10 Repelling Mosquito Plants

Lemon Thyme

Citronella Grass

On previous sections, information regarding different methods of vector control were identified. It is really surprising that everything that nature has to offer has its own unique purpose and different usage. This section provides the 10 common plants that we can use to repel mosquitoes.

10 Common Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

Citronella oil is extracted from a resilient grass (Cymbopogon nardus) native to Sri Lanka and Java. It is a very aromatic perennial that grows approximately 1 meter (3 feet) in height. Citronella Ceylon Essential Oil is credited with having therapeutic properties as an antiseptic, deodorant, insecticide, parasitic, tonic and as a stimulant. Nonetheless, most people will associate it with its insecticide properties.

Marigolds prefer full sunlight and reasonably fertile soil. Although marigolds can be planted from seed, starter plants are inexpensive and readily available at most garden centers. Although an annual, marigold will often reseed itself in favourable conditions, or the gardener can easily collect seeds for future germination. Established plants will need to be thinned, and flowers should be dead-headed to promote additional blooms.

Now here is one of your best bets when it comes to plants that repel mosquitoes. In a study done by the University of Guelph in Ontario they found that the crusted leaves of lemon thyme (Thymus X citriodorus) had 62% of the repellency of DEET which is the most common compound used in commercial insect repellents. This is an article from the Iowa State University website that details the results of that study.

Basil is one of the few herbs that give off a scent without the leaves having to be crushed or physically disturbed. There are many varieties of basil, but the ones with the most mosquito-repelling powers include lemon basil and cinnamon basil.

Basil

Marigolds

Catnip

Sage

Rosemary

Pennyroyal

Lavender

Geraniums

This perennial herb is also a member of the mint family and is native to Europe though it now grows wild in most parts of the U.S. Chances are if you know anything about cats you know that they are extremely attracted to catnip. But the same researchers from the lemon thyme study at Iowa State University also found that it has the opposite effect on not one but two nasty little bugs, the mosquito and the cockroach. If fact they found that Nepetalactone, the essential oil that makes catnip smell the way it does has roughly ten times more mosquito repellency than DEET.

Here is yet another herb that has the benefit of repelling some of our most annoying pests. It is not only known to repel flies but cabbage moths and black flea beetles as well. This perennial likes full sun with well drained soil. Best grown in USDA climate zones 4 to 8 it grows to be about 18 inches tall and can be grown in pots or in the garden.

Or Rosmarinus officinalis is an aromatic evergreen sub-shrub that is used in culinary seasonings and herbal remedies. It is commonly known to repel fleas and mosquitoes. Rosemary grows best in hardiness zones 7 to 10 prefers full sun and dry rocky well drained soil. It is a large plant that can reach heights of 6 feet.

Pennyroyal in the form of steam to repel mosquitoes, but with the passage of time this plant has been recognized for its important properties to help people who suffer from digestive disorders. the Pennyroyal Mint, also known as Pennyroyal or Pennyroyal Mint, is a plant that uses whole to perform all kinds of especially recommended infusions problems like indigestion,...

Geranium flower or cranesbill, in Indonesia is known as Tapak Dara. This flower is so beautiful and has fragrant aroma. That is why flower lover loves geranium. Geranium can be used to repel mosquitoes because it contains geraniol and citronellal. Both substances can easily fly into the air. You can plant geranium into pots or directly in the ground. Put in place that susceptible to wind. When the wind blows, aroma substance in this plant will smell, making the mosquitoes away.

Mosquitoes and many other insects don’t like the smell of lavender. This trait makes lavender a welcome addition to any garden, especially considering how attractive this plant is when it blooms. Aside from planting lavender around seating areas to deter pests, try making your own natural insect repellent with lavender leaves