essential oils and personal bug sprays
only have an endless supply to burn all summer, but you’ll also be helping to re-integrate a native species back into it’s natural landscape. Catnip has also been proven to help deter insects, though to a lesser extent. Just crush up the leaves and rub them onto your skin for a quick bug repellent. One nice feature of this herb is how safe and easy it is to use. There’s no need to dilute catnip; it is quite harmless for most (provided you do not have a mint allergy) with very little risk of skin reactions to applied areas. One thing to note: catnip is a member of the mint family, so be cautious when growing this useful herb. Mint are known for being invasive plants and can spread very quickly, so plant catnip in containers to ensure it doesn’t extend beyond the intended location. A useful tip: overwinter hardy perennial container plants such as catnip, by simply putting the entire pot in a shed, barn or sheltered area once the snow begins to fall. Bring it back out in early spring and it should take off right where it left off!
that a pungent odor can disguise the scent of nearby humans.
Lately there has also been a surge of popularity in burning coffee grounds to serve as the newest perimeter insect repelling method. Unfortunately, there is yet to be any science to back this up. Theories suggest that this concept is similar to the onion and garlic methods: basing the science on the fact that insects hate strong-smelling odors. It’s hard to say with certainty, however, how effective this is as a scent-based deterrent. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that treating standing water with coffee grounds or coffee works quite efficiently to deter adult mosquitoes from laying their eggs, thus inhibiting their ability to multiply. Perhaps then, burning grounds isn’t that much of a stretch after all.
Without a doubt, when you think of natural bug repellents, you think of Citronella. But there is actually a stronger, longer lasting, and even more widely used oil: Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil. Not to be confused with the two separate oils – lemon, and eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus oil (from the Corymbia citriodora plant) has actually been used since the 1950s as an effective bug repellent. So, what makes it more superior? In a nutshell, the active ingredient, citronellol , evaporates more slowly in this essential oil than in other oils. So, while citronella can work to repel mosquitoes, the active ingredient evaporates quickly- lasting only up to two hours, whereas in lemon eucalyptus it evaporates more slowly, and can last up to six hours or more. One trick to make citronella last longer is to mix it with vanillin (from pure vanilla). Vanillin contains a larger molecule, allowing it to have more staying power during the evaporation process. And who doesn’t love the smell of vanilla? It compliments the lemony scent wonderfully!
TOP TIPS:
Get rid of standing water. Rain barrels, gutters, birdbaths, pet bowls, buckets, and even old tires, can collect rainwater. This standing water is a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Keeping standing water to a minimum is key to reducing biting insects in your area. Wear light-coloured clothing. Believe it or not, mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing. By wearing light, flowy apparel, you will become less of a target for these pesky insects. Invest in oscillating fans. Fans are a great investment for your deck or outdoor seating area. Put away your citronella candles! Studies show that fans can cut mosquito landings by up to 45 per cent, which can really make an impact without the need for sprays or chemicals. Versus the 20 to 30 per cent success rate of citronella candles, it’s easy to see the better choice!
perimeter & yard sprays
Things To grow
I’ve read about many perimeter sprays designed for keeping mosquitoes away from your home and living areas. The most common of these sprays are the garlic-based variety. While many people claim this method’s effectiveness, there is actually no sound science behind this theory. Some scientists believe that the strong odor of garlic simply confuses the insects, making it more difficult for them to find their targets. Another similar remedy is onion spray, further supporting the idea
Sweet grass has been used for centuries by indigenous people as a way to ward off insects, and with good reason. Recent studies have shown that two chemicals found in sweet grass; phytol and coumarin , are effective bug repellents. These ingredients are also found in several other perennial plants including sweet woodruff and meadowsweet . Sweet grass is also native to PEI, so by growing it, you’ll not
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