Insect repellent?

[nightshade]

The lioness uses softener sheets in the tumble dryer and I was recently told
that a sheet left in a room or carried about your person would repel, spiders, ants, midges etc. (as well as deoderising boots, trainers, shoes, if placed inside them)

[Kayleigh]

Never heard this..You will have to do a survey and let us all know. They do smell nice though..

I don't buy them as they clog up my outlet pipe on the dryer.

[dmclean2]

Hi!
If I go out to nature reserves or the woods and have forgotten to put on my jungle formula stuff, I look for an Elder tree and crush up some of the younger leaves in my hands then rub up and down my arms , brow, cheeks, then stick them in my hat, (the leaves I mean,)
It don't smell too bad, and it works, insect free walk,
Duncan,

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by dmclean2

Hi!
If I go out to nature reserves or the woods and have forgotten to put on my jungle formula stuff, I look for an Elder tree and crush up some of the younger leaves in my hands then rub up and down my arms , brow, cheeks, then stick them in my hat, (the leaves I mean,)
It don't smell too bad, and it works, insect free walk,
Duncan,

I must try that, the smell is quite distinctive but not unpleasant. Because of the places I go, I often use Bog Myrtle and that seems to work a bit.

To test these things, I shall not allow my dear little wife to use any of these things when I go to buggy places.

This may worry her less than you think, as she doesn't come with me most of the time.

[ron1863]

I'm a smoker and that works.

My partner is an Beauty & Aromatherapist and she has a large stock of essential oils. I am going to experiment with them and see if anything works. At least I'll smell nice - I think

[dunlin]

Originally Posted by dmclean2

Hi!
If I go out to nature reserves or the woods and have forgotten to put on my jungle formula stuff, I look for an Elder tree and crush up some of the younger leaves in my hands then rub up and down my arms , brow, cheeks, then stick them in my hat, (the leaves I mean,)
It don't smell too bad, and it works, insect free walk,
Duncan,

Hi duncan
I read somewhere that the elder contains traces of cyanide. Your not supposed to eat the unripe fruit. I dont know if the leaves contain any and i dont mean to alarm you.
Apparently cooking the fruit removes the cyanide so wine makers can rest at ease
regards mark.............

[Bub-les]

"Apparently cooking the fruit removes the cyanide so wine makers can rest at ease"
But you don't cook the fruit to make wine!

As to essential oils try citronella it should work as an insect repellent.

Barbara

[wildherbalian85]

Wormwood - excellent for keeping insects at bay.

[ladyhawk]

neem oil is another good one for the midges, trying another one curry leaves infused with baby lotion will let you know if it works if not i'll have the softest skin around

[m1.carson]

Originally Posted by wildherbalian85

Wormwood - excellent for keeping insects at bay.

Ha,

Is that before or after it's soused in ouzo.

Max.

[m1.carson]

Originally Posted by nightshade

The lioness uses softener sheets in the tumble dryer and I was recently told
that a sheet left in a room or carried about your person would repel, spiders, ants, midges etc. (as well as deoderising boots, trainers, shoes, if placed inside them)

Hi Nightshade,

I think I'll try the alder leaves first, you never know what kind of nightlife you'll attract smelling pretty.

Max.

[epops]

Jack hargreaves and mr crabtree used to swear by smoking a pipe lol my rollies work as well