ALL GARDENING ZONE

It’s that time of year

Where we all run out and spend tons of money on mosquito repellents.  Though most of us are aware that Citronella and Lemon Grass will help ward off the blood sucking insects; beyond those two, most aren’t aware that there are tons of plants that are foes to the flying menace.  Below we have listed several additional plants that you can become familiar with and place around the yard and house as you see fit.

lemongrass

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Lavendar

Lavendar (Lavandula angustifolia )

Wild Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla) is a plant native to the northwest and Japan. Indigenous peoples were known to hang bundles of the dried plants in and around their dwellings to keep mosquitoes and flies away. The plant can be rubbed on the skin fresh or dried to deter mosquitoes. I think its interesting that it often grows in shady, moist areas – the very places where mosquitoes can be the thickest.

wormwood

Sagebrush, Wormwood, and Mugwort (Artemisia spp.) are in the same genus (plant grouping). All of these species can be used as an aromatic smudge that is known to be a very effective mosquito repellent. The crushed leaves can also be applied directly to the skin. These species grow in the drier habitats of the west, including the plains, deserts, and mountainous regions.

pineapple weed

Pineapple weed (Matricaria matricarioides) (pictured above) is a common weedy species that grows all over North America. It can be found growing in lawns, edges of roads, and other disturbed areas. The aromatic crushed plant can be applied to the skin to help repel mosquitoes.

Additional wild plants known to repel mosquitoes:

Nodding onion (Allium cernuum)

Wild bergamot

Wild bergamot (Mondarda fistulosa)
Snowbrush (Ceonothus velutinus)

Sweetfern

Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina)
Cedars (Thuja spp.)