7 plants that repel mosquitoes

A mosquito can detect a human from 20-35 meters away but nature has a way of repelling the blood thirsty insects.

A research paper in The Archives of Internal Medicine (June 98) listed a number of natural oils which repel mosquitoes. Growing some of these plants in your garden will cause no harm, but take note that it is the oils extracted from these plants which mosquitoes hate. Crush the leaves to release the fragrance and rub it on your ankles, or anywhere else you usually get bitten, but test on a small patch first for allergies. Please note that some essential oils are not suitable for children or pregnant women.

Lavender

Plant borders with the soothing scent of lavender which will not only brighten your garden, but your spirits too.

Lemon Grass

This plant prefers a lush, tropical climate so if you live in the south try growing fragrant lemon grass, also known as citronella grass, in your back yard. It smells divine, especially after a fresh rainfall.

Catnip

Not an herb for cat-haters as you could get unwanted feline attention in your backyard. Cats love to nibble on it. Mosquitoes loathe it.

Basil and Lemon Scented Herbs

Place some pots of basil and any lemon scented herbs such as lemon thyme and lemon oregano outside your kitchen window to repel mosquitoes. Basil is also great for throwing into pasta sauces or try it with a mozzarella and tomato salad.

Rosemary

The oil found in Rosemary serves as a natural mosquito repellent, and  is handy to have in the garden for tossing into the baking pan for a delicious leg of lamb.

Garlic

Personally, I love the pungent aroma of garlic but it is not to everyone’s taste. Garlic will grow in shady areas and also acts as effective mosquito control -some believe that eating garlic serves as a natural mosquito repellent.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal oil is used as a dog and cat flea repellent and is said to repel flies, gnats, mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.

Have you planted anything in your garden which mosquitoes hate?