Can fatwood be used as a natural insect repellent?

What is Fatwood?

Fatwood, also known as resinous wood or punk wood, is the resin-soaked, highly combustible wood found at the base of pine or other coniferous tree trunks. It’s an excellent fire starter, but its insect-repelling properties can also be harnessed for outdoor use. Fatwood contains terpenes, which are naturally occurring compounds that repel insects.

How to Use Fatwood as a Natural Insect Repellent

To use fatwood as an insect repellent, you can simply chop it into small pieces and place them in areas where insects are a problem, such as near campsites or picnic areas. You can also burn fatwood to create a smoke that repels insects. For example, burning 1-2 ounces of fatwood per hour can create a smoke that repels mosquitoes and other biting insects. Alternatively, you can make a fatwood-infused spray by steeping fatwood chips in water and then straining the mixture to create a natural insect repellent spray.