Catnip Preparations for mosquito repellents

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Does anyone have any direct experience, or know of a reliable source of information on making homemade oil, alcohol, glycerine, or other extracts of Catnip (Nepeta cataria). Information on which of these methods is most effective at extracting nepetelactone is especially helpful. What concentration of nepetalactone can I expect to achieve in my oil or tincture? How long can I expect the preparation to remain effective?

If you have the same questions I do, and would like to make a joint project of researching the answers, please respond and we'll get started.

Since catnip grows wild in my yard, and there has been a spate of articles on catnip vs DEET for repelling mosquitoes (http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/science/08/28/mosquitos.catnip/?related, for example), I would like to give it a try, if it is feasible.

The compound I'm interested in is nepetalactone, which is also the compound responsible for the minty smell of fresh catnip, as well as its attractiveness to cats. It is not the compound responsible for sedation in humans (a terpene).

Articles indicate that nepetalactone may be effective at one-tenth the concentration of DEET . Since OFF! offers 14% and 28% (is that w/v or v/v?) formulations, this suggests that a formulation of 2-5% nepetalactone is a good target concentration. I would like the final formulation to be a light, non-oily spray or lotion that can be easily applied to exposed skin.

I am assuming that my extract or tincture could be mixed with any suitable base, assuming the extract is strong enough.

Any pointers in the right direction much appreciated.

-- Renee Mattie (rpmgiveaway@hotmail.com), May 29, 2002

Answers

I'm ordering some catnip oil today. I plan to disolve it in some grain alcohol (everclear) that you can get at the liquor store. I don't know for sure if it will disolve in that, but I'm going to try. I'm going to add the oil to the alcohol at 5%. Then I'm going to put it in a fine misting bottle and use it like that. What do you think?

-- Johnny (asfgas@hotmail.com), July 04, 2002.

Johnny,

Where did you buy the catnip oil from? What is the % Nepetalactone in the oil? How much did you buy, and what did you pay for it? I've seen it offered at lots of sites for lots of different prices.

The cheapest I've seen it is at http://trap-supply.hypermart.net/lure.htm But I have not been able to find out from them what the % Nepetalactone is.

I believe Nepetalactone is soluble in alcohol, but Everclear is not the cheapest way to buy alcohol, because of the liquor taxes. SD alcohol, which you can buy at the hardware store is cheaper.

What I don't know is * Is your Catnip oil pure essential oil of catnip? * If it is not pure, what the solvent oil is * How well the solvent oil will mix with the alchol when you shake, and how much of the Nepetalactone will become dissolved in the alcohol (this is an organic extraction problem. I could look up the necessary constants and do a calculation if I knew more about your nepetalactone/oil solution)

If you just want to try it out, remember 1) Try mixing a little of the oil with your alcohol and see how long the solution stays "cloudy" 2) If your Catnip oil is not 100% Nepetalactone, then if you mix up a 5% mixture of Catnip oil and alcohol, you won't get a 5% solution of Nepetalactone. Commercial Catnip oils seem to range from 40 to 80% Nepetalactone. Which do you have?

Renee

-- Renee Mattie (rpmgiveaway@hotmail.com), July 04, 2002.


This is really not an answer. I just want to know if you have arrived at a final formulation. I will like to try it overseas later this year and let you know how it works versus deet. Modupe Abayomi

-- Modupe Abayomi (abayomix@msn.com), July 20, 2002.

Here's what I have found out:

The percentage of nepetalactone in catnip leaves is low enough that you need a LOT of catnip to make it worth your while. The best way to extract the essential oils is via steam distillation. Barring, you can extract with alcohol or with oil. I don't have that much catnip growing in my yard.

You can buy catnip oil from various sources. It is sometimes hard to find out how much nepetalactone is found in the oils.

I read at http://web.florahealth.com/flora/home/Canada/HealthInformation/Encycl opedias/Catnip.htm "Leaves and flowers of catnip contain: volatile oil with the main active compound being nepetalactone (70-99%). Fractionation of a commercial sample of catnip oil by either distillation or gas chromatography yielded 40% nepetalactone and 43% nepetalic acid "

A google search revealed, among many others, the following: www.kookykat.com. Their steam-distilled essential oil of catnip is 78% nepetalactone, and degrades 15% per year. $10/ml, substantially less if you buy in bulk. That's $12.80 per ml of nepetalactone.

