Plants with Repellent Properties

When it comes to repelling mosquitoes, it can sometimes seem as if the challenge is insurmountable. Everywhere you go in the summer time, there are mosquitoes gnawing at your neck, legs and any other exposed skin surface. However, if you spend a great deal of time outdoors, especially in the garden, then you may benefit greatly by understanding which plants have repellent properties.

Often, there is a natural solution to a natural problem, such as a mosquito problem. If you find that you are constantly attacked by the tiny critters, then you may want to plant some rosemary, lemongrass or clove plants this year. These three plants, among others, are known to provide insect repelling qualities, especially when their oils are extracted and applied to the skin.

Total there are over 19 known plants and herbs that can help to reduce the occurrence and the nuisance of mosquitoes. However, unlike DEET and other man-made insect repellents, plants with repellent properties often take some loving care in order to make them active. For example, simply waving a twig of rosemary in front of a mosquito may not be enough to keep him away from your body. However, if you were to dawn a coat of rosemary oil or to lavish your body in the scent of peppermint you will have great chance of deterring your pesky neighbors.

In order to actually repel mosquitoes for a prolonged amount of time, you will need to continually apply a layer of the repellent to your skin. One dose will usually wear off quite quickly.

Here is a complete list of oils that can be obtained from the 19 plants with repellent properties: citronella, castor, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, peppermint, close, geranium, verbena, pennyroyal, lavender, pine, cajuput, cinnamon, basil, thyme, allspice, soybean and garlic. Keep in mind that these plants alone will not serve as repellents, but rather, the oil abstracted from these plants can serve as a repellent.

One of the best ways to abstract oil from plants is to boil larges amounts of the plant in very little water. The boiling will put oils from the plant through osmosis and will mix with the water in order to create a diluted, yet homemade, insect repellent.

If nothing else seems to work in order to help you get rid of your bugs, a well-placed bug lamp or electronic bug repellent system may do the trick by sending out uncomfortable vibrations that will deter the bugs. Learn more about them here.