Tips for insect control

Warm weather is back and so are mosquitoes and other biting insects. Many people reach for chemical repellents to kill them, but there is a problem: Most conventional insect repellents come with serious risks, and some insecticides are almost as poisonous to people as they are to pests. Most insect repellents contain a substance called N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, or DEET for short. These types of repellents are very effective but can cause eye and skin irritation. There is also evidence DEET may cause neurological problems, including seizures.

So, what are the alternatives to conventional insect repellent?

Make your own bug repellent: 
This is a natural, safe solution to control annoying insects.
Ingredients

• Witch hazel, 12 oz or 355mL bottle THAYERS brand
• Citronella oil 10-15 drops (mosquitoes)
• Lemongrass oil 10-15 drops (mosquitoes)
• Peppermint oil 10 drops (mosquitoes)
• Lavender oil 10 drops (mosquitoes)

Pour the witch hazel into a jar, add the essential oils and shake well. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for use and label it for safety (it's easy to confuse unlabelled homemade remedies). Do not spray in your face or eyes. If concerned about allergies, spray on a small area first and wait a few hours. Repellents containing citronella generally protect people against mosquito bites for 30 minutes to two hours.

Other essential oils to consider:

• Catnip oil (mosquitoes): New studies indicate that it works better than DEET.
• Geranium oil (ticks)
• Tea tree oil (ticks)
• Cinnamon oil (black flies): Mix with 1/2 cup grape seed oil and 3/4 cup filtered water in a spray bottle.
• Vanilla oil (gnats)
• Thyme oil (mosquitoes): Thyme also soothes insect bites and is a great alternative to chemical anti-itch creams. 

Consider adding these powerful plants in your garden to repel mosquitoes:

• Lavender - Lavender is known to repel mosquitoes, moths and flies.
• Lemon balm - This plant has a strong lemon scent that deters mosquitoes, but watch out - it is invasive plant and can take over a garden.
• Citronella - This one won't survive a cold winter and has to be taken inside.
• Peppermint - Known to be a potent mosquito repellent, peppermint also helps to keep spiders and ants away.
• Catnip - Essential oil from catnip is known to be ten times more effective than commercial repellents. Plant it in a hanging basket, otherwise you will also attract some neighborhood cats.
  
• Basil - This kitchen staple controls mosquito larvae.
• Sage and Rosemary - Like basil, these plants repel mosquitoes. You can also toss a handful of sage on the fire to produce scented smoke that insects hate.

If you know any other plants or oil that work, let me know in comments below.

Disclaimer:
"For Educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."