On the opposite end of the spectrum: http://trap-supply.hypermart.net/lure.htm sells 1 oz for $3.00 If you assume that 1 oz of catnip oil is 40% nepetalactone, that's about 25 cents per ml. Much cheaper that kookykat's prices. I have not been able to find out how much nepetalactone is in their catnip oil, or even if it is essential oil of catnip, or if it is in some other solvent oil. So the percentage of nepetalactone could be even smaller.

The easiest application I can think of would be one using alcohol. If you started with one ounce of "catnip oil", assumed it was 40% nepetalactone, mix it with 7 oz of SD alcohol, you wind up with 8 ounces of something that is 5% nepetalactone, assuming it will stay mixed. If you put this in a squirt bottle, and shake well before using, you might get some relief from mosquitoes. I do not know how long the preparation would be effective -- a couple of hours or all night.

If you are staying overseas for any length of time, it might be easiest to take the undiluted catnip oil with you and mix with SD alcohol (assuming alcohol is available just about everywhere in the world). You can get a pint of catnip oil from http://trap-supply.hypermart.net/lure.htm for only $24.00, which will make up a gallon of diluted insect repellent, which ought to last some time.

I have not tried this myself. What I do not know is 1) What the actual concentration of nepetalactone is in most of the products I have discovered on the internet. 2) How well these products dissolve/mix with alcohol (because I don't know if they contain other oils) 3) How long the product remains effective after application.

I do know that crushed catnip leaves, rubbed on the skin, do provide relief from mosquitoes for at least a couple of hours. And that a couple handfuls of leaves do not yield a significant quantity of catnip oil.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to post again. I'll do my best.

-- Renee Mattie (rpmgiveaway@hotmail.com), July 22, 2002.


In all of the articles I have read so far on herbs used as repelent, I haven't seen anyone mention Neem. I'm sort of involved in a little research project along this line an I am going to explore the use of Neem oil as a repelent. I've read quite of bit of boasting about it's usefulness in this area. Just a thought. Chris

-- Chris (programmer80121@yahoo.com), August 13, 2002.


Anywhere from three to five percent. Pennyroyal and Rue are other insect repellants. You may want to try a combination of oils; citronella having a noxious odor, you may find eucalyptus and lemon oil easier on the nostrils. Also. Try a solubilizing agent (e.g. liquid soap) and an emollient such as aloe vera and/or cucumber, lanolin etcetera. Nepetalactone does attract aphids so I don't suggest using it by itself. I believe that San Francisco Herb Co. sells a high catnip oil by the ounce. Their website is www.sfherb.com

-- Max (vdw1953@yahoo.com), August 23, 2002.

NEWS, Catnip oil repels mosquitoes 10 times better than DEET! It's ture go goole it up. Iowa State University study proves it! I use the stuff and IT WORKS! I live 1/2 mile from the Tennessee River and have 2 large creeks very close to my house. Backflows, stagnent water everywhere and there's noting I can do to get rid of mosquitoes. Now 4 deaths in Tennessee! I haven't gotten a skeeder bite since I started using the stuff! My friends and family are using it and have the same results! A new mosquito repellent made with 100% pure catnip oil is at http://www.naturesherbal.com/ http://store.yahoo.com/herbal-remedies-usa/nathernatmos.html

-- Deb Jackson (jacksons@mlec.net), September 18, 2002.

I see a lot of good ideas here but you all should know that some of the oils you are talking about are toxic. Pennyroyal and Rue and others are not recommended for use. Research the oils you are considering before trying them.

Good luck!

Mark

-- Mark Cook (symsys@mtnhigh.com), September 26, 2002.


Hi. Browsing the web looking for the same answers to questions I have seen here. I spent this summer (2002) using catnip as a repellent as I had read an article that said it was good. Everyone seems preoccupied with " sprays". I don't understand this. I am sure it will have the same effect being used as an essential oil with no mixing. What I did all summer for myself and family of 5 was: planted 6 plants from the local nursery for personal use. Each day I would take 3-4 leaves and rub them ( with small amount of pressure) onto our pulse points. On the neck ( below our ears), insides of elbows, wrists, backs of knees and ankles. We did not experience the discomfort of bites at all this summer. However the cats demolished the plants so I will plant indoors next summer and extra outdoors for the cats to enjoy! At least there were not any cats in our garbage this year! I will also purchase the essential oil and " dab" it in the same manner as applying leaves ( not unlike perfume) as an experiment next season. I'm in Canada so mosquitoes are seasonal here.

