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Insect Repellent
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Benjamin Reimer on -
I always carry 5 ml of Clove Bud, 5ml of Lavender and 10ml of 'Thieves oil'. They are all essential oils. These oils are the most effective - for a number of ailments, and precautions - in my opinion, and for space and weight economy I choose them from a large selection.
AS an insect repellent, Clove Bud oil is superior to any oil, or typical product off the shelf.
The oil is useful as both a repellent and a treatment to relieve the sting/itch.
Also, a powerful antioxidant, analgesic, etc. Great for toothache, burns...
Eucalyptus and cypress are successful repellents, but that knowledge is of little value in NZ unless one is hiking/camping amongst a Euc' stand. I think about 7% of NZ forestry is in Euc's.
I'm keen to find some native sources. Experimentation thus far has unveiled nothing.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Hunt on -
Fascinating. I will have to try the Clove bud oil out, mozzies drive me crazy.
How do you apply it and how long does it last? I expect that it would be sweated off but perhaps it could be applied to clothing and it may last longer?
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Permalink Reply by Benjamin Reimer on
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Good question. Lavender oil is the only oil deemed 'safe' to be applied undiluted. I do not have sensitive skin, so dilution is not paramount. But in saying that, clove bud oil is waaayyyy to strong (in scent) to want to apply neat, so in this case a carrier oil such as olive oil should be used. Almond oil is of a good (watery) consistency, but any cold pressed oil is fine.
It is merely the scent you are after, so quantities are on little importance. Say, couple of drops per tsp.
2 Hours maximum protection. Clothing is a good idea. Nice smell when diluted.
Yeah, mozzies at bedtime and Lewis Pass sand-flies make me cry.
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Permalink Reply by Scott Hamilton on -
Have not tried this, but just came across it on a site. Apparently rubbing the inside of Orange peels on your skin will keep mozzies away.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Hunt on
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Interesting. I know that orange peel can work against cats in a garden too.
Would be a cheap thing to try out, a web search revealed that there is such a thing as orange essential oil. I also found a formula for the "base" of a essential oil recipe, and you can substitute (or mix I assume) different essential oils for different insects
http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthbeautyprojects/a/naturalinsectr...
On this particular site, which doesn't look like the most reliable source, it recommended:
- cinnamon oil (mosquitoes)
- lemon eucalyptus or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes, ticks, and lice)
- citronella oil (mosquitoes and biting flies)
- castor oil (mosquitoes)
- orange oil (fleas)
- rose geranium (ticks and lice)
The "base" recipe might be a good start to tinker with Benjamin's suggestion though.
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Permalink Reply by Scott Hamilton on
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The other beauty of some of these oils is that they are also used as Possum lures, so these oils along with the glow tags will be multi-use.
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