[GusGus18]

Is there any product or anything that I can do to put onto my pooch to keep the mosquitoes from eating her alive? My vet said to use the same spray that I would use on myself, but I've heard DEET can be pretty harmful to dogs. Any other ideas?

 

[Lauri & The Gang]

There are many essential oils you can use or combine to make an effective Skeeter Beater spray.

Catnip Oil

Quote:Now researchers have reported that a component of the essential oil of the Catnip plant (Nepeta cateria) which is so fascinatingly attractive to felines, actually repels mosquitoes 10 times more effectively than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents.

http://www.cherylsherbs.com/Catnip_and_Mosquitoes.htm

Or make a blend of any of the following oils:

Clove oil (use sparingly - can be a skin irritant)
Rose geranium
Lemon grass
Eucalyptus
Castor oil
Peppermint
Tea tree oil
Lavender
Cedar.

For EXTERNAL use only!!!

Get yourself a small spray bottle and combine the essential oil (or oils) with some Vodka (preservative) in a 10-to-1 (alcohol-to-oil) ratio. Shake well before each use.

We have had really bad mosquitos lately with all the flooding we had. This stuff works like a charm!!

One note - it's effectiveness doesn't last as long as the commercial stuff but since it's not harmful you can just respray whenever you need!

 

[graciesmom]

You might want to give Avon's Skin-so-soft bath oil a try. It's supposed to work great on humans for repelling mosquitoes. You can even get it with a spray nozzle/pump thingy.

 

[marylou]

I've been using bug-off bandanas that I bought at Sportsmans Warehouse. Seem to help keep the flys and bugs away when we were camping 2 weeks ago.

Who are you getting your pup from? In August, if I remember correctly? Bet you can't wait!

 

[GusGus18]

I will have to try those bandana things. Thank you for the suggestion. We are very excited about getting our new puppy. We are getting him from a very good breeder in eastern Montana who also happens to be a vet. Right now things are a bit hectic with our other little girl. Just when we started thinking we were past the accidents in the house stage, she is now doing what seems to be "marking her territory." We bought her a new dog bed, and she will walk over, sniff it and pee. So we stripped the cover off and washed it, put it back on the next day, she walked over and peed again. My wife is now worried that when we get our new little male, they will have territory wars. We'll have to take stock in "Natures Miracle"

 

[kallie]

YEP..Equal parts of vinegar and water

I use it on my horses also!

 

[The Stig]

Originally Posted By: Lauri & The GangThere are many essential oils you can use or combine to make an effective Skeeter Beater spray.

Catnip Oil

Quote:Now researchers have reported that a component of the essential oil of the Catnip plant (Nepeta cateria) which is so fascinatingly attractive to felines, actually repels mosquitoes 10 times more effectively than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents.

http://www.cherylsherbs.com/Catnip_and_Mosquitoes.htm

Or make a blend of any of the following oils:

Clove oil (use sparingly - can be a skin irritant)
Rose geranium
Lemon grass
Eucalyptus
Castor oil
Peppermint
Tea tree oil
Lavender
Cedar.

For EXTERNAL use only!!!

Get yourself a small spray bottle and combine the essential oil (or oils) with some Vodka (preservative) in a 10-to-1 (alcohol-to-oil) ratio. Shake well before each use.

Hmmm ... I love Rose Geranium and Cedar! <3 And I definitely love natural methods of deterring pests!

So do we have to use Vodka? I have rubbing alcohol on hand, would that do? Or could I use a base, say Jojoba oil, and just apply it over my body like it's body oil? I just wouldn't know the ratio then.