-- Shan (shan@stn.net), October 08, 2002.

I would like to endorse the findings of Shan. I live in Brazil and planted a reasonable quantity of Catnip. We use it regularly just rubbing the leaves on the body areas we feel are more prone to mosquito bites. Just now we are in mosquito season (summer) and it works well until you the swet gets it off, but if you aren't doing any physical exercise it stays for a several a hours.

-- Mace (mace@logo.com.br), December 29, 2002.


Mace does a person need to speak Portuguese to feel comfortable living in Brazil ? I been thinking about a trip to Bahia this spring , ( I guess it'll be fall in Brazil) in search for a parcel of land.

Just about any strong smelling plant in the mint family will work as a mosquito repelent , I've used wild pennyroyal when in the Pacific northwest and I use wild menthol smelling plants here in the south east . I just don't under stand how the nats can live and bite even on days when the lows are 18 degrees and the high temperture of the day is 38 . Don't these suckers take a winter break ?

-- Steve (unreal@home.com), December 29, 2002.


The secret is out: essentialoil.org Super cheap high quality catnip oil.

-- fluffy the cat (asfgas@asfgasg.com), February 05, 2003.

Thanks fluff , I was hoping when I seen this thread at the top of the new answers page it was going to be Mace responding to my questain on Brazil.I guess like everywhere else no one wants any new comers coming to where they live once they've found the place.I did find a forum from brazil that's in english .I'll ask around there .

People can make their own essetial oils if they grow catnip.The oils can be extracted with isoproly alcohol and then have the alcohol slowly evaporated. It may not be considered food grade but can be used externally .Alcohol is flammable so this takes some knowlege of how to do it SAFELY. I've done it before years ago .

Come on Mace share some info on Brazil . I don't eat much , I'm mellow and mild tempered , ( except when I chew on cacao beans , , http://naturalselections.safeshopper.com/60/458.htm?366 ) , I use living practices that have a low impact on the natural enviorment and I can reduce the amount of oxygen I may consume through using kundalini yoga breathing exercises.

Be sides I plan to work my way into the Amazon jungle to make friends with the natives ( maybe barter banjo lessons for hunting monkey skills ), and all you Brazilians must know , If I don't get bit by a poisonous snake , get killed by leftist rebel gurillas who think I'm a gov't spy , I'll probably find the only tribe left of cannibal indians and be served as a side dish along with plantains .So I may not actually be there too long .

Actaully I'm good at stumbbling upon places by accident that usually turn out to be unique in their own way.

-- Steve (U@h.com), February 05, 2003.


hahahahah....that is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Reduce the amount of Oxygen you consume through breathing training?? oh my god that is rich. Thank you so much for bringing laughter to my day.

-- hahahahaha (asdf@asdf.com), April 16, 2003.

Here is my question. The use of catnip as a repellant is actually under patent by the University of Iowa. In other words, it cannot be used commercially by anyone without a license. Does anyone know of any written sources -- traditional knowledge or folklore -- that pre- dates 1999 that mentions catnip as an insect repellant? This reference could be used to counter the university's patent claim.

-- PJ (pjb2@canada.com), May 11, 2003.


indian ayurveda reccomends mint as an insect repellent i think. not sure but i can research it further if u r interested.

-- riaz (indiariaz@yahoo.com), May 15, 2003.

neem does not make a very effective mosquito repellent -- it has no "knock-down" power

-- riaz (indiariaz@yahoo.com), May 15, 2003.

Just some things to consider... One source I saw on the web suggests that catnip oil repels mosquitos but actually ATTRACTS bees (they said that bees pollinate catnip, but I don't know much about the plant). That might be something to consider, especially those with bee sting allergies.

Also, people mention lemon oil, which should never be used undiluted. But I am mentioning it because lemon oil makes your skin photosensitive and you can get a nasty sunburn if you forget sunscreen.

