Insect repellant that works!—From my Panamanian neighbor

Tomorrow marks 2 weeks here in beautiful Panama. We are temporarily staying in a small residencia with a handful of vintage block houses. It’s mostly quiet though I have heard one neighbor…singing.

…We’re not talking about classically trained singing, rather the singing that bubbles up and over from a deep gladness without any conscious effort. I share this not as a complaint, but because after 3 months living in Managua, to hear the happy heart of a neighbor singing, feels like balm for a weary spirit!!

So today I found the courage to say hello and introduce myself and make a little conversation in Spanish. She also practiced her English (muy amable!) and bonus, we ended up talking about many things including methods of repelling insects! She left her front porch and re-emerged from the house with a tall bottle filled with amber colored liquid. I accepted a liberal handful and rubbed some onto my arms. Lovely fragrance and so far, no bites this morning!! :)

Already starting one batch here and must go set it in a dark space.

24 oz denatured alcohol (70%) (Easily found in Rey’s grocery though likely at others as well.)

2 packets of whole cloves (easily found in the especias/spices section of most grocery stores.)

Optional- lavender sprigs (or essential oil) if you

like .

Add cloves to alcohol and set in a dark space to “mature” until the liquid becomes amber to dark brown in color. My neighbor advised storing for 3 weeks  until it was ready,  but perhaps sooner it might work. You can try it and see. It’s ideal to use a dark bottle or to store in a dark space. One solution was to wrap the bottle in duct tape.

Use care not to splash liquid on light fabrics. A spray bottle makes for easier application.