Know How to Keep Insect Away

Each one of these plant families has specific attributes to them which help repel mosquitoes. The best part is that they are backed by science and research therefore you are guaranteed to see results. 

The main thing we’re looking for when determining if a plant will help ward off insects in the garden comes down to a few main factors. One factor is its ability to either mask or lessen the appearance of CO2 and lactic acid in the air. Mosquitoes in particular are looking for CO2 in lactic acid because it is a sure sign that mammals are in the area. If we are able to mask the levels of CO2 then we are ultimately able to convince mosquitoes that there is no food in the area. 

If we are not able to mask the signs of human activity in our next best bet is to deter them with scent. Luckily there is some sense out there that mosquitoes and insects, in general, do not enjoy. This means that despite the fact that the mosquito is able to see CO2 it will not come in contact with you because the force field of aromas prevents the mosquito from interacting. 

We’ve all heard of citronella candles. Citronella candles are commonly used to determine not only mosquitoes but also black flies. It is not actually specifically citronella that deters these bugs but actually the entire species of Cymbopogon grass. This means anything that is in a similar genus waffle so work. Another common plant in the genus that we’ve heard of is lemongrass. 

Citronella candles are working off the scent more so where is citronella why aren’t actually deters mosquitoes through masking carbon dioxide. It’s specifically the oils in the plant that help disguise your inactivity. 

The best to activate the benefits of this plant is actually to ruffle the leaves. If we ruffle the leaves it emits sand and also spreads the oil on our hands. This will help disguise you from mosquitoes and even black flies. 

In 2009 there was a research study conducted by the Korean society of applied on entomology. In the study, they looked at effective ways of repelling mosquitoes. They specifically determined that plants in the basil family were superior to doing this. 

Basil effectiveness and warding off mosquitoes and insects actually comes from the phytoextracts within the plant. You’re probably wondering what exactly a phytoextract is and how it is effective in the garden.

A plant that is capable of phytoextraction is able to remove it dangerous elements and compounds from the soil. Usually, these come in the form of heavy metals or just metals that can be toxic to organisms in high doses. These plants are commonly used in phytoremediation to clean up abandoned mining sites or areas that are considered toxic. 

Basil is effective at killing mosquito larvae in particular with its phytoextracts. There are three in particular that the basil plants are able to carry. These include methanol, petrolium, and crude carbon tetrachloride. The crude carbon tetrachloride in particular is good at not only repelling mosquitoes but also killing their larvae.

Having basil plants on hand will repel the mosquitoes. And if we have consumed or rubbed basil leaves on her arms and neck we are even more protected. So be sure to plant some basil this year have it on your porch and in your food. 

Catnip is another great deterrent for both mosquitoes and bugs. Catnip obviously makes cats go crazy but it makes mosquitoes run. It’s not the actual cabinet itself that deters the mosquitoes but anything in the mint family. 

This means if you were looking to ward off black flies and mosquitoes plant mint in any form throughout the garden and deck area. This can come in the form of mint, spearmint, catnip and the list goes on. Catnip and mint in general is so effective at repelling not only mosquitoes it was determined in the study it also is effective at repelling things such as mice. 

Sage is one of the oldest tricks in the book. First nations in North America commonly use sage to deter mosquitoes and bugs. Using sage as a mosquito repellent isn’t as simple as just placing it on the porch. You actually need to grow it and then harvest it. 

After it is harvested you then want to let it dry out in the heat of the sun. After that, we can add it to a barbeque pit to help repel mosquitoes. It is specifically the smoke from the sage that deters the pest. 

I personally find sage to actually be a very beautiful plant on its own. So think about incorporating that sage into your flower decor. It is unlikely that anyone will notice and you will be able to plant more of it. Meaning you will have more sage to burn and therefore more mosquito repellent. 

Lavender and marigolds for mosquito repellent are very well known. Well, it’s not fully understood why lavender and marigolds tend to repel mosquitoes. It is thought that the reasoning is due to the scent. 

If you didn’t know Marigold and Lavender have a very distinct smell. Some may characterize their flowers send as overwhelming. However, if you enjoy the sound of both Marigold and Lavender then using is in your garden may help prevent not only mosquitoes but other pests as well. 

Due to their intense aroma, you may want to moderate how much you put in a small space. Especially if you are sensitive to smells. 

Well, it’s official you now have a list of plants you can incorporate in your garden this year to repel against mosquitoes and pests. Some of these plants will look beautiful as foliage or Accent pieces in a pod while others can be a standalone statement piece. Keep in mind all these plants can be grown not only in containers but in the ground. Try spreading these Lance throughout the yard. Intercropping them with your vegetables and flowers. Because they repel mosquitoes they also in many cases will repel pests. If you utilize these plants in your garden you will not only be mosquito-free but you very well may be passed free in general.