Lake Austin Spa Resort
Gardening in summer and fall can be a challenge, not only because of temperatures; bothersome insects can make our lives miserable. The hours we have to garden after work in early evening are “prime time” for mosquitoes. Those flying pests can make the most diligent gardener seek out the television for prime time viewing instead of attending to our plants.

One plant that has a wonderful fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like is the scented geranium. There are many varieties; some of my favorites are the rose-scented, lemon-rose and peppermint geraniums. Their soft, furry leaves emit a sweet fragrance when rubbed that mosquitoes don’t like. Keep them in pots near the front porch so that you can break a few leaves off and rub them around pulse points on wrist, elbows, neck and knees. Slip the crushed leaves in your pockets and enjoy mosquito-free tending to your plants for up to thirty minutes.

Other plants that work as insect repellents because of their high citriole content are lemon thyme, lemongrass and citronella grass. Lavender also repels mosquitoes and other insects. It is the lavender fragrance in Avon’s Skin So Soft that makes it effective. Try adding two to four drops of lavender essential oil per tablespoon of lotion and apply before going outside in the evening.

A drop of lavender is also useful for treatment of insect bites. It will soothe the sting and stop the itch from most insect bites. Use it directly from the bottle or dilute in lotion for young children.

Basil, thyme, citronella and rosemary essential oils are also effective against flies and flying gnats. Choose several of those oils and mix 20 drops total of oil to 2 tablespoons of vodka or gin, add two ounces of water and spray any area inside or out to repel insects. Citronella is very effective at repelling insects, but many people find they are allergic to it when it is applied to the skin.

Citronella candles are available at home centers and garden stores and they work well to ward off insects but most of them don’t smell very nice. To make your own insect repelling scented candle, burn an ordinary candle for at least fifteen minutes, blow out the candle and put 15 to 20 drops of insect repelling essential oils in the melted wax. Trim the wick to ¼ inch and light the candle again. The oils will volatize with the candle and repel insects. Some of the best oils for this use are rose geranium oil, lavender and rosemary blended equally.

Here is a recipe for a versatile essential oil mix to repel insects:
Insect Repellant Herb Blend
Lemongrass 8 drops
Thyme 4 drops
Lavender 4 drops
Rosemary 4 drops

Mix in a small bottle. Add to water in a spray bottle to have a pest free patio party. Place the undiluted oil on cotton balls or tissues and place around your bed for pest-free sleep while camping. Add two drops of the blend to two teaspoons of oil or lotion and apply to discourage insect bites. Make a water-based splash by adding 5 drops of the blend to 1 tablespoon of witch hazel.