Difference between revisions of "Use Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away"
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#* If you live in a cold, freezing climate, plant citronella in large planters. This way, you can move the planters indoors during freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions. | #* If you live in a cold, freezing climate, plant citronella in large planters. This way, you can move the planters indoors during freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions. | ||
#* Verify that the citronella plants you use are called Citronella winterianus or Cymbopogon nardus, as opposed to plants labeled "citronella-scented," which may not be authentic citronella plants. | #* Verify that the citronella plants you use are called Citronella winterianus or Cymbopogon nardus, as opposed to plants labeled "citronella-scented," which may not be authentic citronella plants. | ||
| − | #Try growing other herbs that repel mosquitoes. Not only will you have something that you can use in your cooking, but you will be keeping the mosquitoes away. Many herbs also develop small white or purple flowers. Here are some popular herbs that keep mosquitoes at bay:<ref>http://www.accidentallygreen.com/natural-ways-to-repel-mosquitoes/</ref> | + | #Try growing other herbs that repel mosquitoes. Not only will you have something that you can use in your cooking, but you will be keeping the mosquitoes away. Many herbs also develop small white or purple flowers. Here are some popular herbs that keep mosquitoes at bay:<ref name="rf1">http://www.accidentallygreen.com/natural-ways-to-repel-mosquitoes/</ref> |
#* Basil | #* Basil | ||
#* Garlic | #* Garlic | ||
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#Plant marigolds on the border of your lawn or garden. The smell that these flowers emit will prevent mosquitoes from entering a specific area, functioning similar to a border. | #Plant marigolds on the border of your lawn or garden. The smell that these flowers emit will prevent mosquitoes from entering a specific area, functioning similar to a border. | ||
#* Plant marigolds in areas with fertilized soil that can be exposed to full sunlight at all times. | #* Plant marigolds in areas with fertilized soil that can be exposed to full sunlight at all times. | ||
| − | #Try some other flowers that are known to repel mosquitoes. They will add color and fragrance to your yard, while keeping mosquitoes at bay. Consider planting some of these flowers into flower pots, and placing them near doorways and windows. Flowers that repel mosquitoes include:<ref>http://www.naturallivingideas.com/11-plants-that-repel-mosquitoes/</ref><ref>http://commonsensehome.com/natural-mosquito-repellents/</ref> | + | #Try some other flowers that are known to repel mosquitoes. They will add color and fragrance to your yard, while keeping mosquitoes at bay. Consider planting some of these flowers into flower pots, and placing them near doorways and windows. Flowers that repel mosquitoes include:<ref name="rf2">http://www.naturallivingideas.com/11-plants-that-repel-mosquitoes/</ref><ref name="rf3">http://commonsensehome.com/natural-mosquito-repellents/</ref> |
#* Geranium | #* Geranium | ||
#* Mums | #* Mums | ||
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=== Using Plants to Make Sprays and Rubs === | === Using Plants to Make Sprays and Rubs === | ||
| − | #Crush and rub certain mosquito-repelling plants onto your skin. This is great if you are going some place where your mosquito-repelling plants won't be present, such as on a hiking trip. You may want to do a small patch test first on your inner elbow, however, to ensure that you are not allergic to the plant. Keep in mind that these plants will only protect you for 1 to 2 hours.<ref>http://www.wildernesscollege.com/plants-that-repel-mosquitoes.html</ref> Consider crushing and rubbing any of these plants on your arms and legs: | + | #Crush and rub certain mosquito-repelling plants onto your skin. This is great if you are going some place where your mosquito-repelling plants won't be present, such as on a hiking trip. You may want to do a small patch test first on your inner elbow, however, to ensure that you are not allergic to the plant. Keep in mind that these plants will only protect you for 1 to 2 hours.<ref name="rf4">http://www.wildernesscollege.com/plants-that-repel-mosquitoes.html</ref> Consider crushing and rubbing any of these plants on your arms and legs: |
#* Catnip, Citronella, Clove | #* Catnip, Citronella, Clove | ||
#* Eucalyptus | #* Eucalyptus | ||
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#* Tea tree | #* Tea tree | ||
#* Vanilla leaf | #* Vanilla leaf | ||
| − | #Make a mosquito-repellent with fresh basil, water, and vodka. Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of hot water over a handful of fresh basil leaves. Wait 2 to 4 hours, then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Discard the leaves. Add ½ cup (120 milliliters) of vodka. Close the bottle and shake it to mix. <ref | + | #Make a mosquito-repellent with fresh basil, water, and vodka. Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of hot water over a handful of fresh basil leaves. Wait 2 to 4 hours, then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Discard the leaves. Add ½ cup (120 milliliters) of vodka. Close the bottle and shake it to mix. <ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Be sure to squeeze the basil leaves to get every last bit of liquid out. | #* Be sure to squeeze the basil leaves to get every last bit of liquid out. | ||
#* You can also use catnip and rosemary instead of basil. Let the herbs step for 1 hour instead. | #* You can also use catnip and rosemary instead of basil. Let the herbs step for 1 hour instead. | ||
| − | #Try some mosquito repelling potpourri. Take some of the herbs or flowers mentioned in the section above, and dry them out. Tie herbs into bundles, and hang them from doorways and windows. Separate the petals from the flowers, and arrange them in pretty bowls. Leave these bowls on windowsills and deck tables where mosquitoes are likely to be present.<ref | + | #Try some mosquito repelling potpourri. Take some of the herbs or flowers mentioned in the section above, and dry them out. Tie herbs into bundles, and hang them from doorways and windows. Separate the petals from the flowers, and arrange them in pretty bowls. Leave these bowls on windowsills and deck tables where mosquitoes are likely to be present.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#* To release the mosquito-repelling sent, simply rub the herbs or petals between your fingers. | #* To release the mosquito-repelling sent, simply rub the herbs or petals between your fingers. | ||
| − | #Use some rosemary in your cooking. The next time you decide to barbecue, sprinkle some rosemary onto your chicken or steak. Not only will you be flavoring your meal, but you'll be keeping those pesky biters at bay.<ref | + | #Use some rosemary in your cooking. The next time you decide to barbecue, sprinkle some rosemary onto your chicken or steak. Not only will you be flavoring your meal, but you'll be keeping those pesky biters at bay.<ref name="rf1" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
