mosquito repelling plants?

12 years ago

Not sure about the rest of you but the mosquitoes have been horrible here. A client from up north knows I'm enjoying gardening and suggested that there might be plants that I could plant in the yard that would repel mosquitoes. She said that lemongrass might be one, which makes sense. Are there others that you all know of??

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Comments (11)

KaraLynn
12 years ago
I don't know if just growing it in the yard will help but I've found that spraying lemon eucalyptus oil on my clothes before going out to garden helps a lot in keeping the mosquitos away. This is a good thing since I've developed a bad reaction to bug sprays like OFF. Last time I used OFF in the evening by the next morning I couldn't see or stand straight and was very nauseus. I had to take several antihistamines and didn't feel completely better for a couple days!

I've also found that breaking off a small camfry branch and bruising the leaves and having it hang out of a pocket helps to keep masquitos away but not as well as the lemon eucalyptus oil.
gatormomx2
12 years ago
There are more than 80 mosquito species found in Florida year round.
I was surprised to read this and find out that mosquitos are active both day and night depending on the species.
Some can fly as much as 25 miles!
Check any object that can hold water.
Even seashells can be a breeding ground for the larvae.
Today I found wigglers in plant saucers and a bird bath.
Those guys were not there yesterday!

This link is quite interesting especially the chart that shows how long different products are effective.

From the same link:
What About Devices That Emit Sound To Repel Mosquitoes?
There is no evidence that wearing devices that emit sound will repel mosquitoes.

Will Garlic, Bananas, Or Vitamin-B Repel Mosquitoes?
There is no scientific evidence that eating garlic, vitamins, onions, or any other food will make a person repellent to mosquitoes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mosquito Repellents
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apapjim
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I don't remember the name but I bought two "mosquito repeling" plants at the Apopka folage festival about 15 yrs ago. I could hear the clerk snickering as I walked away.

PAPA jIM
Truscifi
12 years ago
My mom swears mint helps keep bugs in general away and likes to keep some in a planter by the door. I admit I'm skeptical.
User
12 years ago
plant a lemon eucalyptus tree....no skeeters around it...lou hooked me up with wellsprings gardens...have one huge one, ten in pots and waiting to put in the ground....
gardencraze
12 years ago
Gatermom, I'm laughing so hard while I'm reading this part

"Keep in mind that repellents do not protect all users equally. The effectiveness of a repellent depends on the mosquito species that is biting as well as the age, sex, level of activity, and attractivness of the human using the repellent."
It's the attractive part... I should have known why I get stung so much LOL.
Happy Gaedening
Carmen
gatormomx2
12 years ago
That's a good one.
How sexy do we have to be to be attractive to mosquitos?
Not sure if that is a good thing or not!
fawnridge (Ricky)
12 years ago
If you have sex in the garden, it will, unfortunately, attract the bugs. Go indoors, where you belong.
mrs_tlc
Original Author
12 years ago
I'll have to check out the lemon eucalyptus tree. I was thinking maybe lemongrass might work too.

LOL fawnridge......no sex in the garden for me..I'm afraid of snakes... LOL

We were out on the lanai with some friends last night and mosquito control was flying over several times so hopefully that will help!
Truscifi
12 years ago
"If you have sex in the garden, it will, unfortunately, attract the bugs. Go indoors, where you belong."

LOL!!! My garden is in my front yard...
User
12 years ago
i leave the bark lay as it falls....crush it up...believe me, we have skeeter heaven here! it works....too bad the rest of the yard is like "interview with the vampire!" got ten more in pots and ready to go in the ground by next spring.....thanks lou! mines in the back.....secluded, balmy, tropical, seductive, and full or blood sucking skeeters.......:)