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Old 29-06-2009, 12:00 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
David in Normandy[_8_] David in Normandy[_8_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: May 2009
Posts: 761
Default Herb or plant that repels flies?

Does anyone know of a herb or plant that can be rubbed onto the skin
that repels biting flies? I swatted four horse flies yesterday while
working in the garden. Luckily they seem fairly slow and clumsy and are
generally easy to swat before they take a bite. However, I still managed
to get a bite on my leg. I dislike having to wear jeans in the garden on
hot days rather than shorts just because of the biting insects.

The wife has a terrible reaction when bit - the last bite made her whole
forearm swell up and go red, it was touch and go whether she needed
anti-biotics, but on this occasion the swelling went down after a few
days. On other occasions she hasn't been so lucky.

Anyone recommend any leaves that can be rubbed on the skin that really
work as a fly deterrent? It doesn't matter if they smell horrible
because it is only for use at home in the garden. If such a plant exists
it will be well worth buying and growing.

--
David in Normandy.
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