-- Crafty (shescrafty33@hotmail.com), May 18, 2003.


Why not simply make your own tincture of dried catnip leaves?

Fill a jar 2/3rds full with bulk dried catnip leaves you'd buy from an herbal supplier; fill up with a suitable alcohol to the top of the dried herbs, probably high proof vodka would be best, but no reason it couldn't be rubbing alcohol (and that would surely be cheaper, just watch out for your eyes); let soak and settle; after settling, top off with more alcohol until you have a proportion of 2/3rds settled mash to 1/3 standing alcohol.

Strain (through a big funnel with a coffee filter) and bottle in a mister and spray as needed.

As long as your alcohol wasn't too drying on the skin (as some topicals can be), I would think this would be the best way to do it. It would be cheap (especially with rubbing alcohol), easy and similar to other products in pattern of use. If there was a problem with the concentration being inadequate, you could always repeat the above procedure by setting your 1st generation tincture over another batch of fresh leaves, and repeating if necessary, but perhaps just the simple tincture would be adequate. It might also be simpler in that you wouldn't have to worry about emusifying an oil and such.

Seeing as catnip has good evidence for repelling mosquitoes, I'll be trying just this method this season.

The same could probably be done with lemon balm, although I have found that even topical applications of lemon balm can be somewhat sedating.

No reason though that simple homemade tinctures couldn't effectively address this problem.

Best of luck for a bite free summer.

:)

Peter

-- Peter Guss (peterguss@ameritech.net), May 23, 2003.


has anyone tried crushing fresh leaves in the blender or food processor and covering with olive oil. let steep in a warm place about 2 weeks. My grandmother did this when I was a child. She might hsve used other herbs also (not sure, I was young when she passed). I am going to try it this way, I will let you know if it works.

-- Dotty (dlpg9@juno.com), June 09, 2003.

I am infusing some catnip right now in oil. I had an old potpourri simmerer that I was not using and put the oils and herb in there.

Wish me luck!

-- Kelly (kelly@missourisoap.com), June 20, 2003.


I heard garlic also repels insects and kills misquitos! I read you can juice garlic and spray it on your yard probably about once a month.

Also, about extracting catnip oil... well, I know you can just get a large amount of FRESH PICKED catnip and put it in a container and just smash all the juice out of it. I am not sure how effective it is, but I plan on trying it once I get enough grown to be able to make the sacrifice.

You should take note, that if your spraying catnip on yourself and you go near a cat, you may not be able to keep them off you! haha! I wouldn't recommend using catnip in large quantitys if you live in a place where there are stray cats everywhere, unless your really really lonely.

I am considering trying to take the "extracted plant juice" and dry it up some and try to make incense, and also with garlic juice, and with both. I can't say it will smell good, but if it works, just put them outside before you plan to be outside and leave them burning while your outside.

-- dont email me (fake-email-address-234234234234234@hotmail.com), June 22, 2003.


Well its camping time for our family and need to find a natural bug repellent. I live in California and the mosquitos are pretty bad here in the mountains. So I'm going to try the catnip oil. I found it at the local health food store for around $9.00 1oz. I'll let all of you know how it worked when we get back.Also heard Thi lemon grass works well also.

-- abby (akizer@sbcglobal.net), July 02, 2003.

Catnip is so expensive it is hard to find a commercial formulation that has more than 1%. The wholesale price of Catnip in Europe runs $1,200 litre and $300.00 per 16 oz in the US from Lebermuth and Sons, I think Rob Pappas is cheaper however. In Canada they have about the best price, probably because it is grown there, and sell if for $80.00 CAD for 100ml that has an analysis of min 80% nepetalactone content. They also have a Catnip based repellent there with 3% Catnip. The formula looks good as they also use a Swiss patented ingredient, Emu Oil, and nitrogen pack (www.deetfree.ca).

-- Tom Sellers (tsellers@myrealbox.com), July 08, 2003.

Does anybody have any information about manufacturing/marketing a catnip oil repellent in Canada. My understanding is that Health Canada needs to see human research on catnip oil before anyone can make a claim that it works as a insect repellent. In the States, Iowa University holds a patent on the application of nepetalctone (the active ingredient in catnip oil)as an insect repellent. Does anyone know if this patent applies to Canada?

