The Summer season is quickly approaching and more and more homeowners will be spending time outdoors. While many people enjoy there time outdoors, it can often be ruined by mosquitoes who often force homeowners indoors during the summer months.
Mosquitoes are not only damaging to gardens but they can also carry deadly viruses. One of the most common way to repel mosquitoes (that really doesn’t work all to great) is to spray ourselves and clothing with sprays that involve poisonous chemicals and undesirable odors.
The trick to keeping these pestering summer bugs away may be right in your garden itself. There are a select few easy to grow plants that help keep mosquitoes away.
Catnip
When people think of catnip they usually think of the green herb that is commonly used to stuff toys or feed cats for their own amusement. However, the oil found in catnip has been found to be ten times better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET (a chemical commonly used in bug replants). Planting this plant in your yard will help repel mosquitoes.
Citronella Grass
Many people are familiar with the word citronella, s the oil from this plant is used to create candles which are known for repelling bugs without dangerous chemicals. However, these plants can grow to be up to 6 feet tall and thrive in tropical environments.
Horsemint
Horsemint (also known as Bee Balm) produces a similar scent to citronella and grows wild through most of the Eastern United States. In addition to its mosquito repellent scent, horsemint oil is a natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant.
Marigolds
Marigolds are annuals with come in a variety of warm colors from yellow to red. However, marigolds produce a scent that often turns away not only insects but humans as well. They are a great repellant for mosquitoes as well as insects that attack vegetable plants and aphids.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a common herb that is an attractive choice for gardeners because of its uses in the kitchen. Most are unaware that Rosemary contains an oil that helps to repel mosquitoes. Rosemary requires hot, dry weather and well-drained soil and are hard to grow in colder climates. If climate is an issue for you, you can also grow Rosemary in a pot and keep it indoors durring the winter.
Ageratum
Ageratum (also known as Flossflowers) emits a smell which Mosquitoes find particularly offensive. These plants produce coumarin which is widely used in commercial insecticides, its horrible scent repulses mosquitoes. These easy to grow flowers thrive in full or partial sun and do not require rich soil. Ageratum leaves can be crushed to increase the emitted odor, however it is not recommended to put this directly onto your skin.
Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme is approximately 62% at repelling mosquitoes as DEET. However unlike the other plants on this list the plant itself with not keep mosquitoes at bay. The trick of lemon thyme is crushing the leaves to rub the resulting oils on your skin. Growing your own will allow you to always have some on hand and offer a natural source of mosquito repellant.