The mosquitoes are terribly thick this year, and we are seeing swarms of them in areas we never saw before.
So......
I decided to dig a bit deeper and found a recipe on Mountain Rose Herb's blog. Less messy, and easier to tote along for possible camping trips. They posted one using catnip, other essential oils, and witch hazel extract.
I had all of the ingredients but a few, and even found catnip to make the tincture for it.
I had the catnip pulled already, and did not have the vodka, so it dried on the herb rack until I could make it.
Tiger was standing by and meowed until I handed over some catnip, ha ha!
Then I made my tincture. I used directions from both Mountain Rose Herbs blogspot (and Susan Weed's). I used a pint jar. I also did some research on catnip tinctures. I figured if I was making it for one thing, it must be good for other uses.
Of course, I ordered more books from the library too. The tincture needed to sit for 6 weeks. I prefer this method than heating it over the stove, or in a crock pot.
I mixed the tincture into the recipe I found (Mountain Rose Herbs) and gave it a try, considering we would like to go camping, and we will need a good bug spray for working outdoors.
I just wish I would have tried this much earlier in the year, but in finding it, I have now started learning about tinctures.
I'll be using this in the garden this next week, and I'll let you know how effective it is. I see that Mountain Rose Herbs also has a few more different spray recipes. that use different oils/amounts too.
UPDATE: This not only worked great, but smells great.
I've been cleaning more cupboards lately, but today I think it will outdoor work. Hopefully the humidity has lifted.
So......
I decided to dig a bit deeper and found a recipe on Mountain Rose Herb's blog. Less messy, and easier to tote along for possible camping trips. They posted one using catnip, other essential oils, and witch hazel extract.
I had all of the ingredients but a few, and even found catnip to make the tincture for it.
Tiger was standing by and meowed until I handed over some catnip, ha ha!
Jasper soon showed up for some too.
Then I made my tincture. I used directions from both Mountain Rose Herbs blogspot (and Susan Weed's). I used a pint jar. I also did some research on catnip tinctures. I figured if I was making it for one thing, it must be good for other uses.
Of course, I ordered more books from the library too. The tincture needed to sit for 6 weeks. I prefer this method than heating it over the stove, or in a crock pot.
I mixed the tincture into the recipe I found (Mountain Rose Herbs) and gave it a try, considering we would like to go camping, and we will need a good bug spray for working outdoors.
I just wish I would have tried this much earlier in the year, but in finding it, I have now started learning about tinctures.
I'll be using this in the garden this next week, and I'll let you know how effective it is. I see that Mountain Rose Herbs also has a few more different spray recipes. that use different oils/amounts too.
UPDATE: This not only worked great, but smells great.
I've been cleaning more cupboards lately, but today I think it will outdoor work. Hopefully the humidity has lifted.
Comments
I wonder if i could find some at a local nursery here.
or... if need be, maybe LOWES, in the garden center?
I hope the humidity lets up for you. I sure don't like it when it's humid here!
Let us know how it works for you.
cute kitty pictures.
I also have to ask, when you spray the mixture with the catnip tincture in it on yourself, do you then notice droves of neighborhood cats following you afterwards? ;o)
LOL
God bless.
RB
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