Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management

Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management Idea generation in a business plan Idea generation may vary depending on the set up, type and size of the business to be started. For instance, small businesses are likely to get their ideas from past experiences and magazines while ideas for larger companies are likely to be found on review of patents (Terrance 2004).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When using publications for idea generation, some of the best tips that the idea will be viable are classifications such as the fastest growing industry in certain locations, underutilized business opportunities and other classifications publications may consider helpful to potential investors. Magazines like Forbes and Fast Company are good in tracking top and fastest growing companies (Miniti 2006). Recent patents can also be reviewed and are exceptional sources of the business idea. Busine ss journals, newspapers and internet are other very resourceful areas where a business idea can be generated. The ideal business plan requires no investment, has a recognized, measurable market, has a dependable source of supply for the required input, has a great publicity value, does not require any labor force, has no government regulation and above all, will give a gross margin of 100 percent. Creative thinking can also be a good source of a business idea. Its advantage is that it does not have to follow stringent paths followed by other corporations especially those that are government regulated. Whatever the source of the business idea, it should be screened critically to ensure all areas are addressed and no loopholes are left (Gartner 2001). The questions this should be able to answer are: does the executive summary which contains the statement of the business idea generation reflect a realistic and adequately researched idea? Who came up with the idea? Does the owner of the business idea fully own it or are there some reservations on some aspects of the business? Are you familiar with the area of business? Strategic objectives Some check list questions that the business strategic objectives are: Have you determined the nature and direction of the business for the next few years? Do you know the businesses’ strategic objectives with all their specificity?Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Is the strategy very clear so that you can tell the exact products and markets your current strategy would include or exclude? Are strategic objectives held separately from the long term plans?  Is future strategy related to capital improvement or does it set a foundation for such improvement? In your strategic objectives, tell the reader what you want, for instance business loan to expand or build new premises. State your sales, producti on and profit goals with specificity in both amount and time. It is also good to state the time you anticipate to service the debt (Marburg 1994). Market analysis and research and the competitive strategy Here you ought to discuss the target market and market segment. Describe the customers in terms of their location, purchasing power and any other relevant information about your target customers (Miniti 2006). The information of what they buy and how much they buy is especially critical since they are the most important aspects of the market. Alongside this, it is important to discuss the industry itself, that is, is it a new, growing, mature or underdeveloped industry? Discuss also how you want to penetrate the market and whether market revenue will increase if the market increases. Talk about how your price will be competitive and why any customer will pay your price. You ought to research on the competitors and how your operation will be better than theirs. In simple terms, you are trying to explain how you will survive in the market. On this aspect of the competitors, you should be able to answer the following questions: What are the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors and how is your idea different form theirs? How will you remain competitive in future should your competitors change tactics to try to claim your market?Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Many times information about the market for your product or service is the most difficult to gather. Trying to gauge who wants your product, how much they want, what they will pay, and how competitors will respond is not an easy task. While challenging, the time and energy invested in truly understanding your market will pay off. Your business should be market-driven rather than product-driven. Your business plan should not be built around a product sear ching for a problem to solve. Competitors exist for virtually every business (Terrance 2004). This segment ought to reveal your marketing plan, that is, how you are going to get your name to the potential customers. You can tell of some advertisement methods you will be using to sell your business. Position your product and explain how it is different from your competitors and analyze the competitor and his product, whether the competition is direct or indirect. If the business plan is well researched it will prevent unexpected competition that may render it a failure especially if there are already very strong competitors. It is also likely to attract funding from financiers. Cash flow/financial plan This part is necessary since it is an estimate of your profit potential. It can even be used as a template plan by the financial management of the venture. Forecasts of product demand, revenues, and expenses for new ventures will draw on the market research you conducted. If you want t o use your business plan to seek financing, describe the type and also the amount. Your projections are only as good as your assumptions, so make sure they are valid and realistic (Shane Venkataraman 2000). Document as much as you possibly can, including how you developed your assumptions. Keep in mind that the financial section will be closely assessed by the financier. The cash flow forecasts should take the following dimensions: the estimated income for the first two years, broken down monthly, then quarterly thereafter, estimated cash flows in the same pattern, forecasted balance sheet for each year and a breakeven analysis (Shulman 2009).Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The balance sheet projection will show the growth in equity and assets of the business and is the tool which one can evaluate whether the capital base of the business is expanding. Include the start up costs that will comprise of license cost, insurance, leases, renovations and purchase of equipment costs. You may include financial history if the business has been in existence and is seeking expansion. Most small businesses will not make real profits in the initial two or three years. They therefore need some financial reserves. In the business plan this can be included in the financial considerations when quoting the initial capital for the business. At this point, you can point out the potential risks that are a threat to your business. Outline how you will manage those risks (Minniti 2006). The cash flow information is not only important to the financier but to the business owner himself. It will serve as a yard stick upon which set objectives and projections will be assessed. Th e business operator can use this information to prevent side operations not accounted for that may end up claiming the profits of the business. The cash flow forecasts should not however be limits to which the business can operate. They are simply logical estimates to refer to although performance far below these forecasts can be an indication of something missing or poor prior research (Terrance 2004). Scenario analysis Though some businesses have not accepted it as a vital form of planning, scenario analysis and planning necessitate a business to plan for any eventuality that may affect the business. Consider the environmental, social, technological and political driving forces and address how a change in any of them would affect your business. Show how you would respond to such a scenario. This would take the form of a study of such an event in the past that your business or other businesses may have encountered. How did they respond? Who were the contact people to reach? Were th ey available on time? Were there indicators that such a scenario would take place? What can be inferred from such a scenario? At this point you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and build a plan of how you would minimize the impact of such an occurrence that is out of your control (Shane Venkataraman 2000). Entrepreneurial characteristics and skills Risk An entrepreneur must be able to assess risk as whether necessary or not so as to know what to indulge in. Entrepreneurs view risk as unavoidable but you can choose which risk is worth taking. Entrepreneurs are cautious of what is described as risk free business. Their attitude is â€Å"if I don’t take chances, I will never really know what I could have become†. They are therefore never satisfied with mediocre life. They place little faith in assets and prefer their coping ability as opposed even when there is a threat (Miniti 2006). Timing The entrepreneur knows that timing is one of the most crucial steps in inv estment. Launching of a business idea in the right place and time is imperative. There must however be enough time in preparing prior to the launch. There is usually lots of personal adjustment in relation to the idea in terms of market intelligence, assessment of the environmental aspect best suited for the launch, and securing the human resource. To them, â€Å"luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity†. Leadership Entrepreneurs are leaders because if they want to get a job done, they take responsibility and lead in the venture. They are self starters with enthusiasm and know the importance of teamwork and they also appreciate and support others. They are also self-directed. In times of great change, they still move forward and still posses the energy to face problems. To them leadership is not status but a function. Their motivation is therefore not external but a need to achieve success in their own measure (Ebbena Alec 2006) Innovation Entrepreneurs are go od at adding value through product improvement and getting the right market. Innovation is therefore changing value and satisfaction from a resource. They must therefore be able to come up with clever and workable solutions. They are very flexible in their thinking, curious and inquisitive. To them lack of money is not a good enough reason for not making it happen. Communication skills Entrepreneurs know that the human element is the most important part of a business. Humans work through communication and so the entrepreneur works to improve communication. They take advantage of the available tools of communication and are also very good listeners. In such a case as to write a business plan, a good entrepreneur will ensure every detail is clearly stipulated and the right impression created. The message should also show consistency (Westhead 2001). Optimism It is very important that an entrepreneur has a positive look of any undertaking he engages in. setbacks are not a limitation or disappointment but are relegated to the past and new energy is created to churn on. If a certain aspect of the business goes well, it becomes an impetus for bigger accomplishments and increases hope for the overall