Help with Mosquitoes

[wen_skinneth]

Does anyone know of a good repelent for mosquitoes. I would love to take something in pill form like cayenne or garlic. Mosquitoes think I am some sort of delicacy, but they don't bother my husband who has a penchant for extremely spicy food. Unfortunately, I can't tolerate what he eats. Also, any suggestions for topicals to releave the itching. For me, the itching can last for days! Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[Lavender]

Hi wen_skinneth! Welcome to Mysticwicks & the Green Room! Here's a link to a mosquito thread that you might find helpful.

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1749

Garlic & Cayenne does come in pill forms. You can check at your local health food store. There are also natural insect repellants that you can use. For the itching, I use lavender essential oil or crushed plantain leaves rubbed on the bite.

[Spirahl]

They love me also, and the bites swell badly. You can try to cut down on the amount of them around your house my ridding of any stagnant water and keeping grass and bushes well-trimmed. You can also plant things like tansy and mint around patios and other seating areas. They are attracted to dark coloured clothing, it also helps to cover up completely (hard to do on very hot days). They are attracted to fragrances in shampoos, deoderants etc, so use unscented types. I never found that using garlic pills helped me, plus I love spicy food and garlic anyway. I've wondered if sugar consumption has any affect? There is a plant called citronosa or citronella that you can rub on exposed skin. Smells good anyway. You can also try Avon's "Skin So Soft". It works for some people. Some people burn cedar chips on their BBQ when sitting out at night, or the citronella candles.
I can't seem to avoid being bit, so I just use a lot of after-bite lotion. I would appreciate a recipe for an after-bite herbal salve though. A compress soaked in cider vinegar or strong chamomile tea can help.

[Yvonne Belisle]

Witch hazel is also good on bites. (Thankfully we don't have that name on the site!!! Whole new can of worms there!):D

[EasternPriest]

Originally posted by Yvonne Thomas
Witch hazel is also good on bites. (Thankfully we don't have that name on the site!!! Whole new can of worms there!):D


lol...especially if witch hazel bites!!!!!

[wen_skinneth]

I appreciate all the great info. I am going to work on implementing all the planting, mixing and applying. This is great!

[BrigitCayenne]

try freshly ground sage leaves to rub on the bites

[Spirahl]

I found something in the grocery store today called"Citronella Button". They are plastic disks that you pin on your clothing like a brooch. They claim to be "natural", "environmental" and to last for 60-70 hours. Active ingredients are lemongrass oil, geranium oil, and citronella oil. I'll let you all know in a few days if they seem to work or not.

[Niamh]

I was out harvesting some of my basil (what wonderful stuff) and I noticed that the bugs didn't want to go near the stuff. Hmmm.

[Myst]

Someone told me eating bananas would repel the little squeeters. Worth a try, no?

[Spirahl]

Sure, especially if you like them on a peanut butter sandwich!:) Yum!

Anyway, those "Citronella Button" thingys really did seem to have some effect. I still got bit a bit, but not as much. They smell great too, I wanted to lick'em!:crazy: But since it's the way I do things, I'd more likely put my own drops of oils on a circle of cardboard and safetypin it to me. Because something that is plastic and disposable doesn't say "environmental" to me. Ya, so, I've got some hippy in me. It's a good concept for folks like me though, who can't stand lotions and such in the summer when it's humid and you already feel like a greasy oil-slick!