I would like to use an insect repellent that doesn’t have any harmful chemicals in them. Maybe some kinda essential oil or something? Research shows that repellents with deet in them are harmful to salamander larvae.

Lots of aromatic plants can help repel insects. Look up which ones would be native/suitable to your area and what their uses are - some species repels certain insects better than others.

My insect repellent I use works so well. It is fully organic and natural. https://mexitan.com/products/skedattle-anti-bug-spray-and-mosquito-repellent This insect repellent uses citronella and peppermint. I used this while walking through tick hell and got no ticks on me.

The leaves of Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry) can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. Check out this article: https://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/beautyberry-natural-insect-repellent-zmaz09amzraw

You will find that a good health food store will sell several different natural insect repellents that are a mixture of various essential oils. For example, there is one called Repel. And I have used one called Bug Off. Bug off works great for about 2 hours, but then you need to put more on.

Lemongrass essential oil works well. https://homequicks.com/lemongrass-oil-as-insect-repellent Vinegar works well too.

I use American Beautyberry with very good results and have been using it for over 8 years. Here’s some research on it… https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060703091932.htm https://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents/repellent-chemicals PLEASE DON"T USE DEET…if you are concern…

I’ve used Eucalyptus Oil successfully for both mosquitoes and ticks. Spicebush leaf sap also works for keeping gnats off my face for a few minutes. I’m still trying to come up with something that’ll keep stuff off as long as a commercial DEET-based repellant, which lasts longer.

I second that insight on Eucalyptus Oil. I was recently gifted some nice smelling aromatherapy lotion sold by a major retailer of such things. It has Eucalyptus Oil and Tea Extract in it. I happened to rub some on my arms before going to work in my vegetable garden during my mosquito season (I live …

Natural insect repellents?

Nature Talk

thomaseverest September 12, 2020, 12:52pm 2

Welcome to the forum! You may be interested in this thread. I might add that DEET is recommended by health experts for regions where insect-borne illnesses are common and lethal.

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Natural insect repellents?

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