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May 25, 2009, 9:57 pm
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The mosquitoes this year are worse than ever. I'm also having a bit of an allergic reaction to the bits. I itch something fierce. Especially on my legs. Can someone recommend a good natural insect repellent.

Yes, I can help. My family and my husband's family have used Avon Skin So Soft for years. I am talking about the original bath oil. Yes, they now have a line marketed for skin repellent and it works great, too.

But, if you have extra sensitive skin you might want to consider the original Skin So Soft. It is less expensive and I believe it is pretty much all natural. It is certainly more safe than the other repellents being marketed.

Tea Tree Oil is a fantastic all -natural insect repellent. It's a fairly inexpensive essential oil, and you can find it at many places like health food stores, or online.

One thing, though: it's best to mix tea tree oil with another oil like jojoba when you're applying it to the skin because some people do have a rash when using it.

Tea tree oil works incredibly well as insect repellent, it's the only one I use!

I WAS going to recommend the new Off clip on mosquito repellent but after reading the precautions, I'm not so sure. You can't move around when you have it on. You have to stay in one place. You CAN lay it on a flat surface next to you if you wish but you have to stay by it. The ingredient in the inside pad is Metofluthrin and I've never heard of it before. I copied the precautions from the OFF website for you:

"Caution-Hazards to humans and domestic animals:

Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.

Avoid breathing vapor.

Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum or using tobacco.

Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Store away from food, beverages and pet food.

Do not use indoors or in enclosed spaces.

Do not touch device with metal instruments or wet hands.

Do not allow materials of any kind to cover the unit while it is in use.

Replace refill only when unit is off.

Do not pry open or probe into unit with any instrument or tool.

Use only with two 1.5 volt AA alkaline batteries.

Do not cover the unit when in use or place it near sources of heat or ignition. Do not store near heat or open flame. Do not mutilate batteries or put them into fire. Batteries may burst or release toxic materials.

Do not apply to water.

Storage & Disposal:

Store away from heat or flame in an area inaccessible to children.

Before disposing, fully use up the refill according to the label. Do not reuse the refill.

If empty: place in trash or offer the refill for recycling if available.

If refill remains partially unused: call your local solid waste agency or 1-800-529-3394 for disposal instructions. Never place unused product down any indoor or outdoor drain.

First aid:

Call a poison-control center or doctor immediately for treatment advice.

If swallowed: have person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a poison-control center or doctor. Do not give anything to an unconscious person.

If on skin: take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes.

If inhaled: move person to fresh air. If person is not breathing, call 911 or an ambulance; then give artificial respiration, preferably mouth to mouth if possible. Have product container or label with you when calling a poison-control center or doctor or going for treatment.

For additional information in case of emergency, call toll free 1-800-558-5252."

After reading all of that I'm not so sure I want anything to do with it. I mean, if you can't inhale it and it circulates by a battery powered fan all around you-what does that mean?

Gee Berta! I don't think I'll be using that anytime soon. I use Skin So Soft from Avon like Lana mentioned but I do take a bottle and make a solution of about 1/3 Skin So Soft and 2/3 water. Then I spray down after I get out of the shower and if it's been an hour or two since my shower, I spray my arms, neck and legs. I also take a bit on a cotton ball and dab a little around my ears (the tops of my ears are the mosquitoes favorite-go figure), and on my forehead and cheeks. It is usually effective for a while but if I notice the effects are wearing off, I spray down again. It's a lot easier on the skin than the chemical stuff is.

I will try the Tea Tree Oil and see how well it works. I prefer something natural if possible. The list of precautions Berta put in there more than illustrate my point.

I live near the river, so you can imagine how much problems I have with mosquitoes. Tea Tree Oil sounds like a very good idea, because I also prefer natural remedies.

I always plant marigolds around my porch to keep mosquitoes away. It seems to help some but they still get through. I wonder if you can buy an extract made from marigolds? I know you would probably have to cut it with something else because it would cause skin irritation. I'd rather smell like a marigold than have mosquito bites all over!