The other day I read that an Iowa State University research group showed that the essential oil found in the herb catnip Nepeta cataria is about 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes in the laboratory. What a wonderful discovery!

Our home has catnip growing everywhere, especially along the edges of our home. It is in the mint family and spreads like it too, very prolific. The other night we were having dinner outside and little no-see-ums where nipping at our ankles. So, I mentioned the research to our guests and decided to pick some catnip and have everyone rub it on their legs. I also left the used stems on the ground under the table by our feet. Within a couple of moments, to everyone surprise, there was relief from the no-see-ums!

Insect repellent just doesn’t get any easier than that.

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