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The best easy-to-grow mosquito repellent plants to scent your balcony or garden and keep annoying insects away
The problem of mosquitoes in the summer season is for some a very serious matter, to be faced with meticulous attention and perhaps with a good, well-planned strategy. We have given you some information on these warlike blood-sucking insects, suggesting some good natural remedies to soothe the annoying itch of their stings and valid alternatives, completely natural, to the most common chemical repellents on the market.
Many of these repellents, in fact, contain amounts of DEET (diethyltoluamide) ranging from 5% to 25% and there are considerable concerns about the potential toxic effects these substances may have in the long term, especially on children.
This is why our advice once again is to resort to mother nature and choose one 100% green solution: grow one of these five mosquito repellent plants. They are readily available and simple to grow and can help you in the tough fight against these ravenous insects. (12 plants that color the garden and keep insects away)
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
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Lemongrass is a perennial, evergreen herbaceous plant, native to southern Asia, which is the most commonly used natural ingredient in formulation of anti mosquito repellents. The characteristic odor of the plant is able to mask the attractants produced by our body, making it more difficult for the insect to locate our location.
Although Citronella is used in many products such as CANDLES perfumed, torches or oils, the plant is certainly more effective as it has a more marked odor.
If grown in the garden or near the patio, it should be planted behind small flowers and ornamental shrubs. Alternatively it can be planted in a pot of adequate size, perhaps placed on a support with wheels, so as to be easily moved according to our needs and stored in sheltered areas during the winter.
In garden centers it is generally possible to find small potted plants ready to be placed in the ground or transplanted into a larger container, but be careful: at the time of purchase make sure that the plants are Cymbopogon Nardus or Cymbopogon Winterianus. Often, in fact, the ones sold to us are not real Citronella plants and their repellent capacity is not comparable to that of the original plant.
Monarda (Monarda punctata)
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Monarda is a perennial plant belonging to the family of Lamiaceae and originally from North America. It is very simple to grow, with great adaptability and has repellent properties similar to those of lemongrass. In fact, it gives off an intense smell similar to incense that it is capable of confuse mosquitoes.
Monarda grows rapidly and prefers afull sun exposure. It is very hardy and tolerates drought periods well.
Its leaves, if dried, can be used to make an excellent tea of soft drinks or in perfumed bags. Its essence recalls that of bergamot.
Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)
Bright orange calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis, pot marigold, ruddles). Natural floral background
Commonly cultivated as ornamental plants due to their colorful flowers, but also for their phytotherapeutic properties, marigolds are very resistant and emit an intense odor that is very unpleasant to mosquitoes and also to many gardeners. The plant contains pyrethro, a compound widely used in mosquito repellents.
Marigolds prefer afull sun exposure and a fairly fertile soil. If grown in pots, it can be placed in strategic areas such ashouse entrance or window sills. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, marigolds also keep many plant pests away tomato. We suggest you plant some in yours garden.
Agerate (Ageratum houstonianum)
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To the genus Ageratum belong approx sixty species, including annuals and perennials, all native to North America. Its repellent ability is due to the presence of coumarin, a substance that mosquitoes find particularly unwelcome. The Agerato is easily recognizable because of his people blue flowers, although on the market you can find specimens with pink, white or purple flowering. This plant prefers afull sun exposure or in any case, where it can be exposed to rays for at least 4/5 hours a day. It does not require particularly fertile soils. The leaves of Agerato can be collected and crushed to increase the smell and therefore the effectiveness, but direct use on the skin is strongly discouraged.
Catnip (Nepeta Qatar)
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Catnip is an unsuspected and effective natural repellent. From a study conducted by Iowa State University entomologists this plant was found ten times more effective than the DEET contained in chemical repellents.
According to Chris Peterson, one of the researchers who conducted the study, the reason for its effectiveness is still unknown. “It could be simply because it acts as an irritant or because of the odor that mosquitoes don't like. But still no one can confirm it “.
Nepeta cataria is very simple to grow and it requires very little care. Its repellent ability can be amplified if used directly on the skin. Of course, if you have a cat, consider choosing another one of these mosquito repellent plants.
READ also: MOSQUITOES: HOW TO MAKE A TRAP FROM A PLASTIC BOTTLE
These plants have proven their repellent properties in the field, but pay attention to their location: there are, in fact, environmental variants to be taken into consideration. A light breeze could disperse its smell, drastically reducing its effectiveness and allowing mosquitoes to happily feast on our blood.
Thanks to these plants, which are easy to grow, you will sleep peacefully this summer.
READ also:
- DIY Mosquito Spray: The Natural Recipe To Really Avoid Bites
- Mosquitoes: how to get them away from home with… a roasted lemon!
- Dragonflies keep mosquitoes away, the tricks to attract them to our garden
