Natural protection from Mosquitoes Part 2

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.

Plants such as marigold, citronella or catnip can make great additions as landscaping borders and around water features. In addition to growing them around your property, another good way to use these plants is to grow some of them in pots.  That way you can move them around and place them strategically around your backyard or patio and create a mosquito "no fly zone."  Between this natural buffer zone and using the homemade bug spray I discussed in my last post, you should be mosquito free!  If they ever get really thick, and you've forgotten your spray, you can actually break off a piece of your plant and rub the juice on your wrists and behind the ears.

Lavender

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.  

"No mosquitoes here!"

"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