Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am looking for hints on what may help in keeping mosquitoes from biting.
By Caterini
Mosquito repellents with Deet are effective. I prefer Deep Woods Off - in the blue or green cans. Repellents without Deet are NOT effective, no matter what anyone tells you. A Thermocell will also work. This is a small green plastic device about the size of telephone handset. It has a butane fuel cell inside and a little pad. The pad is heated by the butane, and it gives off a virtually odorless, colorless fog that keeps the mosquitoes away. The Off Garden Lamps work the same way, but are heated with a candle, so they are not as portable.
The Off clip-ons that you can attach to your belt are also good, I am told. They were sold out early this spring, so I was not able to try them. Do not fool with home recipes, listerine, dryer sheets or anything else like that. If any of that stuff worked, these products wouldn't have been invented.
Thanks for reminding me of Avon's Skin So Soft. I had forgotten all about it as a great mosquito repellant. Probably because it appears that Avon Ladies are no more.
Other than a citronella plant what can be used to keep mosquitoes away from humans and pets while sitting outside?
By cynthia from TX
We put a bug zapper at the back of our yard. It has a holder for mosquito lure (it's called Nosquito). It seems to help a lot. Normally, once mosquito season gets rolling, I can't go out in the evening without getting eaten up, but it has been much better since we started using the zapper with the lure.
Encourage bats. They are really wonderful. Bat houses available sometimes from fish and wildlife. Rid yard of standing water. That includes rain gutters. I have a natural spring that makes a small pool. I have goldfish to eat the larvae. Guppies would freeze in the winter and besides they are not good should they enter the wild river somehow. They would eat the eggs of spawning fish because they will eat anything they can. Goldfish do beautifully.
I read a post recently that if you spray Listerine around your area it will keep them away. I have not tried it, but thought I would if I am bothered by mosquitoes
Will mosquitoes come through a window air unit?
By armartinfan
They shouldn't be coming through the unit itself but probably around some cracks in the window where it is set.....review your window and see if you have openings. They can be tiny and re-seal the area around the unit carefully.
I agree. They won't be coming through the AC but in through a little opening where it isn't sealed properly.
Does anyone know if the menthol plant repels mosquitoes?
By TR
Don't know about the menthol plant, but they don't like garlic. This goes for the plant as well as for people who eat a lot of garlic. Mosquitoes never bother me in my garden!
What can I do about gnats and mosquitoes? I know there are some plants.
By Sheryl
Lemon grass will do it and also there is a geranium called a Shoo Geranium. That is probably the best one.
Will vanilla work to repel mosquitoes, lice, and no see ums?
By SBH from TN
No, sorry.
Do lime leaves repel mosquitoes?
By Aridegbe M. from Nigeria
I have heard that rubbing arms and other exposed areas with a cut lime or lemon works for mosquitoes. There are other things that work. Vinegar is supposed to work too. I am looking into getting the Cutter Mosquito repellent that has eucalyptus oil in it. I am going to try it this year when we go to the drive-in.
Here is a link that discusses some other repellents that are around the house and easy to use:
www.ehow.com/
Blessings,
Robyn
What herbs and/or spices should you burn while barbecuing to repel mosquitoes?
By Ruthanne T.
Try an Off Lamp. Really, nothing else works.
Can anyone tell me if mosquitoes hate the smell of lemons?
By D n D from West Midlands
I don't know about mosquitoes, but, lemon quarters stuffed with cloves do repel bugs. Place them on the table when you have an outdoor gathering.
Too many mosquitoes kissed me. Help!
By Maggie M. from SH, China
What is the aromatic smell of lanzones that can repel mosquitoes? Does it smell pleasant?
By Jesse G. from Baguio City
This is a page about homemade herbal insect repellent sprays. Many herbs are natural insect repellents.
This is a page about mosquito repellent plants. Some common garden plant are natural mosquito repellents.
This is a page about using citronella to repel mosquitoes. Many people use citronella in some form, such as candles to repel mosquitoes.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
I went to the local flea market and bought a $1 bottle of Lavender oil. I have found that putting a few drops on my wrists, neck, ankles, behind the knees keeps the mosquitoes away.
To repel mosquitoes in your yard before a picnic or party, take equal parts of lemon dishwashing liquid, lemon scented ammonia, and lemon juice in a 20-gallon dial hose sprayer.
