Keep Mosquitoes at Bay with These 9 Varieties of Mosquito Repellent Grass

Mosquitoes are one of the most irritating insects that can spoil a perfect summer evening in the garden. Not only do they cause itchy bites, but they also transmit serious diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus. While there are many chemical-based mosquito repellents available in the market, they often contain harmful ingredients that can cause skin irritation or other health problems. Fortunately, nature has its own way of keeping mosquitoes at bay - through mosquito repellent grass.

In this blog post, we'll explore nine varieties of mosquito repellent grass that you can plant in your garden to naturally repel these pesky insects. So, let's get ed!

The Top 9 Varieties of Mosquito Repellent Grass

1. Citronella Grass

Citronella is probably the most well-known mosquito repellent grass. It contains citronella oil, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects. You can grow citronella grass in pots or plant it directly in your garden. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

How to Use Citronella Oil as a Mosquito Repellent:

You can extract citronella oil from the leaves of citronella grass by crushing them and mixing them with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Apply the mixture on your skin before going outside to repel mosquitoes.

2. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a refreshing lemon scent that repels mosquitoes. It's easy to grow and can be used in teas and cooking as well. Lemon balm prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to Use Lemon Balm as a Mosquito Repellent:

Crush fresh leaves of lemon balm and rub them on your skin to keep mosquitoes away. You can also make a spray by steeping lemon balm leaves in hot water and letting it cool before spraying it on your skin or around the area you want to protect from mosquitoes.

3. Catnip

Catnip is a herb that contains nepetalactone, a natural mosquito repellent that is up to 10 times more effective than DEET, the active ingredient in most commercial insect repellents. Catnip can be grown in pots or directly in your garden, and it prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Catnip as a Mosquito Repellent:

Crush fresh catnip leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. You can also make a spray by boiling catnip leaves in water for 10 minutes, then straining the liquid and adding a few drops of essential oil like lavender or peppermint.

4. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is known for its calming properties, but it also repels mosquitoes. Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

How to Use Lavender as a Mosquito Repellent:

You can crush fresh lavender leaves and rub them on your skin to keep mosquitoes away. You can also make a spray by steeping dried lavender flowers in hot water for several hours, then straining the liquid and adding a few drops of essential oil like eucalyptus or tea tree.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also repels mosquitoes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

How to Use Rosemary as a Mosquito Repellent:

Crush fresh rosemary leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. You can also make a spray by boiling rosemary leaves in water for 30 minutes, then straining the liquid and adding a few drops of essential oil like lemon or basil.

6. Basil

Basil is another herb that is commonly used in cooking and has mosquito-repelling properties. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

How to Use Basil as a Mosquito Repellent:

Crush fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin to keep mosquitoes away. You can also make a spray by steeping basil leaves in hot water for several hours, then straining the liquid and adding a few drops of essential oil like lemongrass or peppermint.

7. Peppermint

Peppermint is a refreshing herb that not only repels mosquitoes but also acts as a natural insecticide against other pests like ants and spiders. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to Use Peppermint as a Mosquito Repellent:

Crush fresh peppermint leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. You can also make a spray by steeping peppermint leaves in hot water for several hours, then straining the liquid and adding a few drops of essential oil like citronella or tea tree.

8. Lemon Grass

Lemon grass contains citronella oil, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects. It's easy to grow and can be used in teas and cooking as well. Lemon grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Lemon Grass as a Mosquito Repellent:

Crush fresh lemon grass leaves and rub them on your skin to keep mosquitoes away. You can also make a spray by boiling lemon grass leaves in water for 10 minutes, then straining the liquid and adding a few drops of essential oil like lavender or peppermint.

9. Marigold

Marigold is a colorful flower that not only adds beauty to your garden but also repels mosquitoes. It contains pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that is commonly used in commercial mosquito repellents. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Marigold as a Mosquito Repellent:

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden or in pots near areas where you spend time outdoors to naturally repel mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellent grass is an effective and natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay without using harmful chemicals. By planting some of these varieties in your garden or outdoor space, you can enjoy a mosquito-free summer without worrying about the health risks associated with commercial mosquito repellents.

FAQs

Q1. Are these mosquito repellent grasses safe for pets?

Yes, most of these plants are safe for pets. However, it's always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before introducing any new plants to your pet's environment.

Q2. Can I use these mosquito repellent plants indoors?

Yes, you can use these plants indoors. However, keep in mind that some of them may require more sunlight than others.

Q3. Can I plant these mosquito repellent grasses in pots?

Yes, most of these plants can be grown in pots. Just make sure to choose a pot with good drainage and use high-quality soil.

Q4. How often do I need to water these mosquito repellent plants?

The watering needs of these plants vary, but generally, they prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. It's best to check the soil regularly and water when it feels dry to the touch.

Q5. Do I need to fertilize these mosquito repellent plants?

Some of these plants benefit from regular fertilization, while others don't require much fertilizer at all. Check the specific care instructions for each variety to determine if and how often you should fertilize.