As the weather warms, we spend more time outdoors. And gardeners love playing in the dirt and caring for their plants. But nothing ruins a day in the garden like mosquitoes! Fortunately, gardeners have a secret weapon against these biters: mosquito-repellant plants. Across the country, gardeners are fighting back against pests with bug-repelling plants. Gardeners love nothing better than a plant-based, natural solution like this. But do mosquito plants really work? Scientific evidence shows that some plants contain essential oils that effectively repel or kill mosquitoes. Concentrated oils from these mosquito-repellant plants form the base of our highly effective natural mosquito treatments. Unfortunately, filling your garden with these plants may not protect you completely from biters. Nevertheless, growing plants that harbor compounds used to kill and repel the nasty biters can be deeply satisfying. So, let’s explore the truth behind these “bug-repelling plants” and the top varieties you might want to include in your garden.
Mosquito-repellant Plants — A Natural Solution?
Mosquitoes have an incredible sense of smell, which is how they locate their next meal. They can sniff out and pinpoint our carbon dioxide fumes from over 150 feet away. So, it seems logical that a highly fragrant plant would impede their ability to find us, right? That’s why the idea of planting mosquito-repellant plants has gained traction and become so popular with gardeners over recent years. After all, if the essential oils of plants like citronella and rosemary effectively repel mosquitoes, surely the plants themselves perfume the air with scents that will drive off the biters. Right? Does this logic hold true? Do these aromatic bug-repelling plants, such as citronella, mints (peppermint, horsemint, mint), lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, marigolds, basil, and lemongrass, really protect your garden from mosquitoes? Learn More About What Can You Eat to Deter Mosquitoes?The Science Behind Aromatic Plants
Using plants as a natural mosquito repellant seems like a great idea. But the Mosquito Joe® entomologists, our resident bug experts, are real sticklers for things like facts and proof. And there’s no shortage of research on plants to get rid of mosquitoes. Unfortunately, all the research concludes that the aroma from living, growing mosquito-repellant plants doesn’t significantly affect the number of mosquitoes that land on a human subject. Even though these plants give off a strong and pleasant aroma we enjoy, they actually do little to deter mosquitoes. This applies to all the plants mentioned above, including citronella. While surprising, the ineffectiveness of mosquito-repellant plants can be explained by how plants release their fragrance. While a lavender plant smells delightful up close, it does not fill the air around us with a strong fragrance. In fact, most of these plants release a significant amount of their fragrant oils only when crushed. And it’s the plant extracts that have the most powerful repelling properties—but only when those active ingredients are applied directly to the skin.Homemade Mosquito Repellant
So, if mosquito-repellant plants don’t really ward off biters, at least in their plant form, what about using them in a homemade mosquito repellant? Some gardeners crush the leaves of these fragrant plants to release their oils. They then rub the crushed leaves on their exposed skin as they work in the garden. However, this can lead to dermatitis if the plant’s oils are too harsh for your skin. An alternative approach is to mix up a batch of DIY insect repellent at home. There are certainly plenty of recipes for DIY mosquito repellant out there. But there are a few important considerations to take before you start:- The effectiveness of homemade mosquito repellant wears off relatively quickly, so be prepared to reapply every few hours.
- Applying essential oils directly to your skin can trigger a reaction. Apply a small amount first to check sensitivity, especially with children, who are often more sensitive than adults.
- Essential oils have a limited shelf life. It’s best to store homemade repellant in a dark-colored bottle in a cool, dark place.
- Essential oils from bug-repelling plants like lavender, catnip, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and other aromatic plants.
- A carrier oil (olive oil, almond oil, or grapeseed oil).
- Witch hazel.
- Vodka, about ½ teaspoon (apply responsibly), which will act as a preservative.