil
Geranium Oil
Vicks Vapour rub- some people swear by this!
My own homemade natural mosquito repellent mosquito
Reduce the amount of skin exposed to mosquito’s- wear long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long pants.
Mosquitoes are attracted to darker, more intense colours, try to wear lighter colours if possible. Also avoid fragrance- avoid scented soaps. perfumes, fabric softeners and deodorants.
If mosquito population is particularly bad consider specialized bug-protective clothing.
Top Ten Mosquito “Hot Spots”
Bird baths
Old tires
Unused containers like barrels
Flower pot saucers
Swimming pool covers
Wading pools
Clogged gutters and eaves troughs
Clogged drainage ditches
Small containers like cans or bottle tops
Unused children’s toys or vehicles
Posted by admin as Camping and Safety, Camping and Wildlife, General Camping at 10:42 PM EDT
No Comments »
