The mosquitoes are driving us all crazy this summer, and the citronella candles don't seem to be helping all that much. This "Anty Fly" sphere designed by José de la O was recently shown as a mosquito repellent option as well (over at Crib Candy).
Would this principle actually work for mosquitoes ??
The use of a plastic bag full of water hanging from the ceiling of several taco kiosks on the streets, is a traditional way to scare flies away in Mexico. The refraction of the water, amplifies the colors and movements for the sensible eyes of a fly reflected on this sphere, scaring it away.
(Discovered via Crib Candy.)
Originally posted by Heather on AT:Chicago.
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Comments (6)
Iowa State University did a study several years ago showing that catnip essential oil is more effective than high concentrations of DEET at repelling mosquitos. I have used it for the past couple of years; mix a few drops of the essential oil with some almond oil, rub it on, presto! no mosquitos!
Catnip oil, huh? So now I just have to decide if I can live with the cats spazzing while I'm repelling mosquitos...
i would love to simultaneously attract cats and repel mosquitos!!!! that's actually my idea of AWESOME.
I was about to bring up that study too, lol. Problem is I have yet to find catnip essential oil, although I suppose I could use the catnip spray found at pet stores. For now I use Burt's Bees lemongrass-based repellant.
Mosquitos have compound eyes so I don't see why it wouldn't work (if indeed it works for flies). The bauble thingy is actually kind of decorative.
Another thing that works well in a small area that you may already have is a fan. Mosquitos aren't very strong fliers.
I saw this a lot when I lived in Portugal. Being an American, I thought they were crazy but I ocassionally see bags of water hanging from doorways and exposed beams here in AZ. There were no flies or mosquitos present. So either it was a coincidence or it really works.
I use a combination of cedarwood/lavender essential oils in a base of sunflower oil, and that seems to be every bit as effective as anything containing DEET.