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Old 29-06-2009, 02:15 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Tim Tim is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Oct 2006
Posts: 44
Default Herb or plant that repels flies?

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"wafflycat" wrote in message
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"wafflycat" wrote in message
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Well, pyrethoids originate from pyrethrums. Being similar to your wife in
the sense that if I get a bite I suffer a bad allergic reaction and have
to be careful not to get a bite infected, may I suggest that unless
either of you has some medical reason why you both shouldn't be around
it, that you apply an insect repellent containing DEET. It is very, very
effective, especially the high concentration stuff. But it is also an
effective solvent and can dissolve parts of some plastics, rayon,
synthetic fabrics, leather, paint or varnish, so you wouldn't want to be
spilling any on your best french polished table top... It is, however, my
magic bullet for getting through the summer without being bitten to
shreds..



Forgot to mention good old citronella oil candles - smell nice - mildly
effective against midges. I find that having a few citronella candles
burning (in suitably safe holders and in a suitably safe position) in a
bedroom before sleeping is effective at removing small flying biting
things from the area.


You could have a look at Neem tree products, I believe they're supposed to
be quite effective, probably doesn't have the same effectiveness as DEET.
I don't know about growing it though in your garden though :-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem

Bit more info here
http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/397...uito-repellent

HTH

Tim