So I was looking into ways to keep gnats and mosquitoes at bay, when I came across a do-it-yourself insect repellant that appears to be quite effective. Then I got to thinking about the fact that my orchids are now grown outdoors, where the local critters can find them to be a snack, so began experimenting.
The formula:
1 liter witch hazel (or cheap vodka)
10 ml apple cider vinegar
1 ml each, essential oils of peppermint, lavender, citronella, & eucalyptus.
I have just been putting it in ramekins around the deck, but I think next summer I'll make "air wicks", possibly using cheap tiki torches. Works well on the biting bugs, and I've seen almost no damage to plants, so far.
The formula:
1 liter witch hazel (or cheap vodka)
10 ml apple cider vinegar
1 ml each, essential oils of peppermint, lavender, citronella, & eucalyptus.
I have just been putting it in ramekins around the deck, but I think next summer I'll make "air wicks", possibly using cheap tiki torches. Works well on the biting bugs, and I've seen almost no damage to plants, so far.
