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There are still many undetermined health risks of using DEET containing sprays to repel mosquitos and applying these aerosols to our young children can definitely be a concern. This article is going to cover 6 different plants that can be grown in many different climates, all of which have their own unique ability to repel off mosquitos.

Mosquito attracters

Before covering the plants that help to repel those annoying critters, let’s look at some of the things that attract mosquitos.

Dark colored clothing. Mosquitos use sight heat and smell to find their meals, and it is believed that they can actually see darker clothing easier than lighter clothing, so keep in mind that dark shirt doesn’t just look good to you.

Sweating is another attractant. Having a higher blood pressure than the person standing next to you raises your heat signature making you a prime target for those blood suckers.

Ageratum

Where can it survive?

This plant can survive outdoors in most climates where there is no longer any severe frost. Normally planted near the end of February through the end of March, the Ageratum makes is beautiful blue flowering appearance in early June.

Mosquito repelling factors

Ageratum secretes an odor, coumarin, which mosquitoes typically avoid. Coumarin is a chemical some plants produce and its odor has often been compared to fresh cut grass, also in a variety of known mosquito repellents. Mosquitoes find the smell to be distasteful and often avoid the plant altogether. Growing an average of 12-18 inches in height, it’s sure to be a great decorative addition to a mosquito free garden.

Marigolds

Where can it survive?

Marigolds are often planted about 6 weeks before the last frost. Placed in direct sunlight and often used as a border flower, it can be grown in a variety of climates throughout the U.S. where the summers are hot and well after the frost; these plants need lots of sunshine. Growing up to 2 ft. in height it works as more than just a mosquito repellant and can work to repel other garden pests.

Mosquito repelling factors

Marigolds release a chemical odor known as pyrethrum, which is known to smell to more than just mosquitoes. Having Marigolds around then entrances to your building or around the area you barbeque will create an unattractive barrier to the mosquitoes and help keep them off of you. Planting these decorative flowers around a garden is also an alternative to using pesticides due to the marigolds more than just mosquito repelling power.

Horsemint

Where can it survive?

Horsemint can be grown in lightly shaded areas through the summer. USDA hardiness zone 4 to 9 this pink blue or purple flower blooms from mid-summer on until early fall. This plant can survive in dry sandy soil well through the summer heat.

Mosquito repelling factors

Horsemint gives off a strong incent like smell similar to citronella. The smell masks over the smell of a meal similar to the way Citronella does, releasing it's frangrance into the air and undoubtedly reducing mosquitoes.

Citronella

Where can is survive?

Can be grown in USDA zone 10 or below, citronella is a very adaptable plant. Growing up to 6 feet in height, Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus is a coarse leaved plant and tends to spread rapidly so be sure to plant in an area it can grow freely.

Mosquito repelling factors

The most common plant used in many repellants and often fragranced onto other plants, Citronella is the best known all natural smell that helps to repel mosquitoes. Most commonly used in outdoor candles, the citronella smell masks over all other attractive meals and helps work to repel more mosquitoes than the rest.

Rosemary

Where can it survive?

This warm loving plant can grow to amazing heights of up to 5 feet. It prefers warmer climates and cannot survive through harsh winters.

Mosquito repelling factors

Rosemary releases its smelly oils that mosquitoes do not find particularly attractive. Although it’s still unknown why mosquitoes find any odors offensive, it’s still a well-known deterrent and can also be used when making food dishes.

Catnip

Where can it survive?

A well-known member of the mint family, Catnip can be grown in a variety of climates. Catnip survives in most climates and prefers partial sunlight and lots of moisture. Once planted, it can grow quite rapidly, reaching up to 15 inches in height.

Mosquito repelling factors

Potentially 10 times more effective than DEET, Catnip is currently being studied on how its oils can repel 10 times more mosquitos than the leading chemical DEET. Its smell has been referred to as a skunk like smell and isn’t often preferred by gardeners.

Although these are some known plants to help reduce flying insects, mosquitos in particular it’s still unsure as to why certain insects avoid these fragrances. Keep in mind these are plants you can introduce to your garden to help repel and should not be used to make home-made remedies or repellant oils. Next time you think about lacquering on the pressurized repellant, remember there are some other natural options you can take to help reduce these pests in your area.