Raw mosquito repellent

[Guest guest]

 

 

 

Mosquitoes have complex methods of detecting hosts and different types of

mosquitoes react to different stimuli. Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and

dusk, but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day. You can

avoid being bitten by making sure you aren't attracting mosquitoes, using

attractants to lure mosquitoes elsewhere, using a repellent, and avoiding

actions that diminish the effectiveness of the repellent.

Mosquito Attractants

Use this list of items and activities that attract mosquitoes as a list of

things to avoid or that can be used as bait to lure mosquitoes away from you.

 

 

Dark Clothing

Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and

foliage are initial attractants.

 

Carbon Dioxide

You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A

burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.

 

Lactic Acid

You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating

certain foods (e.g., cooked foods, high-sodium-potassium foods).

 

Floral or Fruity Fragrances

In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the

subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

 

Skin Temperature

The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are

attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.

 

Moisture

Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains

and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts

of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing

water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce. Natural Repellents

These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more

frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than

DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that

contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a

single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant

oils.

 

Citronella Oil

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Cinnamon Oil

Castor Oil

Rosemary Oil

Lemongrass Oil

Cedar Oil

Peppermint Oil

Clove Oil

Geranium Oil

Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme,

Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes

from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks Attila for the raw mosquito repellent article! Very cool!

 

Do you know how to apply these oils? I didn't think one should use them

straight (100%) directly on the skin.

 

--

Wishing you peace, blessings, love and harmony

Linda Crutcher (previously Linda Reeves)

 

(yes, I'm lurking.) :-)

 

 

 

Sure would love to see you and others at our raw potluck on Vashon this

coming Saturday, 8/2 at 5:30pm. I'm co-sponsoring it with Wesley. She

should be posting the info soon!

 

For more info, you can also call me at 206-963-1058.

 

BTW. The Farmer's Market is a must-see, from 10am - 2pm, right in the middle

of town!