I've been fencing a lot in the woods, but even just walking outside, I'm attacked! I can kill three just smacking my arm, it's terrible. I was dripping with pyrethrum, no avail, I ythink they like it. I bought some stuff with citronella, I'm undecided about it's affectiveness. I was going to try lemon eucalyptus oil...I heard that was good. I had a recipe that was supposed to be good as well, I can't find it. Anyway, I thought I'd ask if your mixture worked well? I NEED something! I'm all paranoid about the West Nile thing, understandably so.

Oh BTW Steve, I could quote every electric fence elements current price, now.

I had to totally redo my east side. Not really redo, just added electric. It's the only fence that hasn't been replaced somewhat recently. They girls "discovered" it was terrible...so, no stopping them. And I got new neighbors the other day. *Huge sigh*. I can see the house from here, but it has been vacant for years and years. This place was the original family home, and one of the sons built his place sort of close. I'm sort of bummed, I can _hear_ them. I know, I'm spoiled....

I feel bad because I was so shocked to see the moving van on _my_ road, and.....people! I stopped and blurted, "Hello....nicetameecha. Just so you know, my farm is REALLY loud...." I'm such an idiot. My farm is loud, though. They prolly think I'm a real kook. The good news is, I don't think they dare venture outside much. So far at least.

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), August 27, 2002

Answers

I made up an oil mix that works for me. But I do take 3 vitamin B- 100's a day plus eat plenty of garlic & hot peppers so your results may vary. Here's some of the information I used when concocting my mix. At the bottom is my mix but I listed their version too in case you're interested. I found this information on the www.wildwoods.com site for Stony Mountain Botanicals where I get some of the more unique herbs. ESSENTIAL OILS Essential oils are steam distilled concentrates of the natural oils present in plants, flowers, roots, and trees. They are 100 % pure and must be carefully used by the drop. Patch test for skin irritations using the diluted oil before general use. CEDARWOOD (Juniperus mexicana) - Apply a few drops inside your chest of drawers to repel moths and other cloth eating insects. CITRONELLA (Cymbopagon nardus) - Effective insect repellent. May be used full strength or diluted. Patch test before using on your skin. Keep out of mucus membranes. LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus) - Insect repellent. Pleasant lemon fragrance. Patch test before using on your skin. PENNYROYAL (Mentha puleglum) - Use to repel fleas from your pets and home. Also used as a general insect repellent at safe dilution's. WARNING: Abortive. Keep away from pregnant women. TEA TREE OIL ( Melaleuca alternifolia) - Repels ticks, leeches, and lice

Citronella Repellent © Millie Fodor 2 ounces witch hazel extract 60 drops citronella essential oil Preparation: Put 2 ounces of witch hazel into a lotion or spray bottle. Add 60 drops of citronella essential oil. Label properly. Shake well before each use. This is approximately a 5 % dilution. For a 10 % dilution add 120 drops of citronella. Witch hazel extract is non-drying and medicinally soothing to insect bites. You may use olive oil, rubbing alcohol, vodka, or prepare a lotion in place of the witch hazel.

Citronella Lotion © Millie Fodor 2 ounces distilled water 2 ounces olive oil 120 drops citronella essential oil A lotion is an emulsification of water and oil. To prepare: Put water into a deep mixing bowl. Begin to drizzle in the oil slowly and beat vigorously with a wire whisk. By the time all the oil is added you should have a nice creamy white lotion. Stir in the citronella oil. Pour into a lotion bottle and label. Kathy's Mix-check for reations with a patch test before applying liberally. 60 drops cintronella oil 5 drops pennyroyal 5 drops lemon oil 5 drops tea tree oil 5 drops spearmint oil 2 oz jojoba oil(actually a wax) 2 oz distilled water I made a lotion similar to the one listed above but mine was a little greasier. Pour in a lotion bottle & label. Keep away from pets,possible ingestion by children & pregnant women. I suppose you could use the essential oils with witch hazel-just leave out the jojoba oil & distilled water if you wanted something that could be used in a spray bottle. I just rubbed it on like moisturizer. Once you make your first batch you can adjust the oil amts in the next to suit your needs. I hope this works for you. You will smell pretty aromatic but not in a chemical sort of way.:) BTW, I think once your neighbors get to know you they'll realize just what a treasure they have on their road. I hope they are nice and 'fit' in with the neighborhood.

-- Kathy Aldridge (beckoningwinds@yahoo.com), August 27, 2002.

Ahhhhhh, ok. I was thinking along these lines. Thankyou!!!!!

Actually, I just met a couple of the boys next door. They were returning a herd of goats.dang. Stooopid fence is driving me to distraction! ;-)

With that, I need to go access..AGAIN...*sigh*

:-)

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), August 28, 2002.