Rain + Heat + Tides = Mosquitoes Ugh!!!!!!
Here in Florida it appears we have the “perfect storm” so to speak, for breeding mosquitoes!
The same ecological conditions that draw tourists and provide great fishing, boating and kayaking …also make for ideal mosquito breeding grounds! Ugh! These include our beaches, bays, salt marshes, rivers, tidal creeks and mangroves.
Some of you are saying that you only have mosquitoes at certain times of the year and that is true for Florida too….and the time of year in Florida is around our Monsoon Season, which is right now.
Ideally, when summer rains begin, they remain steady so breeding areas stay covered with water, thus preventing mosquitoes from laying more eggs on damp ground. Having a consistent rain and standing water… also become habitat for fish that eat mosquito larvae. Yah!!!
However, once these areas dry back and re-flood, we have a perfect situation for breeding mosquitoes.
Which brings me to mosquito repellent. I don’t know about you….but I will avoid spraying on mosquito repellent at all costs!
![2015-07-31_13.22.44[1]](https://www.meandmycaptain.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015-07-31_13.22.441.jpg)
The smell alone turns my stomach and who knows what chemicals are being used….I can’t even pronounce the ones listed on the can, let alone know what they are.
BUT, one thing I do know is that I have discovered essential oils mixed together make a great repellent and it does seem to work….at least for me. AND, it certainly smells good too!
I am sure you have heard the talk about essential oils and I have been buying a bottle every now and then and experimenting with one of my favorites….lavender oil.
I was also able to get a recipe for the mosquito spray at the little shop I visit.
There are many “recipes” for a mosquito spray, but I happen to like this one.
Mosquito Repellent Spray
2 cups witch hazel
15 drops citronella essential oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Mix oils all together in a bottle and shake well. Do not spray directly on your face,…. spray in your hands and then rub onto your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. 🙂
It’s sooooo easy to mix up at batch to keep on your patio or lanai and I used the little blue bottle (dark colored) little bottle that I purchased on-line… but you can use any bottle you already have in your home.
Have you, my dear readers…. tried any of the oils for other uses? If so, I would like to hear about it.
Have a great day…and watch out for those little flying insects with the big bites! 🙂
DEET… I thought that was banned because of its affect on human’s nervous system.. but it may have been the concentration percentage…
I like the original Avon So Soft (Simple?) that was touted as having anti mozi properties and doesn’t smell like some I’ve used on my travels.
I do have a handy stock of citronella candles for the patio. I even received a coil burner for my birthday… guessing my sister was really stuck for a present to buy me..
Although I’m rarely bitten to the extent that your “no see ums” got me the other year… at least you can hear the mosquito coming.. or going…
Biggest tip was to ensure there are no stagnant water laying around.. but with all your canals that would be very difficult to sort..
Hugs from across the pond…
I do like skin so soft and certainly the smell is much more soothing than those horrible chemicals. The no-see-ems liked you because you are so sweet my friend. thanks for stopping by.
Hugs xxx ooo
They used to spray all around Parkville for mosquitos, but now they only do the English Landing Park.
those little buggers can really bite cant they Sandy?
Lee county’s budget for mosquito control is $33 million!
wow! thanks for stopping by Donna. lets hope we can get at least some of them.