success. They have a determination that enables them to keep focused to the end result. This positive outlook of things enables them to overcome initial challenges that come with a new venture (Ebbena Alec 2006). Ability to obtain finances In the mindset of an entrepreneur, finances are not a limitation to implementation of a good idea. They believe that a good idea will sell itself. It is therefore not their convincing language or association with finance sources that enable them to finance their new ventures but rather the good idea that attracts finances on itself. Due to their determination, entrepreneurs are able to source funds and finance operations (Shane Venkataraman 2000). Spotting a niche market Market is perhaps the most important factor that determines whe ther a business is to be started at a specific place. Sometimes, it is difficult to identify potential market from an area. Entrepreneurs are able to assess carefully and identify a market for a product. A renowned investor and entrepreneur Rachel Lowe spotted business opportunities while just traveling in a taxi. Entrepreneurs are therefore people who are able to anticipate needs with some level of precision. Their argument is that when there is market, there is a business idea (Malburg 1994). Business knowledge Entrepreneurs need not be experts of a certain field in which they venture. Rather they should have a rough knowledge of how that business operates. Some key aspects they need to know is potential customers, required skills, government regulations, threats to such businesses and above all, how that business generates money. For the expert knowledge, they can rely on other trained experts for other fine requirements of the business (Shulman 2009). Energy/drive Their energy c omes from the belief that they can create and control their future instead of relying on the mercy of fate. They have an internal locus of control. The energy gives them enthusiasm that keeps them going and wanting to achieve more. Their energy also gives them confidence, which is described as the hallmark of the entrepreneur. Their drive does not come from creation or accumulation of personal wealth but rather they are people focused and getting things done is their drive. Sense of ownership The entrepreneur likes taking responsibility to get things done with care and attention. They like to leave things better than they found them. They teach people how to take charge and are themselves very self disciplined (Bygrave 1994). Strategy Since entrepreneurs are strategy planners, they will employ the best employees to support them in the venture. They have therefore learnt the art of delegating while they posses the ability to supervise. They themselves being generalists do not take th e roles of the experts but are good communicators and are also good at handling complaints. Financial knowledge They are very good at business numbers and can explain financial position in simple terms. They will determine the budgets, targets, securing loans and raising funds with relative ease. This is because they are able to receive unconventional funds from clients, suppliers, family and friends. The financial wisdom keeps them seeing the logic behind new ventures even where other potential investors would call too risky or would disregard as there being no business. All these skills can be classified as personal skills, interpersonal skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and also practical skills (Freel 2009). In conclusion a successful entrepreneur is able to identify new opportunities and exploit them despite the hardships. Time management skills For an entrepreneur to be able to achieve the objectives he sets within the timeframe he indicates, he must be a good tim e manager. Time management is part of management skills that an entrepreneur needs to hone on. He must be able to impart this too within the departments of his business. Entrepreneurial skills I posses In a self assessment carried out through some checklist questionnaire, I found myself to be having much of the requisite entrepreneurial skills. Determination to accomplish things, self initiative, personal drive and financial knowledge are among the important skills and traits that make me a potential entrepreneur. Ability to identify opportunities is also a strong entrepreneurial trait I have. If I improved on delegation skills, ability to work with a team and leadership skills, I would make a very successful entrepreneur (Bygrave 1994). Reference List Bygrave, D., 1994. The portable MBA in entrepreneurship. MBA Project Presented in August 1994, p.12-17. Ebbena, J., Alec, J., 2006. Bootstrapping in small firms: An empirical analysis of change over time, Journal of Business Venturin g, 21 (6), 851-865. Freel, M., 2009. Entrepreneurship and small firms. Journal of Business Focus, 23 (7), 5. Gartner, W., 2001. Blind assumptions in theory development. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 13 (2), 23. Malburg, R., 1994. All-in-one business planning guide. Journal of Business Planning in Argentina, 44 (6), 45-56. Minniti, F., 2006. Entrepreneurial types and economic growth. Journal of Business Venturing, 25 (3), 305-314. Shane, S., Venkataraman, S., 2000. The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Academy of Management Review, 25 (1), 217-226. Shulman, S., 2009. A typology of social entrepreneurs: Motives, search processes and ethical challenges. Journal of Business Venturing, 24 (5), 519–532. Terrance, J., 2004. Business plans handbook: a compilation of actual business plans developed by small businesses throughout North America, p. 56-60. Westhead, P., 2001. The focus of entrepreneurial research: contextual and process issues. Journal of Entre preneurship Theory and Practice, 14 (4), 38-45.

