What Are Some Plants That Repel Mosquitoes?

When enjoying your porch or patio in the evening, you might have some mosquito problems. Sprays can repel them. Candles can do the job as well getting rid of mosquito problems in the area. One solution to mosquito problems is planting plants that can help repel mosquitoes. Enough of these plants around your porch or other area that you like to enjoy yourself, you can have a natural barrier to mosquito problems.

Rosemary - This herb helps with mosquito problems. The issue with this plant is that it only grows well in hotter environments. If you are in a cold environment, you can get rosemary oil to help with the problem.

Marigolds - These plants have been used for insect problems for quite sometime. Organic gardeners have used these to repel aphids. Mosquitoes happen to not like this scent as well.

Catnip - This plant works a bit different because it's normally applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes. Grow it around your yard and from time to time use it on the skin if mosquitoes are in the area.

Citronella Grass - This plant is used for many natural mosquito repellents because of it's oil, citronella oil. This too is normally applied to the skin. It's also found in many commercial products for controlling mosquito issues.

Also consider growing these plants as they are effective against mosquitoes and other pests: garlic, peppermint, lemon balm, lavender, clove, eucalyptus, and ageratum.

Some plants work better when turned into oils that can be put on the skin or even burned to make an aroma that repels mosquitoes. Many of these scents and smells are found in some of the more natural mosquito control products. You can purchase the little pots that sit on your table to keep the mosquitoes away. They work to a certain degree but not always. Depends on how bad the mosquitoes are at that time.

While these might not be a total solution to mosquito problems, these plants will help. It's less likely mosquitoes are going to breed in areas heavy with scents that they don't like that much.

One way of controlling mosquito problems is with plants. Find out which plants can repel mosquito problems in your yard. Don't let the summer go without enjoying the outdoors in your yard. Being outside when the mosquitoes are being a pest can make the outdoors not very inviting. Using the plants will eliminate using the bug spray so much.

Phil has been writing articles for several years for his many websites on different subjects. His current project at http://www.officephonesystemsonline.com will help people choose office phone systems that meet their communications requirements for their office.

Natural Ways to Repel Insects

Bothered by flies, mosquitoes and other bugs? The best protection from pests is prevention. You can easily avoid insects and the diseases they bring by following a few simple steps.

Here are some tips adapted from "The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide."

Make yourself as unattractive to insects as possible. Black or brown clothes can provoke some insects, while white clothes will drive them away.

Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes, suntan lotions and other cosmetics when going outside.

Don't wear loose-fitting clothes so insects won't be able to get in them. Bare as little skin as possible.

Wear shoes instead of sandals.

Keep car windows closed.

If you're susceptible to insect bites, let someone else mow the lawn, trim the hedges and tend the flower garden.

Garbage cans should be cleaned regularly, sprayed with insecticide, and tightly closed.

When having a picnic, avoid staying near trees with plenty of ripe fruit.

The surest way to get rid of mosquitoes and other pests is to use an insecticide. Of the many products in the market today, which should you choose?

An important point to consider when buying an insecticide is that it should be deadly only to insects - not to man or the environment. Admittedly, that golden rule can be hard to follow since a very thin line separates efficacy from toxicity. While many insecticides can effectively rid your home of bugs, they are also suspected of causing cancer and other chronic effects. The long-term risks of others remain unknown.

The trick, therefore, is to choose the lesser evil. It's true that all insecticides have the potential to cause trouble if they aren't used properly. However, some products are less hazardous than others. The information in this article will, hopefully, help you make the right decision.

The most popular insecticide which is seldom used nowadays is dichlorodiphenyl - trichloro-ethane or DDT. It was first used in 1945 and became man's first line defense against malaria-carrying mosquitoes mainly because it is cheap, effective and readily available.

Concern about its possible carcinogenic effect, however, prompted the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the use of this insecticide in 1972. Studies show that DDT is not only harmful to man, it is also an environmental hazard. It can accumulate in fish and affect the reproductive capabilities of birds and other animals. (Next: Other controversial insecticides.)

To strengthen your body against diseases that bugs bring, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com