Home made insect repellants

[apattrick]

Hi,

Having read the threads about insect repellants with great interest on this site, I was intrigued by the Dettol / Baby Oil mix so I mentioned it to a friend of mine who uses homemade insect repellants on her horses (and herself) to stop the biting flies that plague them in the Summer. She says this mixture is very effective.

Perhaps some of the ingredients are worth considering in homemade potions.

To make 2 litres:

15mls Citronella Oil
15mls Eucalyptus Oil
2tbsp / 50mls Methylated Spirit
1tbsp / 25 mls Washing up liquid
4tbsp / 100mls Vinegar
1 mug of cold strong tea
Top up with cold water to make 2 litres.

I don't think you have to say any magic words but sitting cross legged, closing your eyes and humming softly can't hurt :-)

They use it in a spray bottle.

They also feed the horses garlic to help keep the flies at bay. Apparently it is secreted through the skin and they don't like it.

Anyone got any other homemade magic insect potions that come recommended? I want to make a few up and try them out in Scotland next spring. If they can keep the Scottish midge at bay then I think they should work on anything.

Andy.

P.S. If you try this out, it is obviously *entirely at your own risk*. Don't moan at me if you get a rash or have some allergic reaction!