Summertime approaches which means sunny skies for outdoor play! But being outside, sweating, and releasing more carbon dioxide with your breath, also means you become tastier for a little bug that is not just a nuisance, but can also spread disease – the mosquito. Fortunately, there are natural ways to keep the blood-sucking mozzies at bay. Certain plants are even known to repel them.
So to keep those annoying mosquitoes away, here are 10 mosquito repellent plants you can put in your eco organic garden to harvest the oils from to create your own homemade mosquito spray that's chemical-free safe for your kids' skin.
1. Citronella / Lemongrass
Mosquitoes hate the smell of citronella so many environmentally friendly repellents include this essential oil as the main ingredient.
2. Lemon Eucalyptus
Studies show that eco-friendly mosquito repellents that contain both citronella oil and lemon eucalyptus essential oils can be just as effective as chemical-based repellents.
3. Lemon Thyme
To go all-natural with mosquito repellent, you can't beat Lemon Thyme. Studies show that its essential oil is 62 percent as effective as DEET.
4. Neem
Neem trees not only deter mosquitoes and other pests but when their seeds and leaves are placed in a pouch and placed in a water source, it's a natural way to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.
5. Catnip
50 percent of all cats (including lions and tigers) go crazy with the taste and scent of catnip, and it's said to help deter mosquitoes too.
6. Rosemary
It's not just a great herb to plant in your eco garden and put in your pasta and pizza dishes, rosemary is another plant that releases scented oils which may help repel mosquitoes.
7. Marigolds
Marigold flowers are said to repel mosquitoes and attract pollinators such as bees into your garden. Plant them to brighten up a children's outdoor play area.
8. Lavender
Most humans love the calming scent of lavender, but many insects hate it. Fresh lavender keeps both mosquitoes and flies away which also tend to multiply in the summer.
9. Basil
This herb is one of the few that does not need its leaves to be crushed in order to release its scent which mosquitoes find pungent.
10. Wormwood
This type of plant actively repels insects by producing a bitter scent which is nature's way of telling pests there is poison and danger.
All these plants need their leaves moved or even cut and crushed for their oils and scents to activate. One tip is to grow them or keep them in garden pots near your front door or entry path so that you can rub your hands on their leaves when you pass by to release their oils and rub them directly on your skin or clothing.
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Written by Jan
About the Author
Jan is a traveling yoga teacher and writer who advocates spiritual growth while leading a conscious, earth-centered lifestyle, as close to nature as possible. She currently lives on an island in the Philippines surrounded by tropical jungles and white sand beaches. She and her partner conduct sound meditations and journeys while advocating sustainable and organic gardening practices.
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