Plant guide

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Mosquito Repellent Plants

1) Rosemary

Rosemary herb contains oil which acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Rosemary plant grows up to 4-5 feet tall and contains blue flowers. Rosemary plant grows best in warm weather. In winter, this plant can not survive and want warm shelter. So grow rosemary in a pot and shift it indoors in winter. Rosemary is also used in cooking for seasoning. To control mosquitoes in warmer months put the rosemary plant pot in the yard. Recipe of quick rosemary mosquito repellent is mix 4 drops rosemary essential oil and ¼ cup olive oil as well as store it in a cool & dry place. Apply when who need.

2) Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is excellent for controlling mosquitoes. It grows up to 2 m tall and annually blooms lavender color flowers. Citronella oil which comes form this grass is used in candles, perfumes, lanterns and other herbal products. Citronella grass is also effective in controlling dengue fever mosquito (Aedes Aegypti). To control mosquitoes, pour citronella oil into candles and lanterns that can be burned in the yard. Citronella grass also has anti fungal properties. Citronella oil is safe for skin and you can apply it for long time. It does not cause any damage to the organism.

3) Marigold

Marigolds have peculiar odor that many insects, humans and animals dislike. Plant of marigold grows up to 6 inches to 3 feet high. Two types of marigolds are there such as the African & the French and they both are mosquito repellent. Marigolds are grown near vegetables as they also repel aphids and other insects. Marigolds blossom in different colors ranging from yellow to dark orange and red flowers. Marigolds are sun-loving plant as its growth delay if it is planted in the shade. To control mosquitoes, grow marigolds plant in yard, porch pots and in gardens.

4) Catnip

Catnip is an herb which is connected to mint family. It is recently declared as mosquito repellent. As per latest study, it is 10 fold more effective compared to DEET. Catnip is a perennial plant which grows up to 3 feet high if planted in a sunny or partial shade area. Catnip has white or lavender flowers. To control mosquitoes and other insects, grow catnip near the backyard or deck. Cats love aroma of catnip so to protect the plant you may need to place a fence around it. You can use catnip in many forms to control mosquitoes. You can use crushed fresh leaves or wringed out liquid on skin.

5) Ageratum

Ageratum plant is another mosquito repellent plant. This plant has pale blue and white flowers which generate Coumarin. Coumarin has the horrible smell which repels mosquitoes. Coumarin is generally used in commercial mosquito repellents and perfume industry. Never rub ageratum on skin as it contains other less desirable elements which the skin doesn’t want. Ageratum grows in full or partial sun and blooms throughout summer.

6) Horsemint

Horsemint also helps to control mosquitoes. Horsemint is a perennial plant that doesn’t need special care. The smell of horsemint is like citronella. Horsemint grows best in warm weather and sandy soil. This plant has pink flowers. Horsemint contains natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties due to active ingredient (thymol) of its essential oils. It is also used to treat flu.

7) Neem

Neem plant is among the strongest mosquito repellant plant. Neem plant contains insect repelling properties. There are many neem-based mosquito repellents and balms available in the market. To control mosquitoes, you can simply plant neem plant in your yard. You can also burn the neem leaves or add neem oil to kerosene lamps or citronella flares. To keep mosquitoes away, you can rub neem oil on skin. Natural mosquito repellent properties of neem are very effective to fight against malaria.

8) Lavender

Lavender is a wonderful plant that repels mosquito. Lavender plant is fairly easy to grow as it needs less care. It grows up to 4 feet high and needs sunny climate. To make chemical free mosquito solution, mix lavender essential oil in water and apply directly to the skin. To control mosquito, keep the lavender plant pots around seating areas. To keep the mosquitoes at bay, you can also apply lavender essential oil on neck, wrists and ankles.

9) Basil

Basil is also a mosquito repellant plant. Basil is among the herbs which emit its aroma without crushing it. To control mosquitoes, grow basil in pots and put in your backyard. To keep the mosquitoes at bay, rub a handful of crushed basil leaves on skin. Basil is alsoused for flavoring the food. You can sue any variety of basil to control mosquitoes but cinnamon basil, lemon basil and Peruvian basil seem to work best as they have the strongest fragrances.

10) Lemon balm

Lemon balm also keeps the mosquitoes at bay. Lemon balm plant grows fast and it requires room to spread. Lemon balm leaves contain citronellal compounds in rich amount. Citronellal is used in several commercial mosquito repellants. There is up to 38% citronellal is contained in some varieties of lemon balm. To control mosquitoes, grow lemon balm in your yard. To keep mosquitoes at bay, you can also rub lemon balm crushed leaves on the skin.


[source: http://b4tea.blogspot.ca/2011/05/10-mosquitoes-controlling-plants-for.html]