08/01/2024
PLANTS THAT WILL KEEP MOSQUITOES AWAY
Good Evening. With all the rain lately, the mosquitoes are out in droves. I can see how they might ruin a cookout or backyard gathering. Purple Martins in your yard would be the best way to keep the populations down, because those little guys eat about 2000 mosquitoes each every day. You second choice would be plants that keep them away.
You might want to add a few of these in your garden, so you and your family will have an enjoyable time grilling out and relaxing in your backyard this Summer. Nothing disturbs your fun faster than pesky mosquitoes buzzing around your head. You can always cover up with long sleeves and a hat or apply insect repellent, but there may be another way. Have you ever thought of adding some mosquito-repelling plants to your garden?
The oils found in certain plants, especially herbs, are found to be natural mosquito deterrents, and will help keep your garden mosquito-free. Here is a list of 8 popular plants that have been proven to repel mosquitoes.
LEMON BALM--Also known as horsemint, this hardy perennial repels mosquitoes by giving off a strong, incense-like odor, similar to citronella grass. The smell, however, does not deter bees and butterflies. The plant is fast growing, drought resistant and reseeds itself easily. You can grow it in a planter that can be moved to a seating area when you want some relief from pesky mosquitoes. �
FRENCH MARIGOLDS--Many families use French Marigolds in vegetable gardens and in containers during the summer months to help repel other insects, but their mosquito-repelling ability hasn’t been widely advertised. Plant marigolds in containers as you normally would, but then place the containers anywhere in the garden where you want a mosquito-free zone.
CATNIP--It is well known as a medicinal herb, but less known for is its mosquito-repelling ability. The natural oil within the leaves has been proven to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.�� Plant catnip around your patio and deck, but remember that cats love it also.
BASIL--One of the few herbs that give off a scent without the leaves having to be crushed or rustled. There are many varieties of basil, but the ones with the most mosquito-repelling powers include lemon basil and cinnamon basil. You can plant in your Garden, or in containers around your patio. You can also take a few basil leaves and rub them on your skin. The oils will deter any nearby mosquito from bugging you while you work.
LAVENDER--The scent of Lavender tends to ward off many insects. You can plant Lavender in containers around seating areas to deter mosquitos, and can also try making your own natural insect repellent with lavender leaves.
CITRONELLA GRASS--Many of the natural insect repellents found on the market today contain citronella oil, which comes from citronella grass. Many families burn candles and lanterns containing citronella oil to repel mosquitoes. In addition to its mosquito-repelling abilities, it’s also an attractive ornamental grass. Plant it along walkways and seating areas to deter mosquitoes, but wear gloves, as handling the plant can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions when grass blades are broken.
SAGE--Besides repelling mosquitos, Sage also repels several other annoying pests. It is not only known to repel flies but cabbage moths and black flea beetles as well. You can grow in your Garden, or in containers around patio or deck.
ROSEMARY--Primarily used in culinary seasonings and herbal remedies, but is also great for repelling fleas and mosquitoes. Rosemary can be grown in containers, but grows up to 6 feet in height, so probably best in Garden or yard close to seating and entertaining areas.
One last thing I wanted to mention. There was about a 5 year period in my younger years that I quit eating sugar and foods that contained sugar. I found out that mosquitoes just ignored me at night when others around me were getting bit. It was As If I weren't there, or maybe they couldn't smell me. Maybe when someone that eats sugar sweats, they give off an odor that attracts the mosquitoes. I'm not sure of that, but it makes me think.
