Lemon balm oil against midges

No one likes being eaten by midges when outdoors and everyone has their own remedies or none! Besides citronella spray we use Lemon Balm Oil. Its incense-like lemon scent handily repels mosquitoes and other pests. Some northern European forms of lemon balm are high in citronellal, a compound which mimics the well-known herbal repellent citronella oil.

Hot infused oil

• 200-400g fresh lemon balm leaves, coarsely cut (or half the amount dried)

• 500-800ml olive oil or sunflower oil

Put the oil and the herb in a heatproof (Pyrex) glass bowl over a pan of boiling water or in a double saucepan and heat gently (covered) for about three hours. Pour the mixture into a jug lined with a jelly bag or muslin, pressing carefully all the liquid out of the herb.
Pour the infused oil into a clean, dark glass bottle(s), using a funnel if necessary. Seal and label each bottle and store in a cool dark place.

Note: If you haven’t got a muslin or a jelly bag a white cotton pillowcase will do (but it won’t be white after the process!)

Tip: For a quick mosquito repellent, simply crush a handful of lemon balm leaves in your hand and rub them on your exposed skin. Grow the plants near your backdoor or in your garden, where the leaves will be handy when you need them.

Essential oils that repel insects
Mosquitos: Citronella, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, and lavender.
Fleas: Cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, lavender, orange, and pine;
Ticks: Rose geranium, juniper, rosewood, thyme, grapefruit, and oregano.