Homemade Mosquito Repellents That Work

Homemade Mosquito Repellents That Work Have you made or tried a natural homemade mosquito repellent? If so, let other readers who whether it was effective for you. Do you have any favorite natural mosquito repellent recipes? Lemon Juice Lemon juice worked really well for me, and Im a mosquito magnet. I had shorts on and put lemon juice (just normal lemon juice you can buy from the store) on my legs (it wasnt sticky) and the mosquitoes stopped biting my legs. Unfortunately, I didnt have a sprayer and they moved on to biting me through my shirt; but not my legs though! - Charlie Wow Vicks Really So simple an I think it works!! Just tried it this morning and no bites (yet! Knock on wood!) I was mixing up all these spices from the kitchen then came across that post and thank goodness I did! I just moved back to Orlando and the Mosquitos here are only getting worse!! I havent been going outside. I think and hope u solved my problem!!!! Thank u!!! - Flsnowbunnyy Mr Clean please stop! I would like to ask Guest Mr Clean to re-consider applying dryer softener sheets to his and his childrens skin. Chemicals in the sheets might absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, possibly affecting the brain or other vital organs. With all due respect, it just doesnt seem safe. - NatureHealth Dawn I set out a container with water near patio. When larva appear I add a drop of two of Dawn. I have also caught adult mosquitoes. This seem to reduce the overall population in the area. I keep a ceiling fan on high when on the patio and the mosquitoes stay away. I suspect the fan dissipates the CO2 from my breath that attracts them. - Guest Donald Natural Mosquito repellent!! Rub a light layer of vicks rub on the bare skin! Not only will you be able to breathe well... little pesky boogers stay away!!! :) - VICKS GOTTA TRY IT CHEAP AND EFFECTIVE Ive been using regular bounty dryer sheets for about a year now on my self as well as my 6 yr old, 4 yr old and 1 yr old, and it works AMAZINGLY!!! Just rub it on and thats it! I even tape them to the inside of my tent while camping and Ive killed one maybee 2 sqeeters. - Mr. Clean Vinegar of the Four Thieves This stuff kept away the Bubonic Plague! Seriously strong but natural and cheaper than oils. Smells foul when wet but OK when dry: Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent Ingredients: ââ€"  1 32 ounce bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar ââ€"  2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint ââ€"  At least quart size glass jar with airtight lid How to Make the Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent: 1.Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar. 2.Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily. Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks. 3.After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles or tincture bottles, preferably in fridge. 4.To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed. 5.Use whenever you need serious bug control! [Note: This mixture is very strong and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.] - Normski It works I take cinnamon pills. I have not been bitten in over 2 years. - twice shy Mosquito repellent fumes Mixture of dried leaves and fruit coats of tree Pongamia Pinneta with 2 % Neem oil and 2 % Pongamia Pinneta oil when burned like incense sticks to give fumes repels mosquitoes from the room. Pongamia Pinneta is called KARANJ in Hindi. - Sushil Kumar Sharma Natural Room Spray Gday! A while ago my Mum found a great add in the paper with how to make this, we went and bought all the essential oils and carrier oil which cost a fortune at the time we figured, we were getting our moneys worth if it worked, which it did !It was great! Now I want to make it up, Mum cant find the list of ingredients! sigh, all I can remember, is it had metholated spirits and water with it, vinegar and about 8 or more 100% pure oils, you would literally see the flies come in and back off where she had sprayed in the kitchen, can anyone help here? I possibley have some of the ingredients wrong and it was in a spray bottle. I do know of a mix to deter toads though, its affectionately known by my friends who invented it as 8 hops cos thats about as far as they get after being sprayed by it, I spray around my doorways and sliding doors, to prevent them coming into the house. Its half and half of Metholated Spirits and Dettol, dont use cheap brands they stink. - Tonianne repellents citronella is the best! try it now please - adrian Mosquitoes repellents I have try inside my apartament, the little patio and entrance putting a glass gar with water and smash garlic, it seams that have worked on me. You can try that. - Margie SantaMaria lavender oil i usually get tons of mosquito bites when i go camping but the last couple of times i went i used lavender oil as a