Here are some lists of plants to try out next time you’d like to enjoy the outdoors without being attacked by swarms of nasty little blood sucking mosquitoes. Some plants are said to be strong enough that just having them around will cause mosquitoes to flee. Other plants can be snipped and strewn around the area you’re in, and if that doesn’t work, try rubbing some on your skin. (the ones marked with an asterisk are suitable for rubbing on skin*)
The plants that are most widely reported to repel mosquitoes are:
Bergamot* (especially the rose-scented variety)
Catnip* – reported by Iowa state university to be 10x more effective than DEET.
Marigolds- mosquitoes don’t like their scent.
Lime basil*- effective as a live plant or when burned.
Citronella(west indian lemongrass)
Other plants that are said to repel mosquitoes:
Peppermint tea tree Clove
Rosemary lavender Lemon Eucalyptus*
Lemon Balm thyme*
Pinapple weed*- works when crushed and rubbed on the skin
Ageratum(flossflower)- emits a scent that offends mosquitoes
Holy basil*- floating seeds on water kills mosquito larvae
Wild plants that are reported to repel mosquitoes:
Nodding onion Snowbrush
Sweetfern Cedars
Garlic*
And as an extra measure of defense against mosquitoes, Mother Earth News magazine’s website, http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/natural-mosquito-repellents-zm0z12jjzhun.aspx?page=2 , has a nice article on how to make a mosquito trap at home.
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