What Flowers Keep Mosquitoes Away?
The mosquito is not only annoying, it is a dangerous insect that can carry the West Nile virus. Chemicals can repel mosquitoes, but some chemicals may be toxic to children and pets. There are other ways to repel mosquitoes with a little ingenuity. The result is a beautiful garden and some peace from the mosquitoes. Does this Spark an idea?
Significance
Flowers and herbs are natural ways to avoid mosquitoes. Commercial products that contain DEET cannot be used on babies and must only contain 10 percent DEET for young children. These products can also cause skin rashes and eye irritation. Outdoor chemical sprays can be toxic for children and animals. Flowers and herbs, by contrast, repel mosquitoes, look beautiful and have many uses in the home.
Function
Companion flowers keep away a variety of insects when grown in vegetable and flower gardens. The marigold is a companion flower that keeps away aphids and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes do not like the pungent smell of the marigold, so they stay away. Varieties of marigolds abound, so look for the ones that smell the worst. These marigolds will do the best job repelling mosquitoes and will last through the summer into the fall.
Benefits
Another flower that repels mosquitoes is ageratum. Ageratum is a bedding plant that contains coumarin, which has a smell that mosquitoes hate. They are annual flowers that come in blue or white, are attractive and are easy to grow.
Potential
Scented-leaf geraniums are attractive plants that flower and have repellent potentials. The lemon geranium has a potent smell when the leaves are rubbed, and is the most familiar scented leaf. Other scents are apple, rose, orange and coconut. These geraniums are native to South Africa, but are hardy plants and will repel mosquitoes if the leaves are stroked to release the scent.
Considerations
Besides flowers or flowering plants, consider herbs. There are large varieties that are known for their effects on mosquitoes. Rosemary and catnip steeped for 10 minutes can be used as a repellent spray for the body. Catnip has a blue flower to enjoy. Citronella leaves rubbed on the skin works as a repellent. Tansy and basil planted near the house work as mosquito repellents. Rosemary planted in the flower garden also repels mosquitoes.
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