How to Spray Oil on the Yard to Kill Mosquitoes

Control pesky mosquitoes with a homemade catnip oil mixture.

If you enjoy spending time in the outdoors, you're probably all too familiar with annoying mosquitoes. Other than being pesky, mosquitoes can carry a potential health risk in the form of West Nile virus. Many different products, ranging from sprays to candles, are commercially available for the control of mosquitoes. Some people choose to make an effective spray at home that uses an essential oil as a basis. You can use this oil spray on your lawn or garden.

Things You'll Need

• 1 qt. canning jar
• 16 oz. dried yarrow
• 100-proof vodka
• Container
• Strainer
• Catnip oil
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Remove the top from a 1-qt. canning jar. Place 16 oz. of dried yarrow in the jar.

2. Fill the jar to within 1 inch of the top with 100-proof vodka. Place the top on the canning jar securely. Set the jar aside in a cool location out of direct sunlight for seven days.

3. Remove the lid from the canning jar and strain the alcohol and yarrow liquid into a clean container to remove the yarrow plant.

4. Add three drops of catnip oil to the alcohol and yarrow mixture. Pour the mixture into a hand held spray bottle for use.

5. Set the spray nozzle on the bottle to a fine mist setting. Hold the tip of the nozzle 1 foot above grass or vegetation. Spray the mosquito repellent oil in the yard around areas where people will sit or participate in activities including grilling or play.

References

• LearningHerbs.com; Homemade Bug Spray; Rosalee de la Forêt
• Alternative Nature Online Herbal: Nature's Herbal
• UT Southwestern Medical Center; Health Watch-Mosquito Dangers; August 2004