Mosquito Repelling Garden

It finally feels like summer this week! Time to get outside for cookouts, bike rides, laying in the grass, and ice cream cones! 

But it also means,

THEY’RE BACK!

Mosquitoes >:/

Ruiners, that’s what they are. But there is hope! There are some plants you can use in your yard, on your stoop, or even in your window that may help keep these buggers at bay. Here is a list of a few plants that are known to repel mosquitoes.

CITRONELLA GRASS

Yes, that citronella candle and spray you have are derived from the plant citronella. It is a perennial grass that has a strong aroma. This aroma masks other smells (you!) so mosquitos won't be attracted to things (you!) around it. The plant itself is much stronger than the repellents derived from it.

ROSEMARY

You are growing rosemary anyway, for flavoring your yummy dishes, right? Great! because rosemary’s nice woody scent, that we enjoy, keeps mosquitoes away. It also repels cabbage moths and carrot flies, so it’s a great addition to any edible garden.

BASIL

Basil! Glorious basil! Ah, I love the smell of basil. Pesto sauce isn't too shabby either. But basil just got even better. According to a study put out in 2009, the essential oils produced by the herb are toxic to mosquito larvae. Glorious.

 CATMINT/CATNIP

According to Science Daily, “Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents”. It smells great and also has pretty purple flowers.  Enough said?

 LAVENDER

Lavender is a beautiful herb with many uses. It’s also another plant with a scent that is great to us but that mosquitoes just aren’t into. It also repels moths and flies.

 LEMON BALM

Lemon balm is another multi-use herb. You can eat it, have it in some tea, or rub it on your skin to keep those mosquitoes away! Lemon balm contains the compound citronellal, which is similar to the compounds found in citronella.

MARIGOLDS

Marigolds are a great addition to your garden. They are bright flowers that many use in edible gardens to repel aphids from their tomato plants. They also repel mosquitoes. They contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is found in many insect repellents. Bugs really aren't into these flowers. Better for us!

Don't let those pesky mosquitoes ruin your summer fun. Try planting some of these gems to help out and avoid dousing your body in nasty chemicals to scare them away!