Yarrow insect repellent field test

[ThreeFires]

I've heard that Yarrow may be useful as a bug repellent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin.
I like testing these theories out to see if they actually hold water. Here's the preliminary results of that field test.

I'm curious if anyone else has had any good results with or a related plant, as I'd like to find a safer alternative to DEET.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IscrE-N_h4

 

[dwardo]

Lots of yarrow about at the min, didnt know it was a repellent.

 

[Toddy]

I think this is conflation of knowledge again.
Yarrow flowers encourage wasps and the like to visit the rich nectar. Those wasps also eat the aphids that attack crop plants. Plants near yarrow, companion planting, thrive a bit better than those further away.
It does discourage mites and fleas though, one reason it was added to strewing herbs for floors.
Some birds use it in their nests to discourage the mites that weaken their chicks too.

I haven't found it terribly effective as an anti midge or clegg agent

It's a good wound healer though

cheers,
Toddy

 

[dwardo]

I think this is conflation of knowledge again.
Yarrow flowers encourage wasps and the like to visit the rich nectar. Those wasps also eat the aphids that attack crop plants. Plants near yarrow, companion planting, thrive a bit better than those further away.
It does discourage mites and fleas though, one reason it was added to strewing herbs for floors.
Some birds use it in their nests to discourage the mites that weaken their chicks too.

I haven't found it terribly effective as an anti midge or clegg agent

It's a good wound healer though

cheers,
Toddy

I have only found yarrow localy this last year so i fancy giving it a try. Now is a good time as last weekend i was lucky to get 7 mite bites on one ankle and 3 on the other, most are still very angry! Thats what i get for playing in the woods for a weekend
So how is yarrow applied? prepared, i havent tried anything other than crushed plantain for bites so would love to try another remedy. I have more than my fair share of AH daily so would appreciate any advice.
Thanks.

I take horse size pills for hayfever

 

[Toddy]

It's not normally applied to be a general prophylactic. Too many folks are allergic to it for that.

Off the top of my head I'd say go and buy some Autan, the latest formula, and it works is deet free , but if you want to try the yarrow you can buy it as an essential oil. It's blue and apply that, or you could brew it into a strong tea and use it as a kind of wipe on lotion with an old flannel or on strong kitchen towels like Bounty.
It can be dried and powdered and the powder dusted in among your clothing too, but check carefully, it can cause problems for those sensitive to it.

Incidentally, French Marigolds are supposed to have a similar effect on insect pests.

Be interested to hear how you get on, and be reassured that I haven't encouraged you to do something that brought you out in a rash

cheers,
Toddy

 

[ThreeFires]

That's some interesting stuff Toddy, Thanks.

 

[ThreeFires]

I did a follow up field test using a domesticated Yarrow that is growing in our yard. I hoped it would provide better results as it has a much stronger smell and is much juicier than the field variety. I threw in some very basic tips for those who might be new to the bush, tips to avoid and repel bugs effectively. I hate using DEET.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqTwEnDTU5g