Traditional Mosquito Repellant?

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.

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!

posted by tarah on July 16th 2008 at 5:45am
view tarah's profile

Catnip oil, huh? So now I just have to decide if I can live with the cats spazzing while I'm repelling mosquitos...

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on July 16th 2008 at 7:34am
view Tiamat_the_Red's profile

i would love to simultaneously attract cats and repel mosquitos!!!! that's actually my idea of AWESOME.

posted by kdkaboom on July 16th 2008 at 9:48am
view kdkaboom's profile

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.

posted by whytephoenix on July 16th 2008 at 10:09am
view whytephoenix's profile

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.

posted by goldfixe on July 17th 2008 at 9:11am
view goldfixe's profile

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.

posted by lovelainie on July 18th 2008 at 3:06am
view lovelainie's profile