Last week I shared information about a natural homemade mosquito repellent that works well and is inexpensive to make. Did you know that there are plants that you can actually grow in your back yard that repel mosquitoes naturally? Some of them produce the essential oils that I spoke of in my last post, but there are others as well. All of them are effective enough to chase the little buggers away.

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Lavender |
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Cetranella |
Mosquito Repelling Plants
• Basil
• Citronella Grass (Use the oil from Citronella. Also, ensure that the plant you’re buying is not just a “Citronella Plant” “CItronella Geranium,” or “Mosquito Plant” as these are different varieties and while they may smell similar to Citronella, they are far less effective.)
• Catnip (reported to be up to 10 times more effective than DEET)
• Clove
• Eucalyptus
• Garlic
• Marigolds
• Neem Trees
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Lemon balm (a good, cheaper alternative to Citronella)
• Lemon Grass
• Lemon Thyme (reported to be about 60 percent effective as DEET)
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Tea tree
While not every plant on this list will be able to grow in your area, I am fairly certain that at least a few can. Check with your local plant nursery, flower store or bend the ear of that green thumbed neighbor of yours who is in the know.
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"No mosquitoes here!" |
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"None here either!" |
Now, if you live in the Arctic Circle or the Gobi Desert, you probably won't be able to grow these plants. Of course, it's a safe bet that you don't have to worry about mosquitoes either!
Blessings,
Frank
Thanks
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