Mosquitoes and other insects are everywhere from spring to fall each and every year.  Now it seems scientists are even finding that mosquitoes are adapting to winter and some are not dormant anymore during winter.  They seem to thrive in the warm, wet weather.  Anytime it is 50 degrees or higher, mosquitos are out. Many people look to DEET to help keep the bugs at bay.  However scientists have found that catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET.  Catnip contains nepetalactone which gives the plant its characteristic odor.  In a study done by the American Chemical Society, scientists studied mosquitoes and the effects of catnip versus DEET at repelling mosquitoes and found that catnip is about 10 times more effective.  They also found that while most insect repellents contain about 5%-25% DEET much less catnip oil would be needed in a formulation to have the same level of repellency as a DEET based one.

Other herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes are lavender, lemon balm and peppermint.  Catnip, lavender and lemon balm are members of the mint family.  There are many types of mints, and they all repel insects.

This is a win-win for everyone.  Mosquitoes are repelled by the smell of all of these herbs while they provide a sweet, relaxing scent for humans.  Many of these herbs have wonderful side effects for humans.  They are all known to relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia. They are well known to help people relax and have a nice calming effect.

Our candles are made with these fine, essential herbs that will keep mosquitoes and insects at bay while letting you feel relaxed and able to enjoy the wonderful outdoors.

Our sprays are made with peppermint and spearmint varieties which are the best-known mints to repel not only mosquitos but also other bugs such as gnats, buffalo gnats, no-seeums, biting flies, deer flies, and more.

 

April Robbins