Natural Mosquito Control Plants

The oils in certain plants have natural mosquito repellant properties.

Mosquitoes are the notorious flying, bloodsucking insects that terrorize outdoorsmen throughout the world's tropics and humid, swampy areas. Some plants are known for their natural ability to deter mosquitoes, and they serve well as an organic method of controlling mosquito populations. Consider planting them in your outdoor space to help keep mosquitoes away naturally.

Catnip

Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family that produces nepetalactone, the essential oil that gives the plant its characteristic odor, which has also been found to be an effective mosquito repellent. According to a 2001 report from Science Daily, this component of catnip, scientific name Nepeta cateria, is 10 times more effective than DEET, which is the active chemical in many commercial insect repellents. Plant some catnip near your porch or patio to help repel mosquitoes as well as give your cat a tasty treat.

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is a tropical plant that produces the essential oil citronella, which is a natural mosquito repellent and often added to lanterns and candles that are burned to keep mosquitoes at bay. The plants can grow to reach heights between 6 and 8 feet, and are a popular choice for organic gardeners who want to control mosquito populations in their outdoor spaces.

Marigolds

Marigolds are pretty annuals that emit a distinct odor that mosquitoes, other insects and even humans find unpleasant. Marigolds bloom in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow and gold and are commonly used to repel pests and insects in vegetable gardens and flower beds. Mosquitoes find the smell of these long-lasting, frilly blooms quite nasty, and hanging potted marigolds on porches or planting borders of them around your home will keep those buzzing blood-suckers away.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a common cooking herb that is known for its mosquito repellent properties when planted in the garden. Rosemary is an attractive plant that had a tropical origin, and it produces an essential oil that naturally deters mosquitoes. It does not do well in colder environments, but the beautiful flowers it produces and its natural mosquito repellent properties make it a great addition to any summer garden.

References

• "Science Daily"; Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET; Aug. 28, 2001
• Alderleaf Wilderness College; Plants That Repel Mosquitoes; Jason Knight
• Mosquito Repellent Clothing: Mosquito Repellent Plants -- Natural Way of Repelling Mosquitoes