Bird Safe Mosquito Repellant

[Starlit_Night]

There is still 4+ feet of snow on the ground here, so I know it is wishfull thinking, but I started thinking about warm weather and taking Aleta outside in the summer. She wasn't very used to us in the fall so I never got her outside except in her carrier. I have every intention of taking her out once it is warm enough (with a harness).

However.. If there is a mosquito within a 100 mile radius it will find and bite me! I'm willing to bet store bought bug repellants are not going to be safe to use around her (probably not that safe for people either). Since she is such a beaky bird, I don't want to spray myself with anything that would be harmful to her. Anyone have any natural DIY repellants? I don't even know if citronella oil is safe near birds. Any and all suggestions would be hugely helpful. As I said, they seem to love me, so I'd be happy to keep a few different "recipes" on hand incase the previous one doesn't work.

 

[Sterling1113]

I never really tried it myself as I don't have many issues with mosquitoes in Texas, but my grandma who lives in Florida where mosquitoes and gnats are plentiful she said that dryer sheets work..
Like wear a hair tie around your wrists then just tuck in a dryer sheet.. My grandparents are pretty good about DIY stuff so I'd try it, except well mosquitoes don't like me anyway so I wouldn't be a good test subject.. hah.
Then you'd have to keep birdie from chewing the dryer sheet, though. D:
If you try it though let me know if it works.. I'm curious! hah.

 

[getwozzy]

I've heard lemon grass repels mosquitos- so if you strategically place/plant them in outdoor hang-out spots it could possibly work.

 

[Starlit_Night]

mosquitoes don't like me anyway

Super jealous. Just sayin'.

I'll defiately give the dryer sheet a try! They smell so good too.. I probably won't be a good test subject either since they love me so much. Tell ya what, I will stick them on my boyfriend when the season comes, and we will find out just how well it works.

 

[Starlit_Night]

I've heard lemon grass repels mosquitos- so if you strategically place/plant them in outdoor hang-out spots it could possibly work.

Oooh! Good thing I'm asking now - so parhaps I can plan my garden too!

 

[getwozzy]

Also citronella, catnip, peppermint (repels fleas too!), lemon balm, marigolds...

 

[Starlit_Night]

Noted. Thanks!

 

[Sterling1113]

mosquitoes don't like me anyway

Super jealous. Just sayin'.

I'll defiately give the dryer sheet a try! They smell so good too.. I probably won't be a good test subject either since they love me so much. Tell ya what, I will stick them on my boyfriend when the season comes, and we will find out just how well it works.

Sounds good! Hehe. I think it's cause I have a sort of constant anemia (iron deficiency in my blood) and it just doesn't smell "appetizing" or whatever. But I don't mind, it lets me stay out later or get up earlier in the morning and do stuff like fishing or taking walks without having a swarm following me! Hehe.

 

[NiRD]

Peppermint. I use it. I got all of two mosquito bites last year. In the summer, I actuall use Dr. Bronner's peppermint body wash.

 

[getwozzy]

Peppermint. I use it. I got all of two mosquito bites last year. In the summer, I actuall use Dr. Bronner's peppermint body wash.

My husband uses that body wash- and last year when our cat (and house!) got infested with fleas, he never got bit!! Me on the other hand, did not use it...

 

[Starlit_Night]

Fingers crossed its something I can find here. Certainly sounds like an excellent start!

 

[Mare Miller]

Avon makes a body oil called "skin so soft". I understand that it will also repel Mosquitos without being poisonous.

 

[Starlit_Night]

Sadly, I've tried that one before, never worked for me.

 

[NiRD]

Fingers crossed its something I can find here. Certainly sounds like an excellent start!

Target and Whole Foods sell Dr. Bronner's.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Just letting you know that if you plan on planting peppermint, beware that it's EXTREMELY invasive.

I ought to know. Numerous years ago my dear MIL planted a wee bit of peppermint in one of my corners of the garden. To this date, each and every spring - and throughout the entire growing season - I am yanking out peppermint ALL over my yard. :54:

Its nice to look at in a pot though.

 

[Starlit_Night]

Just letting you know that if you plan on planting peppermint, beware that it's EXTREMELY invasive.

Perfect!! Our neighbours have a giant pine tree that drops its acidic needles all over my yard. As a result, we have no grass. I'd be ok with mint instead of grass, if it will grow! Besides, I know my dogs don't really like the smell, so it would keep them from doing their business over there.. Hmm.. This could work perfectly.

Would the mint plant be safe for the bird, if she was out in the yard? I have a black thumb, so I never have any plants around, so I haven't had to check for bird safe before.

 

[NiRD]

Yes, peppermint is safe for birds.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Perfect!! Our neighbours have a giant pine tree that drops its acidic needles all over my yard. As a result, we have no grass. I'd be ok with mint instead of grass, if it will grow! Besides, I know my dogs don't really like the smell, so it would keep them from doing their business over there.. Hmm.. This could work perfectly.

Oh, it will grow, no green thumb needed to grow that weed...I mean peppermint.