Don't we hope to repel mosquitoes as two same magnetic poles do? I believe the answer to that question is a resounding yes. If not, there won't be so many mosquito repellents in the market. These mosquito busters come in so many forms and shapes.

Mosquito sprays and coils are chemically human developed mosquito busting tools used to combat the mosquitoes which seem to have an undying craving for our blood. A more recent buster known as mosquito trap which attracts and dehydrate the mosquitoes after they are trapped found its place in many residential as well as commercial dwellings.   

There's even a plant known as mosquito plant which repels mosquito the nature way. However, these plants, if placed inside the buildings, well wither very soon. Even though the pungent citronella smell emitted by the mosquito plant is disliked by the blood thirsting insects, it won't keep those itchy insect bites imparted by those persistent attackers.

Catnip is another perennial herbal plant that can be used to repel mosquito. Grow a bunch of them in the garden and you would find the number of mosquitoes that frequent your home reduces drastically. However, you would startled to find a growing number of cats visiting your garden. Yah, cats love catnip a lot. Now, you know where the plant get its name from.

Due to its effectiveness, some people have developed catnip oil from the plants. There was even a research carried out in Iowa State University that found that catnip oil is 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling Aedes aegypti mosquito. And thinking of DEET which is proven very toxic especially to children, I would go for catnip oil any time of the day to keep those blood suckers away.

Catnip oil, which possess a rich golden color, is often mixed with other aromatic essential oils such as Cornmint oil, Rosemary oil, lemon grass and peppermint to get the maximum effect on its repellent function. Instead buying those commercial available catnip oil, that is if you don't mind the hassle, you can prepare a bottle of homemade mosquito repellent using it.

All you have to do is to mix a teaspoon of catnip oil with a cup of alcohol and water. It is better to apply the mixture on your clothing instead on your skin as some of us might have allergy to the potion and also it will stay there longer as it won't get washed away by sweat. This mixture can be sprayed to your clothing after some shaking.

Aside from that, catnip oil also works on termites. Compared to the harmful insect pesticide normally used to get rid of termites that infected our home, catnip oil, acts as a natural ant killers, is safe for the whole family.