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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

Most natural insect repellents are made with an essential oil  
distilled from citronella, a tall, aromatic grass indigenous to  
Southern Asia.  Its pungent, lemony fragrance is pleasant to most  
people but objectionable to mosquitoes.  Other aromatic essential oils  
commonly found in natural insect repellents include cedarwood,  
lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, pennyroyal, lavender, and bergamot.

These are safe when applied to the skin, but should not be taken  
internally without the advice of a professional.  Pennyroyal, in  
particular, is highly toxic if ingested.

http://www.naturodoc.com/library/lifestyle/bug_repellent.htm

Gene GeRue
www.RURALIZE.com