mosquito repellent and it worked amazingly! i didnt get a single bite! - crystal vinegar I was told that regular vinegar would repel them but it didnt. i also tried that thing you clip on and it didnt work either. Anyone have any experience with those two? my friend tried the vinegar and it worked for her. and people swear by the clip on thingy. i wonder why they still attack me. - sharon Skin So Soft has DEET Avon Skin So Soft is an effective repellent because it contains DEET. And DEET is less expensive than the Avon product... - Kathryn CATNIP OIL is HATED by mosquitos! Cant believe you didnt mention the essential oil of Catnip! It is off the charts for keeping mosquitos away, AND it doesnt stink! One way you can mix essential oils into water based products is to mix Polysorbate 20 with your essential oil 1:1 BEFORE mixing into water or vinegar..Basically the polysorbate is a naturally derived emulsifier. It will make your oil mix into water so it is equally dispersed, say, in a sprayer. I buy my catnip and polysorbate 20 from a small essential oil distributer. Prob cant name it here, but just google it. You can mix in Witch Hazel instead of water or vinegar or just use all three. - gina castor oil is NOT an essential oil Castor oil is a carrier oil, but I would not recommend it for an application like this since it is very thick and sticky. Two other EOs which are mosquito repellents are Lemongrass and Lavender. - Erin retired chem teacher liquid Ivory soap for dishes worked very well with the added benefit of being able to clean dishes. I rubbed one arm only with it and mosquitoes stayed away for over an hour. My other arm was attacked often. - DHK Listerine and Mosquitoes My little Yorkie gets deathly sick from heartworm medication, cant tolerate most chemicals so can never take her out in evening/early morning. Last year on a tip, tried putting a neckerchief on her sprayed with Listerine...and slapped some on me too (I seem to be a major mosquito magnet). Well, it worked like a charm! Unbelievably, I didnt get a single bite and I live in a huge mosquito infested area d/t lots of woods and ponds. Still dont like taking my little pooch out at night, but if I must take her somewhere, I dont leave home without her Listerine soaked neckachief and I love that there are no harsh chemicals to stress her liver and pancreas (she suffers from chronic pancreatitis so its essential I totally limit chemicals on her). - Judyann J Neem Oil Light up the tip of a wick (4 inch long cotton threads rolled by hand to form a wick) immersed in a small dish containing NEEM )oil (50ml costs Ind.Rs50/- ).The fumes are not harmful.ventilate the room after half hour.the mosquitoes fly away if windows are open.The just DROP DEAD if this lighted lamp is kept in a closed room. I have tried it and it really works. for outdoors, you can rub neem oil on the exposed part of the body to keep away mosquitoes. - JAYAKUMAR.R Listerine I Have tried this , spraying it full strength on my dogs bed at night. It definately helps reduce the number of mozzies but not all of them. My dog doesnt mind the smell, I used the regular brand listerine. However my friend sprayed her back yard area with the mint listerine and she said it attracted a lot of ants, so she advises againt the sweeter style listerine. - fastpurpleharley Ms. Im such a mosquito magnet (also black biting flies) that my kids say Throw Momma off the deck! In a short trip outside today, I got 4 bites, my husband got none. My skin temp is cooler than most; its not the time of the month (Im past that). Oddly I think Im totally immune to poison ivymay never have had it. Connection? - Ellen Know your oils! To repond to Keithgvp Cassia Oil is NOT Cinnamon Oil. - Tommy Internal Mosquito Repellant Ive found that taking excessive amounts of Vitamin C for a few days before going camping keeps mosquitos and bugs in general away from me. Being water soluble, Vitamin C wont accumulate in the body, but instead will be excreted in sweat. Bugs hate it! NOTE: If you experience diarrhea youre taking too much. - drdulttl lemon EUCALYPTUS Ok so if you buy lemon eucalyptus as a liquid incense it is far more cheaper than buying the oil, as you can dilute the incense in baby oil or mix it with body lotion apply. And this way it is cheaper and probably better for your skin as with the oil it wasnt really designed for the skin but for oil burners. As well another good technique if you have a baby is to just spray a little on their teddy/doll or something they sleep with. And yes lemon eucalyptus does work (personal experience). - kandii mosquito repellent I hear that spraying oneself and area with the reg. listerine helps get rid of mosquitoes. I hope this helps. - audrey essential oil caution When using any essential oil, mix a small amount first and test it on your wrist. If you have a bad reaction, dont use it! The only oil I have issues with