Repelling mosquitoes without harsh chemicals

Question: Dear Master Gardeners, I live close to a lowland area that holds water year-round, I am battling mosquitos every summer. I want to try and battle them with a more organic way instead of harsh chemicals. Can you help me with this problem?

Answer: Great question, and yes, there are plants that do have an ability to repel them, though nothing is 100 percent effective, except removal of where they raise and since this is not an option in your location then plants can help.

First, let’s look at why mosquitos are attracted. Both mosquitoes and ticks are bloodsucking insects. They find us by the scents and gases that all warm-blooded animals and humans produce. Carbon dioxide that is exhaled and sweat are the key attractors. And our summers are not cool ones, so we breathe harder and sweat more. It’s like a dinner bell going off when we are outdoors. Antennae and appendages close to the mouth is how they smell. They can smell over 196 feet away and body heat is the target.

There are those citronella candles that you can purchase and plant-based sprays of all kinds to use on our patios and decks, and those can be helpful as well in addition to plants that have natural repelling scents. We have a list of plants that have qualities to repel mosquitos. Lavender and its oils that you can distill and put on yourself is an awesome repellent. Mint, Rosemary, Bee Balm, Allium(be careful of this plant if you have pets that chew on plants, it is mildly toxic), American Beautyberry, Catnip, lemongrass, Marigold, Lantana, Fennel, Eucalyptus, Basil, Thyme, Scented Geraniums, Ageratum, Sage, Garlic and last but not least is one of the most effective but definitely not attractive plant is the Pennyroyal. It is closely related to spearmint. Its scent is so repelling to mosquitoes it is sometimes called the mosquito plant. This plant is a groundcover and is easily cared for and releases its scent when stepped on. Like allium be careful of planting where pets that chew can get to it, the oils in this plant are toxic. Thank you for your question. Happy Gardening!

Send questions to rheacomg@gmail.com or write to Rhea County Extension Office, c/o Master Gardeners, 125 Court Street, Suite 3, Dayton, TN, 37321.