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Q: I have lost my Jerry Baker recipe for a spray to get rid of mosquitos. I used it last year and it was great! It used lemon dish detergent, dog flea detergent, and ammonia. Help me!
Bkoehler
A: Bkoehler, I'm don't know Jerry Baker's recipe (although I'm sure it's a good one), but if you enjoy gardening, how about trying to grow your own repellant?
Try planting Thai Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus). It performs double duty-you can use it for cooking and to repel mosquitoes. Thai Lemon Grass contains citronella oil, a natural mosquito repellant. It's the same substance used in the citronella candles you buy, only more effective. Planting stalks around your yard and garden will help naturally repel mosquitoes, but for the best control you can peel back the outer leaves on the stalks and rub the juicy insides directly onto your skin. You can compost whatever you don't use and the stalks grow back quickly. If you want to make a tincture that can be sprayed on, try combining a stalk in the blender with a little bit of alcohol (rubbing or spirits). Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can find Thai Lemon Grass at most supermarkets and garden centers. It grows in clumps about 15 inches wide and 2 feet high and makes an attractive addition to the garden that really earns its keep!
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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