Natural Mosquito Repellent Plant

A mosquito

A mosquito is a two-winged insect whose females suck the blood of humans and animals by piercing their skin. The result is an itchy raised bump, referred to as a mosquito bite. Although the bite itself is not dangerous, mosquitoes can carry and pass along diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, Rift Valley fever and the West Nile virus, which can have deadly consequences. Mosquito repellent plants are a natural and environmentally friendly way of keeping mosquitoes away from your home and garden.

Citronella Grass Plant

A citronella candle is made from the oils of citronella grass.

A citronella grass plant has the appearance of a large clump of tall grass. It grows to be 5 to 6 feet tall. The leaves are flat, grayish green and around 3 feet long and 1 inch wide in mature plants. Citronella grass is the source of citronella oil which is used for many bug repellent spays and candles. Citronella grass is best planted along walkways or placed in pots on the patio and porches of a home for mosquito prevention. Citronella grass works to repel mosquitoes because mosquitoes do not like the scent and stay away.

Catnip Plant

The catnip, or cat-mint plant, is an herb plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The catnip plant has a bushy appearance with small light green leaves and, when in bloom, has bluish-green flowers, that are about an inch in diameter. The catnip plant is an easy plant to grow, and requires little attention. The plant can grow in full sun or partially shaded areas. When using this plant as a mosquito repellent, it is recommended to plant in pots and place the plant around the patio, porch or deck. The minty smell of the plant repels mosquitoes. Additionally, leaves from this plant can be pulled from the plant and rubbed on the skin, as a natural skin mosquito repellent. Be aware that by planting catnip or cat-mint plants, you may attract cats. Cats are extremely attracted to the plant.

Rosemary Shrub

A rosemary shrub

Rosemary is a herb shrub that grows to be 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Rosemary has dark green leaves that have a pine-needle-like appearance. In spring, when the plant blooms, there are small blue flowers on the plant that last into summer. The rosemary shrub has many uses. It produces herbs that can be used in cooking; the oil of rosemary is used in shampoos and bath products; rosemary is used in many homeopathic medications for digestive tract and uterus health; rosemary can be dried out and used in potpourris; and the rosemary plant is used as a mosquito repellent. A rosemary plant being used to repel mosquitoes can be planted in the garden or in pots on the patio and porch. The scent of the plant will repel mosquitoes.

Marigold Flower

A marigold flower

Marigolds are an annual flowering plant. The marigold plant grows up to 6 inches tall. The plant has green oval-shaped leaves, and once a year, around mid-summer, the flowers will bloom. The flowers are around 2 inches wide and are made up of several heart-shaped petals. The flowers can be white, yellow, orange or red. Marigolds are a natural bug repellent. Most insects, including mosquitoes dislike the strong, pungent smell the flower gives off, and avoid the area where these are planted. Marigolds are a wonderful plant to plant along walkways, in patio and porch pots and in gardens to repel insects. However, if you plant marigolds in your garden, be aware that slugs are attracted to marigolds, and while in the garden, may eat your other plants as well.

Mosquito Plant

The mosquito plant is a genetically engineered geranium hybrid plant. The mosquito plant is a dark green leafy plant, that grows to be 3 to 4 feet tall. The leaves are about an inch long, and are hand-like in appearance The plant does not flower. The mosquito plant gives off a lemony smell, and repels mosquitoes with this scent. The mosquito plants are best at repelling mosquitoes when planted along walkway paths, gardens and in pots placed on the patio, deck or porches. Each plant repels mosquitoes within 10 square feet of the plant.

References

• Gomestic: Five Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
• Floridata: Cymbopogon Nardus
• Cat Nip Plant: Care Tips
• All Wood Work: Mosquito Plant