Do Geraniums Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Between their itchy bites and the diseases they can carry, mosquitoes are the last insects you want to encounter while you are outside. While rose geranium plants won't repel mosquitoes in the garden, their essential oil can be used to make a natural mosquito repellent.

Rose Geranium

Rose geranium plants emit a pungent odor when their leaves or flower petals are bruised. Essential oil of rose geranium works to repel insects, including ticks and mosquitoes.

Home Use

Pluck a few leaves and crush them in your hands, then rub the leaves and the juices on your skin to create a natural mosquito repellent. Placing two drops of rose geranium oil on a fabric dog collar may keep mosquitoes away from your pet for a short time.

Considerations

Rose geranium oil is available for purchase in health food and aromatherapy stores. It can be expensive, so apply it sparingly. Three drops of oil in a 20-oz. spray bottle full of water can be used as a short-term mosquito repellent spray.

References

• "Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-Friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy and Toxin-Free Home and Lifestyle"; Annie B. Bond; 2005
• "Traditional Medicinal Plants and Malaria"; Merlin Willcox, Gerard Bodeker & Philippe Rasoanaivo, Eds.; 2004