Bun-Safe Mozzie Repellent?

[MimzMum]

Yup. It’s that time of year again. *groan*

I was thinking I’d just get my little tin of Badger Citronella wax, supposedly a natural bug repellent, but I am dubious that even this would be safe to wear around the bunnies. But I’m already getting eaten alive and they’ve only been flying for about two days! (the mozzies, not the bunnies)

Do any of you have a favorite, bunny safe bug dope that you can recommend? *begs*

[jerseygirl]

I read about one that was supposed to be more effective than DEET, called Crocodile somthing-a-rather. Will do a search and see if I can find it. Meantime, i think there was something about repellants in the FAQ’s.

[jerseygirl]

Here ’tis http://www.mosquitosolutions.com/crocodile.html

It’s called “Crocodile!”     Made from rosemary, peppermint and thyme.  (No – you don’t have to buy it at Scarborough Fair – more)

You’d smell like a bouquet garni ! The buns have gotta love that.  I haven’t used or smelt this product so you might like to look at some reviews, but from what I’ve seen, it looks good.

[flippersmom]

I just received an email saying the Listerine Mouthwash was an extremely effective ‘squiter repellent. They said you just put in a spray bottle and use it as you would Off!!!! I don’t know if it really works, but it’s worth a try

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hello! Mimz, a book I use quite often for herbal repellents (you need to know the safety of the herbs though) is called “Herbal Medicine, the Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well” by Dian Dincin Buchman, PH.D.

I will caution you about wormwood, which is and can be toxic if eaten (often an herb suggested as an insect repellent). It will attack the nervous system (it used to be used in vermouth). BUT if you put it in a sash and away from you bunnies, you should be O.K. Combine 2 tablespoons of rosemary powder and 2 tablespoons of wormwood, add some sage to repel insects, months, cockroaches and rodents. Careful with rue – it creates photosensitivity (skin become light sensitive to the sun), I don’t like pennyroyal either, it is toxic to humans and animals if taken internally. I really want to caution everyone here (as usual if you know me) that just because something says or reads that it is “natural” and “safe” does not necessarily mean that it is – just like all those bad junk treats and food for rabbits that are in the pet stores everywhere. Be careful and be smart out there when using herbs!

As for those darn mozzies and safer alternatives:

Crumble sage & rosemary leaves, add grass and crumbled white wax (parafin works well, or an old candle), light with a match (it is smoky). You can also use chamomile and lavender. If you want, do what I do, buy the essential oil, add to a candle while burning or buy a diffuser and use the pure essential oil in it. I personally don’t like the smoke from the first suggestion. I also plant lavender in pots and place strategically around the deck and a bug zapper does wonders too. I avoid using wormwood, rue and pennyroyal as they do not have the best properties although it is usually when they are ingested, but pennyroyal and rue on contact are not the best choices. Peppermint is supposed to help as well but I’ve had mixed results with it but geraniums work well too (the plant and the oil).

Personally I hate the smell of citronella, it makes me ill so I never use it. Have you tried the AVON insect repellent?

A few other ideas:

lemon-eucalyptus oil mix, dilute a 50/50 solution in a spray bottle of water (try 5 drops each in a small spritzer).

lavender/rose geranium oil mix, ” ”

As a side note – If you have a library near by check out the new Reader’s Digest Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs (it’s awesome and only $30.00). It’s got some great stuff: pictures, growing tips, a little history and EVEN RECIPES…do-it yourself crafts with herbs and I know you love to garden Mimz, so I had to tell you about it! I think it is also an EXCELLENT starter book for those of you who are beginners with herbs and want to know more.

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