Tag Archives: natural insect repellent

Catnip chasing the biting insects away

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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.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Bloodsuckers be gone!

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I don’t care to be bitten by blood sucking bugs. I don’t like to put toxic sprays near me in order to repel them. But, what’s a girl to do? Previously, I blogged about how Catnip miraculously repels annoying bloodsuckers. Well, I have another tool to put into your arsenal – Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)! Not only is it great to help stop bleeding, but when tinctured, simply put it into a spray bottle, spray some on, and it will repel ticks, mosquitoes, and other creepy crawlies. It is nontoxic, so spray it on your skin or your pet’s fur. A United States Army study showed yarrow tincture to be more effective than DEET at repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and sand flies.

When I heard about its magical bug repellent qualities, I decided to give it a try.

Here’s how to make Yarrow bug spray:

  • Collect yarrow flowering tops when in it’s in full bloom and leaves. White flowered yarrow is known to be the most medicinally powerful, but I had deep red ones in my garden so I combined the red and white ones and it worked just fine.
  • Chop up flowers and leaves.
  • Place herbs in a clean, dry glass jar. Fill ¾ of the jar loosely, but do not pack herbs.
  • Fill jar with 100 proof vodka; make sure all herbs are completely submersed. Check on it periodically and if some herbs are above the alcohol, add some more alcohol.
  • Cover with tight fitting lid.
  • Shake.
  • Label the jar with the name of the plant, menstruum (alcohol), harvest location, and date.
  • Put in a dry place that gets full sun. I put all my tinctures on a windowsill that gets southern exposure on the 2nd floor of my house.
  • Shake every day, give it some love and intention.
  • Wait a total of 6 weeks. Just so you don’t forget, mark your calendar and note the date the tincture will be ready.
  • Strain the tincture through stainless steel strainer lined with cheesecloth or muslin.
  • Put in spray bottle, make sure you label it.
  • Use liberally and enjoy life without being bothered by blood sucking insects!

The first time I tried it, I was amazed – no more bloodsucking insects flew near me. Then I noticed no-se-ums flying around the chair and spray some on it – moments later – they were gone! Aside from the magical bug repellent qualities, you can use the yarrow spray for treating and healing all kinds of injuries. I use it to stop bleeding, to numb the sensation of pain quickly, to prevent and counter bacterial infections, and to nourish the growth of healing cells at the site of the wound.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.