Citronella grass, Catnip, Lavender, and Geraniums are some of the most common and effective bug repellents. But what is the best plant for bug repellent? Read on to learn more! Basil is one of the most common and effective plants for bug repellent, but it has other uses too! Here are the top three plants to try out for bug repellent. They are edible and also smell nice!
Citronella grass
For centuries, people have used plants as a natural insect repellent. Ethnobotanists have recorded ancient people growing citronella grass in their homes, hanging dried leaves from the rafters, burning plant parts to produce fragrant smoke, and even treating clothes with plant-based products. But, modern research shows that citronella grass and geranium are ineffective against mosquitoes, at least when grown near other plants or in high-traffic areas.
The citronella grass is a perennial plant native to tropical Asia. This plant grows up to 6 feet tall and four feet wide, with spikes of flowers in summer and fall. It has excellent antispasmodic and antibacterial properties. The essential oil in this plant is also used in skincare and soap products. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, citronella grass is useful in aromatherapy.
To grow citronella grass, it requires regular watering. It prefers moist, loamy soil, so make sure it has plenty of water. Although the plant thrives in most soil types, it requires regular watering and may even need daily watering depending on your climate. Citronella grass can overwinter in pots and is best grown in a sunny window or under grow lights. It loves moisture and needs regular watering, which is necessary if you live in a dry climate.
There are several ways to harvest the oil from citronella plants. Some people grow them in their backyards as a bug repellent. Citronella plants grow as annuals in USDA zones nine or ten. Moreover, they are beautiful, but not very effective. The oil from citronella grass is a highly concentrated liquid, so it’s not recommended for home-use.
Geraniums
The scent of geraniums has long been known to deter insects, but they aren’t the only plant that works. Several varieties of geranium are also used as natural bug repellents. The fragrance of geraniums is so strong that mosquitoes and wasps will not bother to come near them. It is also possible to use a citronella candle or an oil in place of a geranium plant. If you’re on a tight budget, however, geraniums may not be the right choice for your garden, but they can be used in containers, as well as in high traffic areas of your home.
Citronella-producing geranium plants can be effective bug repellents, but they’re not perfect. They must be crushed and spread on hands, whereas geranium leaves are too weak to suffocate insects. Lemongrass is also a natural mosquito repellent, but it can grow up to four feet high in full sun. The best part is that citronella geranium plants don’t make you feel sick like an old lady.
Scented geraniums are popular with gardeners because they have a citronella-like fragrance. PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG recommend them to keep mosquitoes away. Their odor is comparable to that of citronella grass. They also thrive well in dry climates and are easily grown in planters. Aside from being an effective bug repellent, geraniums are beautiful companion plants, and can be used in a variety of ways.
Some geranium varieties are toxic to pets, but not to humans. Scented geraniums are not toxic to cats or dogs, but some scented varieties are used in the cosmetic industry. Geraniums also have a small effect on repelling mosquitoes. Some types are sprayed on plants and placed near them, but it is unlikely to be as effective as citronella or geranium extract.
Lavender
There are many ways to use lavender as a bug repellent, including hanging a sprig near your door or window to keep mosquitoes at bay. Another way is to infuse body oils with lavender essential oil. Both methods repel insects. Lavender is a natural bug repellent, and is considered to be safe for people. If you’re allergic to essential oils, do not apply them to your skin.
One way to use lavender to ward off bugs is to make sachets or pillows with dried lavender flowers. This scent will keep mosquitoes at bay for six to eight hours. You can even buy sachets online or sew them yourself. In addition to these methods, you can plant lavender in your home or garden. This plant will deter insects while also attracting helpful pollinators.
Crushed lavender leaves release chemicals that repel insects. Make sure to test the plant for allergic reactions before using it. If you do, you’ll have an effective bug repellent. If lavender isn’t your favorite scent, you can use rosemary to repel mosquitoes. Sage is another effective insect repellent. Applying rosemary to clothing will keep mosquitoes away as well. Another effective option is soaking rosemary leaves in water. It repels mosquitoes and flies, and can be tossed on a grill for added effect.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of humans and their carbon dioxide. Insect repellents have been around for centuries, but they have now found a more natural way to repel mosquitoes: by planting lavender in the garden. The plant’s natural scent will keep mosquitoes away, and the benefits are far-reaching. It is also safe to use lavender in places where people will often be outside.
Catnip
The scent of catnip is believed to keep mosquitoes away. In one experiment, mosquitoes feasted on blood placed in a dish covered with a nylon sock and doused with catnip. Because mosquitoes don’t get used to the scent, they became resistant to the insect repellent. But despite this, catnip was a great choice for repellent for both humans and pets.
You can make a tea from catnip to keep mosquitoes away. You can either make your own tea or purchase an aroma-stick-like product. If you want to apply the fragrance more often, you can try catnip essential oil. But be aware that this product is quite expensive. Catnip essential oil can be mixed with unscented skin lotion to produce a longer-lasting effect.
Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which is more powerful than DEET, the active ingredient in most insect repellents. In fact, catnip has been shown to repel mosquitoes ten times more than DEET, the chemical found in most insecticides. A research team at Iowa State University discovered the effectiveness of catnip two years ago.
Researchers have discovered that the chemical component found in catnip is a potent natural insect repellent. It stimulates a receptor in the brain that triggers pain and itchiness. This receptor is called TRPA1 and is found in all animals, including humans. The reaction is similar to that of wasabi or tear gas, which are irritants to humans. The research has many implications for developing countries.
This plant grows best as a border plant in the garden. In addition to deterring many garden pests, it can be used to repel mice, rats, and flea beetles. And while cats are the main target of catnip, insects can be kept away from your plants by growing catnip in containers. The plant will grow in your garden if you add enough catnip to it.
Rosemary
Growing sage and rosemary is an effective bug repellent. Sage can be used to season food, while rosemary leaves can be smoked to deter mosquitoes and flies. Both herbs can also be used to repel moths and silverfish in clothing. Using these herbs to repel bugs is a great idea if you are outdoors frequently. For added benefits, rosemary can also serve as a mosquito repellent.
Using the essential oil of rosemary will also help keep mosquitoes away. Crushed rosemary leaves are highly effective, and you can use them in containers. You can also boil rosemary leaves in a quart of water for about thirty minutes. The rosemary liquid should be chilled before being applied to the skin or to pets. The solution can also be stored in the refrigerator and misted around the house to keep bugs away. While using the oil, you must remember to discard the rosemary after it loses its potent smell.
Crushed leaves of rosemary and catnip are also effective repellents. For best results, mix them in a glass jar with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Rolling the herbs in this mixture will release the oils. Then, apply the spray to the skin. If you use a natural plant repellent, don’t forget to check for allergies before you apply it.
Another perennial herb for bug repellent is sage. This plant is good for landscaped beds or patio planters. Its woody aroma will deter cabbage moths and carrot flies. It can also be burned for repellent purposes. For outdoor use, sage works well in containers and as decorations. The scented smoke from sage is also a good way to repel unwanted insects.
