In message , Plantaganet
writes

Hi,

2006 seems to be one of the worst years for biting insects when
gardening, at least it is for me! I only have to step out into my
garden and I am immediately attacked by swarms of the blighters, or
should it be biters? I am at the moment enduring many sleepless nights
trying not to scratch my arms and ankles that are covered with insect
bites.
I remember once being told by a seasoned angler, that Atkinson's
Lavender Water is just the job for keeping all flies and midges away,
Unfortunately, I find that it is not available now. Is there any other
tried and tested product that will allow me to enter my garden, without
being attacked by the insect hordes?



Lavender Oil is good at repelling flies. You can buy it in Boots,
Holland and Barrett or most good quality health stores. Make sure it is
a good make and not some of the muck sold as lavender oil. You will
need to do a patch test on your skin, as a few people are allergic to
it. You can also use citronella oil (available at the same places) but
must not use it on your skin. Light a church candle (doesn't have to be
expensive) and let it burn for a while so that a pool of wax forms.
Blow it out, add a few drops of oil to the pool and then re-light. Do
not drop the oil on to the flame - it can have spectacular effects. If
you wear old clothes for gardening, you can apply a few drops to the
cuffs and ankles of the clothes, as well as various other parts, as long
as they do not touch your skin. Do not leave stale water lying about in
pots and do not leave animal pooh lying around in the garden (not that
you would. These attract mozzies and horse flies. Also, you could
try hanging strips of tissue or cotton, to which a few drops of the oil
has been applied, in your window.

As an aside, lavender oil is great for helping you relax at bedtime. A
few drops on the pillow is all you need. Lavender flowers also deter
many insects and you can make cakes using the flowers as well as using
them in the normal way.

--
June Hughes