Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to GrowMosquito-Repelling Plants that Work

The “citronella plant“ is a geranium plant marketed as “Pelargoniumcitrosum“, but according to the American Botanical Council, ” ‘Pelargoniumcitrosum’ is not a valid taxonomic designation.”[1] “Pelargonium citrosum” ismarketed as a mosquito plant, or citrosa geranium in stores in the UnitedStates and Canada, but research indicates Pelargonium citrosum is ineffectiveagainst Aedes aegypti mosquitos.[2] “Not only was the plant ineffective atprotecting humans against Aedes mosquito bites, the mosquitoes were seenlanding and resting on the citrosa plant on a regular basis.”[1]

It is not related to true citronella. It contains some essential oil isolates that alsooccur in mosquito repellent plants. It is sold in this capacity .

It is claimed that P.citrosum may be a genetic bonding of the African geraniumwith genes from cymbopogon grass[1], but there is no scientific basis for thisclaim.

The citronella geranium is not to be confused with other mosquito plants, nor with

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the grass also known as citronella. Also, citronella oil does not come fromP.citrosum.

Not to be confused with Citronella mucronata (Chilean Citronella), which is atree.

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5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants @ eartheasy.com

As the outdoor season approaches, many homeowners and outdoor enthusiastslook for ways to control mosquitoes. With all the publicity about the West Nilevirus, mosquito repelling products are gaining in popularity. But manycommercial insect repellents contain from 5% to 25% DEET. There are concernsabout the potential toxic effects of DEET, especially when used by children.Children who absorb high amounts of DEET through insect repellents havedeveloped seizures, slurred speech, hypotension and bradycardia.

There are new DEET-free mosquito repellents on the market today which offersome relief to those venturing outdoors in mosquito season. But there are alsocertain plants which are easy to grow and will have some effect in repellingmosquitoes from areas of your home and garden.

Here are five of the most effective mosquito repelling plants which areeasy to grow in most regions of the US:

1. Citronella

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Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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Citronella is the most common natural ingredient used in formulating mosquitorepellents. The distinctive citronella aroma is a strong smell which masks otherattractants to mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find you. Althoughcitronella is used in many forms, such as scented candles, torches and citronella‘scented’ plants, the living plant is more effective because it has a stronger smell.

Citronella is a perennial ‘clumping’ grass which grows to a height of 5 – 6 feet. Itcan be grown directly in the ground in climate zones where frost does not occur. Ifgrown in the garden or near the patio, it should be planted in the ‘background’,behind small decorative flowers and shrubs. In northern climate zones citronellacan be grown in a large pot or planter, ideally with casters, so it can be rolledindoors during winter.

Gardening centers usually sell citronella as small plants in pots, ready totransplant to a larger pot or into raised garden beds on the ground. Onceestablished, new plants can be propagated in early spring by splitting large clumpsinto smaller sections and replanting the new ‘starts’ in pots or other areas of thegarden. Citronella plants are considered low maintenance, like most grasses, and

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they do best in full sun and well-drained locations. Periodic applications ofnitrogen-rich fertilizers will ensure vigorous growth, but this treatment only needsto be applied once a year, preferably in early spring.

When purchasing citronella, look for the true varieties, Cybopogon nardus orCitronella winterianus. Other plants may be sold as ‘citronella scented’, but thesedo not have the mosquito repelling qualities of true citronella.

2. Horsemint

Also known as Beebalm, Horsemint is an adaptable perennial plant which repelsmosquitoes much the same as citronella. It gives off a strong incense-like odorwhich confuses mosquitoes by masking the smell of its usual hosts.

Horsemint is a fast growing, shade-tolerant and drought-resistant plant whichreaches a height and width of 2 – 3 feet. It does well in dry, sandy soil and cantolerate salty conditions, which is why it is often found in coastal and beach areas.Horsemint seeds can be sown indoors in trays for later transplanting, or sowndirectly into the ground in late summer in colder climate zones. Midwest andEastern growing zones are favoured for growing horsemint.

Mature horsemint plants can be divided in spring and fall by dividing into smallsections and transplanting into permanent locations. Horsemint can also beplanted in pots for moving indoors in cold climate zones.

Horsemint leaves can be dried and used to make herbal tea. Its flowers will alsoattract bees and butterflies to your garden.

Content on this site isused for informationand research only. Tobetter inform generalpublic of selfsustaining, greengardening methods.We do this for thecommon good andnot profit. If for somereason you feel youown the copyrights onnatures methods ofproduction and wantan article removed,feel free to drop us aline @ our emailabove and we willhappily use another

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3. Marigolds

Commonly grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds are hardy annual plantswhich have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes, and some gardeners, findparticularly offensive. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in manyinsect repellents.

