Posted on May 11, 2011 by Naturally Cordi

Rosemary:  One of the most popular herbs, rosemary leaves that are dried and powdered are used as a flea and tick repellent. Dust the powder around where your pet sleeps.

English Pennyroyal : A small-leaved herb that has spikes of lavender flowers, pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and tends to sprawl rather than grow upright. Ground pennyroyal is one of the most effective tick deterrents available. Dust powder made from the leaves around areas where the pet sleeps and plays. The plant makes a good ground cover and grows well in hanging baskets. Toxic to cats and pregnant women!

Essential Oils

Essential oils are steam distilled concentrates of the natural oils present in plants, flowers, roots, and trees. They are 100% pure and must be carefully used by the drop. To follow are the most commonly used essential oils in natural bug repellants, and should only be used externally. With the exception of Lavender and Tea Tree ALL essential oils must be diluted before use:

• CEDARWOOD
• CITRONELLA
• LEMONGRASS
• PENNYROYAL
• TEA TREE OIL
• GERANIUM
• CATNIP – Preliminary studies have shown catnip oil to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitos! Also a great flea repellant.
• EUCALYPTUS OIL– Patch test before using on your skin. Keep out of mucus membranes.

ADDITIONAL EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS

Neem Oil – To generations of native people, Neem was known to provide protection from disease; therefore, protecting and planting Neem was not only considered a sacred duty but it was encouraged by religious sanction. Neem is a tropical tree grown in many Asian countries, and in the tropical regions of the western hemisphere. Through its gentle but effective means of controlling pests and plant disease, the Neem Tree is considered to be one of the most promising trees of the 21st century. with great potential in the fields of Pest Management, Environmental Protection and Medicine. It is believed to help control diseases like malaria, cancer and AIDS, and its use can combat desertification, deforestation, and global warming.

Soybean Oil – The New England Journal of Medicine found soybean oil to be an effective natural repellant. Comparing to DEETs 302 minute repelling capabilities, a soybean-oil–based repellent protected against mosquito bites for an average of 95 minutes.

Yarrow -To repel ticks, mosquitoes, and black flies, try a diluted tincture of yarrow (Alchellia millefolium) flowers directly on all exposed skin. A recent US Army study showed yarrow tincture to be more effective than DEET as an insect repellent.

Garlic - Another effective natural bug repellent can be made by mixing one part garlic juice with 5 parts water in a small spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray lightly on exposed body parts for an effective repellent lasting up to six hours. Strips of cotton cloth can also be dipped in this mixture and hung in areas, such as patios, as a localized deterrent.

Additional Ways to Protect Yourself:

• Eat less sugar and more garlic!
• Planting marigolds around your yard works as a natural bug repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs and flying insects do not like.
• The most important measure you can take is to remove standing water sources. Change birdbaths, wading pools and pet’s water bowl twice a week. Keep your eaves troughs clean and well-draining. Remove yard items that collect water.

Insect Repellent Plants:

• ANT REPELLENTS: Tansy, spearmint, food grade DE
• FLEA REPELLENTS: Fennel, Pennyroyal, Pyrethrum Daisy, Pine Needles, food grade diatomaceous earth. Garlic combined with brewer’s yeast protects your pets against fleas. They usually love this sprinkled on their food each day.
• FLY REPELLENTS: Basil, Bay Leaf, Cloves, Tansy and food grade Diatomaceous Earth.
• MICE REPELLENTS: Mints
• MOTH REPELLENTS: Basil, Bay Leaf, Cedar, Cloves, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Mints (Not Peppermint) Patchouli, Pennyroyal, Black Pepper, Pyrethrum Daisy, Rosemary, Rue, Tansy, Southernwood, Thyme, Wormwood and food grade diatomaceous earth.
• PLANTS THAT PROTECT PEOPLE: Basil, Bay Leaf, Citronella Oil, Clove, Garlic, Neem Leaf, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Rue, Thyme, Tea Tree, Witch Hazel
• WEEVILS: Bay leaf – Place whole leaf in grain and flour packages. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth.