5 Natural Mosquito Repellents You Already Have In Your Garden
Mosquitoes getting you down this summer? These 5 natural mosquito repellents might already be in your garden.
By Bethany Bourgault|Aug 02 2016|
5 Natural Mosquito Repellents In Your Garden | Lemongrass
Credit: PixabayCatnip
5 Natural Mosquito Repellents In Your Garden | Catnip
Credit: PixabayCredit: Pixabay Catnip can grow just about anywhere – you don’t need a green thumb to take care of this one. Its distinctly fragrant leaves will take over your garden if you let it. Considering its credentials in the lab as a mosquito repellent, letting it take over the garden might just be this season’s new trend. Catnip’s scent comes from nepetalactone, a chemical proven to be ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Ironically enough, that’s the same chemical that makes cats attracted to it. Go figure.
Basil
5 Natural Mosquito Repellents In Your Garden | Basil
Credit: PixabayCredit: Pixabay Basil is one of the most versatile herbs in your kitchen, but did you know that it’s keeping you safe from mosquito bites, too? Basil leaves give off their signature scent without being disturbed (many other plants need their leaves to be broken to release their scent) so you don’t have to pick the plant for it to be effective. However, if you’re looking for some natural mosquito repellent on the go, cracking and rubbing the leaves on your skin will do the trick. Basil repels household flies, too, so having some on hand in your kitchen will help you keep it a fly-free zone. For extra mosquito-repelling scent, try lemon basil – the oils are more fragrant and will deter the bugs more effectively.
Lavender
5 Natural Mosquito Repellents In Your Garden | Lavender
Credit: PixabayCredit: Pixabay Not only is it a beautiful addition to any garden, but those fragrant lavender flowers keep mosquitoes at bay, too. Humans love the scent, but mosquitoes do not. In fact, they can’t. Lavender works by disabling the bugs’ sense of smell. Since they can’t smell you, they don’t recognize you as their next meal. The effect is only temporary, though, so if you’re relying on lavender oil as an on-the-go repellent, remember to reapply frequently. In addition, lavender can be used to make soaps, oils, and teas that have calming effects on the nerves, and are often said to promote sleep.
Lemongrass
5 Natural Mosquito Repellents In Your Garden | Lemongrass
Credit: Pixabay
Peppermint oil works well too. I have mint in my garden, as well as the essential oil. Not only does it repeal mosquitos, but it give you a nice fresh scent.
I have had luck using peppermint tea sprayed on my arms to prevent mosquitoes and sprayed on the plants to deter bugs(TICKS).Cheap and effective!
I live in the South which is “buggy’ and it makes me just nuts…I keep the house very clean, but also at the end sometimes take cotton balls soaked in mint oil and rub it say, around the bathroom tub or toilet..then leave the little cotton balls out of sight…it smells fresh and repels the little tiny bugs.
Great tips for Summer living..