Natural Mosi Repellent!

goonersnroses

Hi I hope this is in the right place!

I'am looking for a mosqito repellent but I'd like to avoid the repellents with DEET in them so if anyone could recommend a natural repellent I would be very greatful.

Cheers

Alun

Not sure whether it repels mosquitos, but citronella oil does a pretty good job on midges and other flying beasties when I'm out walking in the hills here in Ireland. It's strong stuff, and you shouldn't put it directly on your skin, but I find if I put some drops around the brim of my hat it works a treat. Tends to work a bit better if you're moving, as it creates a cloud of lemony scent around you, but seems less effective when you stop walking.

You can also buy citronella candles for the home, or for outside barbecues, say.

dave2pvd

Citronella 'sort of' works for mosquitos. It's not very effective.

Not sure what the issue is with DEET-based sprays. Millions of people around the world have used these for years. I don't know of anyone who has become ill or died from them. In any tests I've read of*, the sprays with the highest concentration of DEET work best.

Incidentally, DEET sprays keep ticks away also.


* The most recent was an extensive Consumer Reports test.

sudzs

Dunno how true this is but recently heard that one of the B vitimins, if taken in large quantities will come out of your pores, repelling the mossies. Aparantly soldiers were instructed to eat a lot of Marmite for a few weeks before setting off for The Congo and other such mossie infested places.