Suzanne Danner ND

-- Suzanne Danner (suzannedanner@yahoo.com), July 08, 2003.


Hi Suzanne:

Iowa University has a "Patent Pending" I believe, not the actual patent (yet). When (if) they get it, it most probably will be for the use of nepetalactone in repellents, not Catnip, but I am just guessing, I too would like to know more about the actual situation.

Getting are repellent registered is a two-stage process. First you must register a "technical active", e.g., nepetalactone. For more information on this phase go here: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/daco/usc_26_tgai-e.pdf This stage can run $100,000.00 to $300,000.00 and takes 3 years. For an example of the types of information you must supply for toxicology see this link: http://www.eddenet.ca/9.0/9.5.asp

Then you must submit your product for field testing. It must contain a registered Technical Active to be considered. You cannot submit a formula that does not contain a Technical Active. That field testing is 1 year and costs $1,500.00.

Good catnip essential oil is expensive. Expect to pay $150.00 for 100 ml if you run down to your local aromatherapy shop. Any formulation that uses more than 1% does not smell very good. Home-made formulations also should take account of the comedogencity of their formulation, the ph., etc. Also, us amateur home formulators need to be cognicent of the fact that the efficacy of our formulation is dependant on phospholipid interaction to produce the masking effect required to mask you and make you unattractive to mosqutieos, ticks, and horseflies, so make sure your formulation has good transdermal properties. That's why in the end I still go buy from the guys that have done all the homework before I go on a backcountry trip, as much as I like to play with it myself and try it out when I'm working in the garden.

-- Tom Sellers (tsellers@myrealbox.com), July 12, 2003.


i have used the catnip spray now for 2 summers and my family and friends have to. i know it works i have so many freakles on meeee!!! that if i didnt spray the catnip on me i would have been eatin alive by these critters. i know it works!!!! before i started spraying with this stuff. i was eatin alive with ticks and mosquite bites.i use to use DEET or OFF but not anymore!!!! i was camping on labor day weekend and tryed to enjoy being out doors because it will be getting cold soon and wanted to enjoy the lasts days of the summer before fall and winter sat in. but anyway i was sittin at the camp site and i started feeling and seeing seed ticks all over my ankles and legs so i got out my spray and sprayed it all over me.hey!!!! when u have has many freakles has i do your thankful that u have something to use. with the spray on me aleast they wasnt biting me they were tryin to keep from sliding down my legs and i could feel them alot better with the spray on me and for the mosquites they didnt bother me either. and i know it had to be the catnip spray!!!!!!!!! i am going to do somemore research on this stuff.i would rather use catnip spray than DEET any day. love being outdoors just dont like mosquites thats all. carol from tennessee

-- carol irvin (tncarol370@aol.com), September 06, 2003.

Hello Everyone, I am seriously working on how to produce a good non allergic mosquito repellent here in Africa. Can anyone help me with usefull information? From my research, I found that catnip is a good repellent. Is this true?. We do not have much catnip plants growing around so I must grow it in large scale. My most interest is to get a right mixture of catnip repellent? Please help with information my email addresses is cnngwa@yahoo.com , cnngwa@hotmail.com , cnngwa@eudoramail.com . I am a cameroon male of age 25 years. being a volunteer in alleviating malaria in Africa. Thanks Welcome new friend Christian.

-- Ndifor Christian Ngwa (cnngwa@yahoo.com), September 26, 2003.

Hello Renee Mattie Please I have the same questions and would like to make a joint project of researching the answers, please respond and we'll get started. Christian cnngwa@hotmail.com

-- Ndifor Christian Ngwa (cnngwa@yahoo.com), September 26, 2003.

Gday all, here in aussie we have mozzis all over the shop,and im sick of uING CHEMICAL REPELENTS . I REMEMBER READING THE MOSQUITO COAST ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND REMEMBER SOMTHING ABOUT MOZZI POTS MADE UP FROM HERBS AND BURNT. JUST WONDERING IF THIS IS JUST FICTION OR IF THERE IS SOMW TRUTH ABOUT IT. WILL TRY CATNIP THOUGH SOUNDS GOOD. all the best Gotchy

-- Jeremy Francis Gotch (francisthedugong@hotmail.com), October 01, 2003.

