Mosquitoes-Repelling Plant

No one likes to be around mosquitoes, and sometimes they are everywhere. But do you have to use smelly and oily repellents? The answer is no, you do not. There are many plants that you can grow in your home that will naturally repel these bugs. And with diseases such as West Nile floating around, now is the ideal time to start growing these plants. Remember that many of these plants must have their leaves crushed to release the aroma, otherwise they will do you no good.

There are new DEET-free mosquito repellents on the market today which offer some relief to those venturing outdoors in mosquito season. But there are also certain plants which are easy to grow and will have some effect in repelling mosquitoes from areas of your home and garden.

1.  Horsemint

-  Also known as Beebalm, Horsemint is an adaptable perennial plant which repels mosquitoes much the same as citronella. It gives off a strong incense-like odor which confuses mosquitoes by masking the smell of its usual hosts.

-   Horsemint is a fast growing, shade-tolerant and drought-resistant plant which reaches a height and width of 2 – 3 feet. It does well in dry, sandy soil and can tolerate salty conditions, which is why it is often found in coastal and beach areas.

2.  Marigold 

-  Another mosquito-repelling plant that you can grow. This is a sun-loving annual that many organic gardeners use to not only keep away mosquitoes, but also aphids.

-  Commonly grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds are hardy annual plants which have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes, and some gardeners, find particularly offensive. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.

3. Citronella Geranium

-    The Citronella Geranium, which is also call a mosquito plant, is a simple to grow potted plant. Citronella, or West Indian lemongrass, is a tall plant and the source for citronella oil.

-  The distinctive citronella aroma is a strong smell which masks other attractants to mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find you. Although citronella is used in many forms, such as scented candles, torches and citronella ‘scented’ plants, the living plant is more effective because it has a stronger smell.

4. Agastache Cana

-   The Agastache Cana is another form of the mosquito plant, and is also called a Texas hummingbird mint, giant hummingbird mint, giant hyssop, and the bubblegum mint.

-   In order to release the mosquito-repelling odor, the plant needs to be crushed and rubbed unto surfaces. Many people apply the contents of the crushed plant directly to their skin. 

-   When Agastache cana is brought together with larval control and mosquito breeding sites, it can effectively decrease the mosquito population in a given area.

5. Catnip

-  Catnip is one of the most powerful plants that will repel mosquitoes. Studies have shown that this plant is ten times more effective than DEET when it comes to repelling mosquitoes.

-   If you crush a few leaves and rub them on your skin, the effect will be enhanced. Knowing that there are natural ways to get rid of those pesky mosquitoes will make you more comfortable with going out and enjoying yourself. They are easy to grow, and you will see a difference in no time.

6. Ageratum

- Also known as Flossflowers, Ageratum emits a smell which mosquitos find particularly offensive. Ageratum secretes coumarin, which is widely used in commercial mosquito repellents.

- Although the leaves of Ageratum can be crushed to increase the emitted odor, it is not advisable to rub the crushed leaves directly on the skin.