Which Plant repels MOSQUITOES?

Question

There is a certain plant which a friend used to grow in her house in Orlando, Florida, which REPELS MOSQUITOES. It is said that mosquitoes stay away from the area where the plant is... any idea which plant that might be? where can I get it??! Need it urgently as there are too many mosquitoes and malaria problems where we live.
thanks so much in advance

Answer 1

Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!
By FARES ALSAGRI

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes.

While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there are some plants that will beautify your yard and help repel mosquitoes.

As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your yard, try planting these attractive plants.

HORSEMINT
Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild in most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it's essential oils are high in thymol.

ROSEMARY
This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, and must be grown as a pot plant in colder climates. If you happen to live in a part of the country where rosemary does not grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil; mix 4 drops with 1⁄4 cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellants, there is every reason to have the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural mosquito repellants on hand as well.

MARIGOLDS
Organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes don't like its scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. They are quite easy to grow from seed.

AGERATUM
This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Don't rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you don't want to keep on your skin in quantity. Ageratums are annuals, and they come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings.

MOSQUITO PLANTS
There are two types of plants that are called mosquito plants. One is a member of the geranium family that was genetically engineered to incorporate the properties of citronella. Citronella only grows in tropical places, but it is a well known repellant for mosquitoes. This plant was created to bring the repellant properties of citronella into a hardier plant. It will grow where any geranium will thrive. Many have questioned its usefulness as a mosquito repellant, but it is attractive enough to warrant planting for it's ornamental value.

The other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it. It is a New Mexico native, also found in parts of Texas. It is, in fact, a member of the mint family and its leaves do have a pungent aroma when crushed. In its native habitat, it is perennial, and is usually hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9a. It blooms late summer to early fall, so it catches hummingbirds on their annual migration. The long, medium pink flowers reel in butterflies as well.

CATNIP One of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial throughout most of the United States. It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea.

With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can't smell them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.

So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape. You can have pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.

Answer 2

If you want to get some mosquitoe-repellant plants in the house, descriptions above are plentiful about that. Also good job makes eucalyptus tree. You could grow it outside (if climate and area allows). I know that Athen (Greece) suffered from mosquitoes until the city have been donated eucalipts by Australia. Now Athen have no problem with mosquitoes. Hope, it would help :)

Answer 3

Pelagonium

Some lesser known methods use the cultivation of plants like wormwood or sagewort, lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon thyme and the mosquito plant (Pelargonium) which act against mosquitoes. However, scientists have determined that these plants are effective only when the leaves are crushed and used and applied directly to the skin.

Answer 4

beautyberry plant
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060703091932.htm

horsemint, rosemary, marigolds, ageratum, citronella, catnip
http://www.thefrugallife.com/mosquitoesgarden.html

cedar, lavender, garlic, cinnamon, peppermint
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-ways-to-repel-mosquitos.htm

Recipe for herbal insect repellant:
Herbal Insect Repellent

2 1/2 teaspoons total of any combination of the following essential oils (available at health food stores): basil, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium and/or rosemary
1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available in liquor stores)
Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Transfer to small bottles for storage. To use, rub a small amount on any exposed skin (test first to be sure your skin will not be adversely affected by the repellent) or dab it on clothing.

Experiment a little to find which essential oils work best with your body chemistry. If you're lucky, you also will like the way they smell; otherwise, add a few drops of peppermint oil to fine-tune the fragrance.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural_health/2003_August_September/Outsmarting_Mosquitos

Answer 5

The Marauhoochii plant ?

Answer 6

catmint will do the job. I'm allergic to mosquitos - just a tip - taking a B complex vitamin will help. They can smell it through your pores, and they don't like it.

Answer 7

The citronella geranium, supposedly, but it may all be an old wive's tale.

Answer 8

venus fly trap and other insect eating plants.

Answer 9

the tree insecent cedar repeals all bugs with its distinctive smell.

Answer 10

mint or catnip