Anti-Mosquito Plants. What Are They Like And How Do You Take Care Of Them?

Most plants that repel insects do so with their natural fragrances, which ward off pesky mosquitoes and add pleasant scents throughout the garden. If you don’t want to get wet or wet your garden with chemical insecticides, you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Put them in areas where guests are often, such as a seating area or a doorway.

What do you need for Anti-mosquito plants? And how to take care of them?

• Knowing the right places: One of these plants will be of little use to you if you do not know which places are the most frequented by mosquitoes or other insects.
• Pay attention to them: Do not neglect your plants so that their effect and aromas that they give off are always as effective as possible, keeping mosquitoes away, learn how to maintain them.
• Keep your house and surroundings clean: Apart from the plants, it would be good to clean the areas of your house that may be dirty and that could be causing mosquitoes and other insects to come closer.

Instructions for anti-mosquito plants. And how to take care of them

The following list will show some of the anti-mosquito plants that you can have to keep those annoying insects away from you and your family. Take note of their details and the proper way to care for them, apart from the fact that they are very easy to grow.

1. Citronella: this is the most used natural ingredient in the creation of mosquito repellents. Citronella’s distinctive scent is a strong odor that masks other attractions for mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find you. Although citronella is used in many ways, such as scented candles, torches, and “scented” citronella plants, the live plant is more effective because it has a stronger scent. Citronella is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 150 to 182 centimeters. If grown in the garden or near the patio, it should be planted in the “bottom”, behind small flowers and decorative shrubs. Once they take hold, the new plants can be propagated in early spring by dividing the large clumps into smaller sections and repotting the new “starting” in pots or other areas of the garden. Citronella plants they are easily maintained, like most grasses, and do best in full sun and well-drained locations. Periodic applications of nitrogen-rich fertilizers will ensure effective growth, but this treatment only needs to be applied once a year, ideally in early spring. When shopping for citronella, look for the true varieties, Cybopogon nard us or Citronella winteriness. Other plants may be sold as “citronella-scented,” but they don’t have the mosquito-repelling qualities of true citronella. True citronella is safe when crushed and applied to the skin, but is most effective when applied as oil.
2. Horse mint. Also known as balsam, horse mint is an adaptable perennial that repels mosquitoes in the same way that citronella does. It emits a strong incense-like odor that confuses mosquitoes by masking the scent of its regular hosts. Mint is a fast – growing, shade-tolerant, drought-resistant plant that reaches a height and width of 60 to 91 centimeters. It does well in dry, sandy soils and can tolerate saline conditions, which is why it is often found in coastal and beach areas. The seeds of mental can be sown indoors in trays for later transplanting, or sown directly into the ground in late summer in cooler climates. Midwestern and Eastern growing areas are preferred for growing this plant. Horsemint can also be planted in pots to move indoors in cold climates. Mint leaves can be dried and used to make herbal tea. Its flowers will also attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
3. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound that is widely used in repellents. Marigolds prefer sunlight and reasonably fertile soil. Although marigolds can be planted from seed, starter plants are inexpensive and available at most garden centers. Although an annual marigold often reseeds itself under favorable conditions, or the gardener can easily collect the seeds for future germination. Planted plants will need to be thinned, and flowers need to be deadheaded to promote additional blooms.
4. Potted marigolds can be located near home entrances and any common mosquito entry points, such as open windows. The scent can deter mosquitoes from passing this barrier. While marigolds can be used as border plants around the patio, putting marigolds on the patio table is not recommended as the bright flowers can attract wasps. Not just mosquitoes, but calendula repels any insect. Therefore, if you want to plant tomatoes, place marigolds nearby, to expel the typical bugs from the tomato plant.
5. Ageratum. Also known as Floss flowers, Ageratum gives off an odor that mosquitoes find aggressive. Ageratum secretes coumarone, which is widely used in commercial mosquito repellants. Ageratum is a low-growing annual ornamental plant that reaches a height of 20 to 45 centimeters and is easily recognized by its blue flowers, although there are variations with pink, white and violet flowers. This plant will thrive in full or partial sun and does not require rich soil. It is often displayed in rock gardens where low-growing plants are preferred. Although the leaves of Ageratum can be crushed to increase the odor emitted, it is not advisable to rub the crushed leaves directly on the skin.
6. Catnip Catnip (catnip) is a natural mosquito repellant. In August 2010, Iowa State University entomologists reported to the American Chemical Society that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellants. Catnip, Neetacoterie, is very easy to grow. This perennial herb is related to mint, and is easily grown as a commercially cultivated herb and plant in most areas of the US.
   While catnip repels mosquitoes near the plant, some people apply crushed catnip leaves or catnip oil for more robust protection. Keep in mind, however, that cats will respond to you in a similar way to how they would respond to the plant itself.

Tips for anti-mosquito plants. And how to take care of them

• Learn about the use of the plant on your skin: Some plants are not always safe to use on your skin, so do not apply all of these to your body without any precautions.
• Keep an eye on your pets: Your pets could also be affected by the odors of your plants, so it is important that you realize if your dog or cat is suffering from odors.
• Ask for advice: Seek help from plant experts on which ones would be best for your home, depending on your conditions.