Marigolds prefer full sunlight and reasonably fertile soil. Although marigolds canbe planted from seed, starter plants are inexpensive and readily available at mostgarden centers. Although an annual, marigold will often reseed itself in favourableconditions, or the gardener can easily collect seeds for future germination.Established plants will need to be thinned, and flowers should be dead-headed topromote additional blooms.

Potted marigolds can be positioned near entrances to your home and any commonmosquito entry points, such as open windows. The smell may deter mosquitoesfrom going past this barrier. While marigolds can be used as border plants aroundthe patio, we do not advise putting marigolds on the patio table since the brightblooms may attract wasps.

Besides repelling mosquitoes, marigolds repel insects which prey on tomatoplants, so you may want to plant a few marigolds in your tomato bed for addedprotection.

4. Ageratum

source of reference.We do not own thecopyright to anymaterial on this siteunless specificallyimplied per post. Wewelcome anyone toshare this informationon this site in any waythey see fit for thecommon good withcredit going tooriginalauthor/photographerif known. Thank you,Dogma Crew

Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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Also known as Flossflowers, Ageratum emits a smell which mosquitos findparticularly offensive. Ageratum secretes coumarin, which is widely used incommercial mosquito repellents.

Ageratum is a low-lying annual ornamental plant which reaches heights of 8 –18”, and is easily recognized by its blue flowers, although there are varieties withpink, white and violet blooms. This plant will thrive in full or partial sun and doesnot require rich soil. It is often displayed in rock gardens where low-lying plantsare favoured.

Although the leaves of Ageratum can be crushed to increase the emitted odor, it isnot advisable to rub the crushed leaves directly on the skin.

5. Catnip

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Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent. In August 2010, entomologists at IowaState University reported to the American Chemical Society that catnip is tentimes more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insectrepellents. According to Iowa State researcher Chris Peterson, the reason for itseffectiveness is still unknown. “It might simply be acting as an irritant or theydon’t like the smell. But nobody really knows why insect repellents work.”

In the laboratory, Peterson put groups of 20 mosquitoes in a two-foot glass tube,half of which was treated with nepetalactone, a biologically active characteristicconstituent of catnip. After 10 minutes, only an average of 20 percent – about fourmosquitoes – remained on the side of the tube treated with a high dose (1.0%) ofthe oil. In the low dose test (0.1%) an average of 25% – five mosquitoes – stayedon the treated side. When the same tests were conducted using DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide), approximately 40 to 45% – eight to nine mosquitoes –remained on the treated side. A ten-fold higher concentration of DEET wasrequired to obtain results similar to those of the Catnip.

Catnip, Nepeta cateria, is very easy to grow. This perennial herb is related tomint, and grows readily both as a weed and a commercially cultivated plant inmost areas of the US.

While catnip will repel mosquitoes in close proximity to the plant, some peopleapply crushed catnip leaves or catnip oil for more robust protection. Bear in mind,however, that cats will respond to you similarly as they would respond to the plantitself. Cat owners may want to choose an alternative plant for repellingmosquitoes.

While the plants mentioned in this article have been shown to have mosquito-repelling properties, there are environmental variables that can mitigate theireffectiveness. A breeze may direct odors in the opposite direction if advancingmosquitoes, reducing the plant’s effectiveness. Recommend :

Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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Wellness Mama Essential Oil Bug Spray

Wellness Mama Bug Spray Ingredients:

Essential oils: choose from Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, TeaTree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, MintNatural Witch HazelDistilled or boiled WaterVegetable glycerin (optional)

How to Make Homemade Bug Spray:

Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounce) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled waterAdd witch hazel to fill almost to the topAdd 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin if usingAdd 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use,the stronger the spray will be. My personal favorite mix is: Rosemary,Clove, Cajeput, Lavender, Cinnamon and Eucalyptus… it works great andsmells good too!

Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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Make Bug Spray From Dried or Fresh Herbs

Fresh or Dried Herbs Bug Spray Ingredients:

Distilled waterwitch hazel or rubbing alcoholdried herbs: peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, catnip,lavender, etc. I recommend using at least one herb from the mint family.

How to Make Bug Spray From Fresh or Dried Herbs:

Boil 1 cup of water and add 3-4 TBSP of dried herbs total in anycombination from the above. I use 1 TBSP each of peppermint, spearmint,catnip and lavender, and also throw in a couple of dried cloves.Mix well, cover and let cool (covering is important to keep the volatile oilsin!)Strain herbs out and mix water with 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.Store in a spray bottle in a cool place (fridge is great because then its niceand cool!)Use as needed. Added bonus: it smells great and is very refreshing to theskin!