Like, I have two cats. How would the catnip oil affect their behavior? Like fresh or dried leaves would? They're crazy enough, with one a kitten and the other a female with a botched spay that left ovarian tissue--she has a false pregnancy at the moment!

-- johnnyrev99 (johnnyrev99@ispwest.com), October 16, 2003.

Aloha from Hawai'i. Check out www.secondskinnaturals.com for mosquito repellent. As far as making extractions in either glycerine or alcohol it is best to use at least 75-100% liquid covering the herb. You can do it the old fasion way and use ball or kerr canning jars, insert the herb cover with your choice of preservative and store in the dark, shaking daily for two weeks. Then you can "stretch" it with water or oil(with emulsification)and add some less expensive essential oils that repell like lemon eucalyptus, lavendar, rosemary, bay, etc. Catnip essential oil is really expensive yet I use it in small amounts mixed with a Hawaiian Herbal Body Spray that I invented. To use it straight is not necessary. I find it interesting that these guys at Iowa U. are patenting something that exists naturally. They will find a way to synthetically mimic Nepetalactone and mass market it. I prefer the real herbs, in real bases, derived from real plants and people. Cool chat site, feel free to email me and we can share info. With our hands for your health. Straight from Mother Earth. www.secondskinnaturals.com secondskinnaturals@yahoo.com

-- CJ Liddle (secondskinnaturals@yahoo.com), December 05, 2003.

Hi Iloha, I just responded to your email that you send to me. My name is Christian Ngwa Ndifor from Cameroon Africa. You can not imagine the amount of mosquitoes we have here. People are suffering alot from malaria and it kills more than aids but not so pronounce because it takes a long time. I am still working on the mixture but the big problem here is this. We have not these herbs here in large quantities like Catnip and neem is not yet here. Please any one knows a shorter and cheaper way that I can buy these essential oils overseas? Or A way to buy the seeds of these herbs in large quantity? Please I wil be happy if many people gives me ideas. Then Joshua I will love you help . Furthermore, I have succeed to get into this web site.www.secondskinnaturals.com Waitting. Thanks.

-- Christian Ngwa Ndifor. (cnngwa@yahoo.com), December 10, 2003.

I live in deep woods with creeks ans springs and seeps and we have MAJOR mosquitoes!! I've tried a number of the above solutions. Notably, rubbing leaves (catnip, lavender, etc.) or essential oil on pulse points leaves "unrubbed" areas unprotected and we STILL get bitten. And we've found that the oils can be irritating to the skin with regular use, especially children's skin.

We've discovered a GREAT spray repellent -- Divebomber Defense, Their website is www.divebomberdefense.com. It has whole herbs (it's green, but uses no artificial coloring, and no, it doesn't turn your skin green!)and alcohol and water, it's not expensive, and it WORKS!! It hardly has any smell at all after it dries, you can apply it as often as you need safely, but it lasts really well, so it's great for us and for the kids.

-- John Milligan (thejwmilligan@yahoo.com), February 20, 2004.


I am so excited to find so many people with questions and answers regarding catnip oil. I am planning to make a repellant using catnip oil along with eucalyptus and rosemary in a jojoba and aloe base lotion. Have found many sites with catnip essential oil, but the prices vary wildly. One site, Kalyx.com seems to have some reasonable choices and info. Finding out how much of the oil to use seems to be a guessing game if you don't want to use it undiluted. I plan to use the same logic that someone else used on this site. If DEET can be used at up to 28% and catnip oil is 10 time more effective then I plan to use about one-tenth the amount of DEET. I welcome any and all info regarding the use of catnip oil.

-- Krishna Henry (simderella1@yahoo.com), June 22, 2004.

I've lived in NW Wisconsin for about a year. Mosquitoes are seasonal here, but fairly vicious. There is also the west nile virus threat. I have several cats so I always plant catnip...some for me, some for them. This year funds haven't allowed us to stock up on deet sprays so as soon as the catnip was big enough I started stuffing the largest leaves into a small jar of cheap 80 proof vodka. I change the leaves about once a week, shaking the solution about every other day. I pour a little of this into a small spray bottle with a very small amount of water, shake it and spray it on. So far it has worked against mosquitoes, usually for a couple of hours. I don't know if it will work against ticks(shudder!),as even spraying my clothes with pesticide hasn't kept them off me at times. Sorry my info isn't very scientific, but if my stuff works, then those of you that get into the specifics should have great success.

