Ingredients:

• 78 ml (1/3^rd cup) of mixed dried herbs (I used rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, mint, and basil)
• 1/4 level tsp powdered garlic
• 250 ml boiling water
• 1/2 level tsp cloves
• 250 ml of 96% proof alcohol

Directions

Add the cloves and garlic to the dried herbs

Pour the boiling water over the mixture and allow to stand, well covered, for one hour.

Strain and add to a spray bottle. Add the alcohol and shake well.

Store in the fridge. Spray when needed on to uncovered skin and/or spray on to clothing.

4 Thieves Vinegar is so called because it was supposedly created and used by four thieves during the Black Death to protect themselves from getting infected by the plague. Whether true or not, it makes an effective repellent spray!

Apart from its benefits as a tonic, it can be used to ward off mosquitos, although it does smell quite strongly until it dries.

Ingredients

• 500 ml Apple Cider Vinegar
• 15 ml each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint
• Large glass jar with airtight lid
• A few cloves

Instructions

Put all the ingredients into the glass jar and close the lid. Let it stand for up to three weeks, giving it a good shake each day.

Strain out the herbs and store the liquid in the fridge.

To use, mix half a cup of the herb infused vinegar with half a cup of water in a spray bottle, and use when needed on exposed skin.

I love the idea of a natural way to trap mosquitos, and came across this really easy homemade trap so I have tried it in my garden.

Materials:

• An empty 1.5 or 2 litre plastic water bottle or similar
• 1 cup of hot water (not boiling!)
• 1/4 tsp Dried yeast
• 125 ml Brown sugar
• 2” tape
• Black plastic garbage bag

To Make:

• Divide the bottle by cutting below the lid at the point where it becomes the widest. Put the top half to one side
• Put the sugar in to the lower section and add the water. Stir to dissolve the sugar and allow to cool
• Add the yeast. The resulting combination will create carbon dioxide, which is what attracts the mosquitos
• Invert the top section (remove the lid first) and insert it into the lower section
• Cut the garbage bag to fit around the side of the bottle
• Tape the two parts of the bottle and the bag in place with the tape.
• Put the trap wherever you want to catch the mosquitos.
• Replace after two weeks.

Tip: If you punch a couple of holes about an inch below the rim of the trap and use some wire or string to make a handle, you can then hang the trap in a tree outside.

Ingredients:

• 225 ml of 96% alcohol
• 50 gms of whole cloves
• 50 ml of almond or baby oil
• A container with a screw top lid

Directions:

Put the alcohol into the container and add the cloves. Allow to infuse for a few days, shaking the mixture twice a day.

Remove the cloves and add the oil. Shake well. Decant in to a plastic spray bottle and use to rub on to your skin or to spray on to clothing.

Double the quantity if you find it works well.

I would be most interested to know whether you find these recipes effective against mozzies, and if you have any ideas to add!