Super Strong Insect Repellent Recipe

Fair warning: this stuff stinks when it is wet, though the smell disappears as itdries. It works incredibly well though, and this is the one I use when I’m going tobe in the woods or in tick infested areas. It is based on a recipe that was

Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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supposedly used by thieves during the Black Plague to keep from getting sick.They used it internally and externally to avoid catching the disease and to keepthe flies and other pests away. According to legend, it worked and they survived…but it definitely makes a great insect repellent these days! Its also veryinexpensive to make and you probably already have the ingredients in yourkitchen!

Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent Ingredients:

1 32 ounce bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and MintAt least quart size glass jar with airtight lid

How to Make the Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent:

Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar.Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily. Shake welleach day for 2-3 weeks.After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles or tincturebottles, preferably in fridge.To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.Use whenever you need serious bug control!

[Note: This mixture is very strong and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Itcan also be used as a tincture for any illness. For adults, dose is 1 TBSP in waterseveral times a day,for kids over 2, dose is 1 tsp in water several times a day.]

Other Simple Insect Repelling Ideas:

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Add vanilla extract to either of the above recipes, or just rub on the skin.You can also mix vanilla with witch hazel and water for a spray version.Rub lavender flowers or lavender oil on your skin, especially on hot parts ofbody (neck, underarms, behind ears, etc) to repel insects.Rub fresh or dried leaves of anything in the mint family all over skin torepel insects (peppermint, spearmint, catnip, pennyroyal, etc or citronella,lemongrass, etc) Basil is also said to repel mosquitoes and I’ve used freshbasil leaves in the garden with great success before!

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This entry was posted on June 14, 2013 by carinaragno. It was filed under flowers, gardening general info, Green Living, recipies, small tips and was taggedwith 5 mosquito repelling plants and flowers, garden facts, garden myths, green living, green witch ;), health, natural bug sprays, natural mosquito repellentplants, natural mosquito repellent recipes .

Related

Lemongrass, Citronella Grass ~Cymbopogon Plant Care Guide

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Wellness Mama Essential Oil Bug Spray

In "gardening general info" In "flowers"

In "flowers"

Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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16 responses

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Old Fart

Wowwww….THANKS …Some good recipes , and I will have

most of these plants and more next spring

June 14, 2013 at 7:47 am

Reply

carinaragno

i have all but the ageratum and citronella/lemon grass,

i want both … ageratum is pretty, think will be

flower of the day

you are welcome, i hope no one puts DEET on the kids

June 14, 2013 at 11:32 am

Reply

Old Fart

Silly me, I had lots of Ageratum few years back

in the garden, before I pulled all out for

vegetables

Yup, be careful with poison

June 14, 2013 at 12:36 pm

carinaragno

aww, you should have moved some … i hope the

nursery here has some grass, last year she sold

that damn geranium. i think i will say

something to her about it, maybe she will give

me credit

June 14, 2013 at 12:37 pm

Very useful, thanks for sharing.

July 11, 2013 at 12:27 pm

Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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Tuscan olivegrove girl

Reply

carinaragno

most welcome,i was suckered into buying the

geranium last year which ended up in my compost

heap ;)i told the lady at nursery and she still defended

plant. i think she was worried i wanted reimbursed lol

July 11, 2013 at 1:16 pm

Reply

Barbara Sims

This gives me more information to fight the buzzing bugs,that

live off our blood. I am going to try to plant some of these.

March 21, 2014 at 3:38 pm

Reply

carinaragno

there should be related link at bottom here on how to

grow the citronella grasses … me too, i have some

planted out back in the wet area and putting some

around the porch this year

March 21, 2014 at 3:41 pm

Reply

Beth CatariusMahoney

Great tips – anyone on how and where to plant

citronella grasses – good for wet areas – marsh

river leads to ocean in my back yard…. any tips?

March 24, 2014 at 2:12 pm

hold on second will look for you

March 24, 2014 at 4:05 pm

Garden Myth ~ Citronella Geranium vs 5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants that Work | Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot

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carinaragno

carinaragno

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopogon_zizan

this looks like would work and also has the pest

repellent qualities

http://auntiedogmasgardenspot.wordpress.com/

citronella-grass-cymbopogon-plant-care-guide/

March 25, 2014 at 11:42 pm

Martin pl

ha! found this page just by luck, but i need to add this article

to my favs as the insect season is coming. Could be very

usefull – thanks for that!

April 2, 2014 at 5:34 pm

Reply

carinaragno

thank you

April 2, 2014 at 6:01 pm

Reply

elba53

Awesome information, thank you!

June 9, 2014 at 12:34 pm

Reply

carinaragno

welcome thank you

June 10, 2014 at 1:41 am

Reply

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