I recently had a party and some guests unfortunately got attacked by mosquitoes. I am now looking for some plants that can help repel mosquitoes. While I am not completely sure if the information I found online is reliable, I believe it can’t hurt to try adding some plants to my front yard to start with.
Plants have been used for centuries as natural mosquito repellents. The compounds found in certain plants have been found to be effective at repelling mosquitoes, making them a great alternative to chemical-based repellents.
Citronella
One of the most popular plants used as a natural mosquito repellent is citronella. This perennial grass, native to tropical Asia, can grow up to six feet tall and has long, narrow leaves with a strong citrus scent. The essential oil extracted from the leaves of the citronella plant contains compounds that are known to repel mosquitoes, with the main one being citronellal. This compound works by masking the scents that mosquitoes use to locate their victims, making it an effective mosquito repellent.
Citronella can be planted around your home or outdoor space. It can be planted in gardens, pots, or planters, and when planted near doors and windows, it can act as a natural barrier to keep mosquitoes away.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a fast-growing plant native to Asia. It can reach up to 4-5 feet tall and has long, narrow leaves with a strong lemony scent. The essential oil extracted from the leaves of the lemongrass plant contains compounds known to repel mosquitoes, with citral being the main one. This compound, known for its strong lemony scent, has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent.
As a result, the essential oil extracted from the leaves of lemongrass has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent, making it a great alternative to chemical-based repellents. The lemongrass oil can be used in a variety of ways to repel mosquitoes, such as using it in a diffuser, sprays or lotions, or by applying it directly to the skin.
Lemongrass can also be planted around your home as a natural mosquito repellent. Similar to Citronella, plant near doors and windows to make it as a natural barrier from mosquitoes.
Marigold
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant that is native to Mexico and Central America, it can grow up to 2 feet tall and has bright yellow or orange flowers. The flowers of the marigold plant contain compounds such as pyrethrum and limonene, which have been found to repel mosquitoes. Pyrethrum is a compound that is commonly used in commercial insecticides and has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent. Limonene is a compound that is known for its citrus scent and has been found to repel mosquitoes.
Marigold can also be used to make a spray or oil. To make a spray, simply crush a handful of marigold flowers and add them to a spray bottle filled with water. To make an oil, you can infuse the marigold flowers in a carrier oil like coconut oil.
Another way to use marigold as a natural mosquito repellent is to make a tea from the flowers and use it as a spray. Simply brew the marigold flowers in hot water for about 10 minutes, strain the flowers and add the tea to a spray bottle. This spray can be used on skin or around the house.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a versatile herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has a long history of being used as a natural mosquito repellent. The strong aroma of rosemary has been found to repel mosquitoes, making it a great addition to any garden or outdoor space.
Rosemary is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is an evergreen plant that can grow up to six feet tall, with fragrant needle-like leaves and small blue or purple flowers. The leaves and flowers of the rosemary plant contain compounds that mosquitoes find unappealing.
One of the compounds found in rosemary that repels mosquitoes is called camphor. Camphor is a terpene, which is a type of compound that is found in many plants. It is known for its strong, woody aroma and has been found to repel mosquitoes. This is why rosemary is often used as a natural mosquito repellent.
Another way to use rosemary as a mosquito repellent is to make a spray or oil. To make a spray, simply crush a handful of fresh rosemary leaves and add them to a spray bottle filled with water. You can also add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to the water for an extra boost of repellent power. To make an oil, you can infuse the fresh rosemary leaves in a carrier oil like coconut oil.
There are many other plants that can be used as natural mosquito repellents, including catnip, basil, and lavender. These plants can be grown in gardens, around the house. They can be used in a variety of ways to repel mosquitoes, such as by crushing the leaves and rubbing them on the skin or by using the essential oils of the plants in a diffuser or spray.
In conclusion, plants have been used as natural mosquito repellent for centuries, and can be a great alternative to chemical-based repellents. Some popular plants used for this purpose include citronella, lemongrass, marigold, rosemary, catnip, basil, and lavender. These plants can be grown in your garden as natural solutions to repel mosquitoes.
