Do Mosquito Plants Work?
Mosquitoes are a necessary evil, right? WRONG! There are ways to keep mosquitoes away and it doesn’t involve smelly sprays or candles.
Mosquito plants!
Yes, you can actually plant flowers that will help keep mosquitoes away and that is especially handy to know so you can tell your friends on International Mosquito Day.
Mosquito plants, also known as citronella plants, are a type of mosquito-repelling plant that can be used to keep mosquitoes away from your home. These plants release a strong citronella scent when they are crushed or disturbed, which helps to repel mosquitoes. Mosquito plants are available for purchase at many garden stores or online retailers.
There are several ways to use mosquito plants to keep mosquitoes away. You can either plant mosquito plants around your home or place potted mosquito plants near areas where you spend time outdoors.
Crushing the leaves of the plant is a must because you need to get the oils that contain the aroma, set free.
You have to be careful though because the oil can give an allergic reaction especially when it comes in contact with your skin.
How to plant a mosquito plant in your yard?
There are several plants that might keep the mosquitoes out of your garden or even your house. In case you have bought some of these then you will need to be sure that you plant them correctly.
1. First, you need to find a good location for your mosquito plant. The plant needs full sun and well-drained soil. If you live in an area with a lot of mosquitoes, you may want to consider planting several mosquito plants around your property.
2. Once you have found a suitable location, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
3. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down around the plant.
4. Water the plant well and keep it watered during its first growing season. Once established, the plant will be drought tolerant.
5. To keep mosquitoes away, crush the leaves of the plant and rub the oils on your skin. You can also place potted plants near outdoor areas where you spend time, such as on your deck or patio.
The benefits of having a mosquito plant in your yard
There are many benefits to having a mosquito plant in your yard, including:
1. Mosquito plants can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area.
2. Mosquito plants can be used as natural insect repellent.
3. Mosquito plants are relatively easy to care for and require little maintenance.
4. Mosquito plants can add a decorative touch to your yard or garden.
5. Mosquito plants are available for purchase at many garden stores or online retailers.
What are the side effects of mosquito plants?
There are some potential side effects associated with mosquito plants, including:
1. Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the oils in mosquito plants. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid contact with the plant.
2. Skin irritation: The oils in mosquito plants can cause skin irritation in some people. If you experience any irritation, wash the area with soap and water.
3. Eye irritation: The oils in mosquito plants can also cause eye irritation. If you get the oil in your eyes, flush them with water for several minutes.
4. Respiratory problems: Inhaling the oils from mosquito plants can cause respiratory problems in some people. If you experience any difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Gastrointestinal problems: Ingesting the oils from mosquito plants can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How to care for a mosquito plant
Mosquito plants are relatively easy to care for and require little maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for your mosquito plant:
1. Water the plant regularly, especially during its first growing season. Once established, the plant will be drought tolerant.
2. Fertilize the plant once a month during its first growing season. After that, you can fertilize the plant once every two months.
3. Prune the plant regularly to keep it from getting too large.
4. Place the plant in an area that gets full sun for the best results.
5. Mosquito plants are not wintered hardy and should be brought indoors or protected from the cold during the winter months.
List of Plants that keep Mosquitos away
Here are plants that keep mosquitos away:
Citronella
The citronella plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, lemon-scented fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Catnip
The catnip plant keeps mosquitos away because it contains a substance called nepetalactone, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
Lemon balm
The lemon balm plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a citrusy fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Marigolds
The marigold plant keeps mosquitos away because it contains a substance called pyrethrin, which is a natural insecticide.
Basil
The basil plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, pungent fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Lavender
The lavender plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a calming fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Garlic
The garlic plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, pungent fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Rosemary
The rosemary plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, pungent fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Peppermint
The peppermint plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, minty fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Lemongrass
The lemongrass plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, lemon-scented fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Chili peppers
The chili pepper plant keeps mosquitos away because it contains a substance called capsaicin, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
Tomatoes
The tomato plant keeps mosquitos away because it contains a substance called lycopene, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
Cinnamon
The cinnamon plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, spicy fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Sage
The sage plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, pungent fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Thyme
The thyme plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, pungent fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Oregano
The oregano plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, pungent fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Mullein
The mullein plant keeps mosquitos away because it contains a substance called coumarin, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
Horseradish
The horseradish plant keeps mosquitos away because it emits a strong, pungent fragrance that repels mosquitoes.
Nasturtiums
The nasturtium plant keeps mosquitos away because it contains a substance called mustard oil, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
Sunflowers
The sunflower plant keeps mosquitos away because it contains a substance called limonene, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
Mosquito plants vs chemical-based mosquito repellents – which is better for you and your family?
There are pros and cons to both mosquito plants and chemical-based mosquito repellents.
Mosquito plants are natural and will not harm you or your family if they are ingested. They are also safe for the environment. However, they may not be as effective as chemical-based mosquito repellents.
Chemical-based mosquito repellents are more effective at repelling mosquitoes than mosquito plants. However, they may be harmful if they are ingested or if they come into contact with your skin. They can also be harmful to the environment.
So, which is better for you and your family – mosquito plants or chemical-based mosquito repellents?
There is no easy answer. It depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you are concerned about the safety of chemical-based mosquito repellents, then mosquito plants may be the better option for you. If you are more concerned about effectiveness, then chemical-based mosquito repellents may be the better option.
Tips on keeping mosquitoes away from your yard this summer
1. Trim your lawn regularly and remove any standing water.
2. Plant mosquito-repellent plants around your yard.
3. Use a chemical-based mosquito repellent.
4. Wear long sleeves and pants when you are outside.
5. Avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn).
6. Install mosquito netting around your porch or patio.
7. Use a fan when you are outside to keep mosquitoes away from you.
8. Keep your yard clean and free of debris.
9. Repair any holes in screens or doors.
10. Contact your local mosquito control district for more information.
How to make your own mosquito repellent
There are many recipes for homemade mosquito repellents. Some of the most popular ingredients include citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and lavender.
To make your own mosquito repellent, simply mix the ingredients together and apply to your skin. Reapply as needed.
Citronella mosquito repellent
Ingredients:
1/2 cup citronella oil
1/2 cup lemon eucalyptus oil
1/4 cup lavender oil
1/4 cup distilled water
Lemon eucalyptus mosquito repellent
Ingredients:
1/2 cup lemon eucalyptus oil
1/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel
Lavender mosquito repellent
Ingredients:
1/2 cup lavender oil
1/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel
The instructions to make a mosquito repellent are straightforward:
1. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Mix well and apply to your skin.
3. Reapply as needed.
Before you apply the repellent to your skin, just add some to your underarm or a place where you can “test” the repellent. Although they are natural ingredients you might be allergic.
Again, be careful when applying but when no harm then having a mosquito-free summer is your benefit.