is Lemon. Cinnamon Oil has been a favorite of mine for other uses, so will be trying it as a mosquito repellent tonight. Im guessing the camphor and eucalyptus in Vicks is what does the trick against mosquitos. - Everythingherbal Listerine Dryer Sheets I live in Northern California. We have mosquitoes. I spend a lot of time in the woods and attract the little buggers like crazy. I have found Regular Listerine( buy the cheaper generic brands ) and even clothing softener sheets work very well . I see where the mouth wash contains eucalyptus oil and I prefer it to the sheets . I just use it undiluted in a spray bottle..Apply it every couple of hours. - Jim All Natural Bug Deterrent Candle I make soy wax candles and have been wanting to make a Be Gone Bug one, esp living in the Southeast! Ill let ya know how it turns out... - Heather Jernigan Repellent Alternative I like the idea of making my own insect repellent but I don’t always have the time (or all the ingredients) to do so. I did some research and learned that Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is the only plant based product recommended by the EPA and CDC for use as an insect repellent. (Check out cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm if your interested in what they have to say) OLE is proven to work as well as DEET without the harmful effects. If anyone is interested in trying it, Cutter and Repel both make an OLE product - Ashley mint leaves and vicks can help Ive found Vicks very useful as the mosquito repellent. Whats the annoying chemical in it for mosquitoes? For other insects such as house flies, I found mint leaves dipped in a bowl of water are very effective. - irfana aamir Mosquito repellents I have used Avons repellent also, but I discovered if I get some mosquito fish and put them in water around the outside or see standing water and dump it out it helps keep them down. I know some parts of our country are just mosquito prone. I wish everyone could get some fish that eat this kind of pest. - Anna Elizabeth Wooten vics I found that if I apply Vicks on a few places on my legs, arms and forehead I have no problem the whole night. - AK4Services Dangerous Cinnamon Oil! This is dangerous! I am warning readers not to try cinnamon oil, even diluted 20 to 1, as a mosquito repellent. At that ratio I sprayed some on my face and shoulders (luckily not in my eyes) and in seconds my skin was red and burning. I was in agony as I tried to wash it off, and covered my skin with bicarbonate of soda (a base). I cant believe a PhD would recommend this as a treatment without probably trying it herself. This seems highly irresponsible. Imagine if someone, perhaps a child, sprayed themselves with a cinnamon oil repellent and was nowhere near a source to wash it off? Again, This is a highly dangerous substance: WARNIING, DO NOT USE CINNAMON OIL! (or at the least, the kind I purchased - Chinese Cassia Cinnamon Oil made by a company called Now Foods, in Bloomingdale Il. However, I have had success with a lemon-eucalyptus combination cut with witch hazel. - Keithgvp The Listerine Remedy Ive tried Listerine on and around my doors to keep mosquitoes away. It works just fine. Although you do have to reapply every couple of days, it sure beats spending big $$ on commercial repellents. The old tried and true Skin So Soft (Avon)works well also, in conjunction with one of the oils. Skin so Soft works well on my grandson. But if we are going out for a LONG time, I will lightly spray his clothing BEFORE he is dressed with Off. I just find using a variety of methods is quite efffective. - Mellinpie Listerine for Mosquito control I too have heard of using Listerine around the deck and on the screens and windows. Has anyone else heard of this? If so, how well does it work and why? - James Talley Mosquito Repellent For a couple of backyard events, before guests arrived, we sprayed equal parts of lemon-flavored ammonia mixed with lemon Joy or Dawn (liquid dishwashing soaps) in one of those Miracle Grow hose dispensers, and sprayed around the yard and bushes. This is a temporary fix, but seemed to help. - jandalton Favorite Natural Mosquito Repellents The easiest repellent to make, for me, has been cinnamon oil in olive oil or another vegetable oil. Unlike most of the other mosquito-repelling oils, I actually have cinnamon oil in the cupboard to use as a flavoring for cooking. A little goes a long ways... dont over the cinnamon, especially if you are going to use the product on your skin. If you rub it in your eyes it will burn. My favorite natural mosquito repellent, in terms of effectiveness and scent, is lemon eucalyptus oil in either vodka (non-greasy) or else a mix of vodka and vegetable oil. Another really good natural mosquito repellent is lemon oil. If you arent up for making your own insect repellent, Ive seen lemon oil available commercially as a Burts Bees bath oil. - gemdragon