Natural Mosquito Repellent

I am looking for a natural repellent and or plant for mosquitoes.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

By Amanda Spicer from Ocean City, MD

Answers:

Natural Mosquito Repellent

Citronella Grass: Citronella grass is, of course, where companies get the citronella oil. This oil is put in candles and lanterns that can be burned in your yard to repel mosquitoes. Citronella grass is actually a tropic plant that grows to be six feet tall, so it might not be practical in the average suburban backyard.

Catnip: Catnip is an herb that is most commonly used to stuff in toys or feed to cats for their enjoyment. However, the oil from this plant has actually been found to be more than ten times better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Planting this plant near your patio or deck will help repel mosquitoes.

Rosemary: This garden herb also has an oil that repels mosquitoes. While they are attractive plants that both repel mosquitoes and can add interest to your cooking, they are truly tropical plants that are not hardy in cold climates. You can, however, grow rosemary in a pot and take it inside in the winter.

Marigolds: Marigolds have a particular smell that many insects and humans find objectionable. They are a good plant for repelling mosquitoes as well as insects that can attack vegetable plants and aphids. Marigolds are annuals with bright flowers that range from lemon yellow to dark oranges and reds.

Mosquito Plants: There are actually plants on the market that are simply called Mosquito plants. They are advertised as a plant that repels mosquitoes. There are different schools of thoughts on these plants. Some say they do nothing to repel mosquitoes, while other swear by them. More often than not, you can only find them through mail order and internet sales.

from: http://gomestic.com/gardening/five-plants-that-repel-mosquitoes/ (site is no longer in operation)

(05/18/2010)

By susan

Natural Mosquito Repellent

I plant Marigolds around my house. These flowers keep the mosquitoes away because they don't like the smell of them. We used to live on the banks of the Erie Canal and never had a problem with mosquitoes after my friend told me to plant marigolds! (05/19/2010)

By Jackolyn Smith