-- Norma Tossavainen (albysgirl@hotmail.com), June 29, 2004.

wow what a good thread!! i am so thankful for the opinions and thoughts you people have offered, so much information to absorb and put to use. i am in the middle of making a recipe for skeeter soap and maybe a lotion, currently we are experimenting with formulations with soy products, www.soytainly.com we make soy soaps lotions bath salts, one thing i did not see in the thread was how it formulated with soy. i am aware that scents in soy wax, or soy based products last longer than they do in like scented paraffin candles, because the scents mix with soy like flavors mix with tofu. some people may not be aware of that fact. i would like to hear if anyone has experiemnted with the scents mixed withh soy products. i have seen that catnip oil is very expensive, although i have seen formulations of anti skeeter scents using catnip with many other EO's. i was wondering if anyone else has heard of this. thank you for all your information, and funnies too, i especailly liked the oxygen conservation comment with yoga breathing techniques, i too have experimented with yogatic breathing but generally 6 breaths per minute for deep meditation. anywho, everyone have a great day!!!

-- todd anderson (soytainly@msn.com), July 17, 2004.

Hi, Great info everyone. I recently heard of catnip as a repellant on the nightly news here in Oregon. Media charging up for West Nile Virus. I have five cats and grow my own catnip. I took a bunch of fresh leaves, put them in the food processor, then put them on the bottom of a pot. I boiled water separately, and then poored the boiling water over the leaves to steep (much like making ginger tea). When it cooled down, I put the concoction in a jar in the refrigerator. I filled some spray bottles and just sprayed myself before going in the garden to work in the evening. No toxic chemical, alcohol etc. The residue left on the skin worked fine (and I didn't look green). We have alot of mosquitoes in our yard because of my pond. I've also just put crushed leaves in my pockets and under my undergarments. Every cat in the neighborhood came to visit me. I also use the spray on my cats toys, carpeted cat condo etc. No messy leaves around the house for my husband to complain about.

I was sitting at the table outside, and I took the mason jar of catnip juice, sat it on the table open while I worked. That helped too.

To avoid neighborhood cat destruction of my plants, I grow them in hanging planters on the sunny side of the house, and in large pots you can make a small fence around the plants with hardware cloth or chicken wire. Zori

-- Zori Cohen (znrskico@qwest.net), July 29, 2004.


I make a blend that uses catnip along with lemon eucalyptus, pennyroyal (known for insect repellent properties) as well as lavender (just to assist the smell) essential oils. It works better than than any commercial bug repellent I've ever used.

A great source for catnip oil (and all essential oils) is Liberty Natural Products in Portland, Oregon (www.libertynatural.com), who happen to farm and distill their own lavender as well.

-- D. DeCoster (wonderdais@att.net), July 30, 2004.


This all sounds so complicated. I usually have 12-15 bites daily until this year. No bites at all, and my neighbor 10ft away has west nile virus. I started using a natural soap and neutralizer combination my Mother found. I use 1/2 oz. of each in 32OZ. of water, and spray myself and clothes. NO CHEMICALS...NO ODOR...NO BITES..IT EVEN REPELS FLIES AND OTHER INSECTS. I'm also using it to replace all the chemicals in my home. It cleans my face and the oil spills my husband makes. We both have been amazed. No rashes or adverse reactions..only

-- Jeanie Schetz (mscheetz@cox.net), August 13, 2004.

This all sounds so complicated. usually have 12-15 bites daily until this year. No bites at all, and my neighbor has west nile virus. I started using a natural soap and neutralizer combination my Mother found. I use 1/2 oz. of each in 32OZ. of water, and spray myself and clothes. NO CHEMICALS...NO ODOR...NO BITES..IT EVEN REPELS FLIES AND OTHER INSECTS. I'm also using it to REPLACE ALL THE CHEMICALS in my home. It cleans my face AND the oil spills my husband makes. We both have been amazed. No rashes or adverse reactions..only positive. E-mail me for more info if you want.Jeanie mscheetz@cox.net

-- Jeanie Scheetz (mscheetz@cox.net), August 13, 2004.

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