Repel mosquitoes with catnip and scented geranium plants.
A swarm of biting mosquitoes can easily ruin an outdoor baseball game, picnic or evening get-together. You are in luck if you prefer to control the mosquitoes in your yard without the use of chemicals. There are some plants that mosquitoes hate, and when they are added to your landscape or garden, these plants are a natural mosquito deterrent. You can also crush the leaves and apply the oils directly to your skin for personal mosquito protection. Test the application on a small spot of skin prior to a larger application, as some people can have allergic reactions to the oils. Check with your doctor if you have any health concerns. Does this Spark an idea?
Mosquito Plant
Often referred to as the "mosquito plant" the scented geranium is a member of the pelargonium family. This plant originated in South Africa and, unlike common geraniums, is known for its mosquito-repelling citron scent and not for its colorful flowers. The plant has the best effect against mosquitoes when its leaves are crushed and applied to your skin.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a pleasant, strong citrusy smell that keeps mosquitoes at bay. Lemon balm plants contain a high amount of citronella oil, which mosquitos hate. Most varieties of lemon balm can grow in sun or partial shade. The Quedlinburger Niederliegende variety has the highest concentration of citronella. These plants are also used for medicinal purposes, such as stress relief, headache cures, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disorders and anxiety.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is a coarse grass that grows in clumps that can reach5 to 5 feet in height. The formal name for this plant is Cymbopogon nardus and it also known as nardus, nard grass or mana grass. It is a member of the Poaceae or Graminea family. Citronella grass does best in warm climates and full sun. It may not survive a cold winter and should be replanted in the spring. Citronella grass is the source of the citronella oil used in many commercial mosquito repellents.
Catnip
Nepetalactone, the essential oil found in catnip, is loved by cats and hated by mosquitoes. According to a study conducted by Iowa State University, catnip is 10 times more effective at deterring mosquitoes than the popular commercial insect repellent ingredient known as DEET (diethyl-m-toluamide). Catnip is a perennial herb and a member of the mint family.
Tags: Citronella grass, scented geranium, your skin