Catnip is a mint-type plant used for herbal medicine and to attract cats. According to recent studies at Iowa State University, catnip may discourage mosquitoes. The university has patented nepetalactone, the primary ingredient in catnip oil, and hopes to develop products to thwart mosquitoes. Though other studies indicate catnip may not be as effective as commercial chemicals, home gardeners and herbalists are using simple catnip mosquito repellents. If you are crazy about cats and not crazy about mosquitoes, check out these catnip mosquito chasers.

Instructions:

1) Take sensible precautions in using any mosquito repellent. Many experienced outdoor people suggest putting insect repellent on clothing. The repellent lasts longer and is not washed away by sweat. Test the repellent on a small area of clothing to be sure it does not stain. If you do use it on skin, test a small area such as inside an elbow to see if your skin has an allergic reaction. Always apply sparingly, especially on young children.

2) Grow catnip plants in your garden or indoor planter. Take off a leafy stalk, crush the leaves and rub them on skin or clothing. Wear catnip leaves crushed in a handkerchief or bandanna around your neck. If you are not sensitive to catnip, try rubbing a fresh catnip leaf on pulse spots such as behind ears, inside elbows and wrists, behind knees and at ankles. (more…)