Plants vs. Mosquitoes

My neighbor and I were talking this morning about mosquitoes; exciting conversation right?

Anyhow her house backs up to a ravine, but they had little (almost minimal) problem dealing with mosquitoes last year.

Granted they have a screen porch in the backyard I see them all the time playing with their children and dogs outside on the grass – same time we are outside enjoying the summer days.

We spray on insect repellants, burn candles, wear “protective” clothes (light long sleeved shirts) and etc., but we are still eaten ALIVE!!!
I don’t know what to do anymore!

I saw a segment, in one of those HGTV shows, about mosquito misting spray or MistAway Systems where the company strategically places each misting nozzle sprays to create a “dome” or “shield.”

Mosquito Mist Away System is an automated system to control insects like spiders, mosquitoes, gnats, fleas and flies.

These nozzles are installed around the perimeter of your house (e.g. fence lines, decks, on trees, flowerbeds and etc.) to give most efficient and effective protection of your family.

I would love to have this system installed around our fences (so we can REALLY enjoy our backyard), but unfortunately I couldn’t find local companies offering such services around us – poor me!

Also, I couldn’t find the average cost of installing such device – I am not asking for an exact number, but the general idea of what would cost me.

SO … since I didn’t win the lotto, and the money tree I have planted last year didn’t grow so well I opt for cheaper alternative ways to control mosquito infestation.

Last night I searched online to see our local nurseries carry citronella plants, and found bunch of information about natural (and effective) ways to repel mosquitoes.

This is basically what I learned …

Pelargonium citronellas are known as the mosquito plant and looks like lemon grass

Citronellas are also known as cymbopogon nardus

There are citronella scented geraniums in the market – works very well against those pesky insects

There are other alternative plants:
1.    Horsemint — grown in most eastern US, Mexico, and up to Minnesota to Vermont
2.    Herbs like Rosemary are natural mosquito repellants
3.    Marigolds
4.    Ageratum — contains coumarin; which mosquitoes detests, but don’t rub it against your skin
5.     Mosquito plant — lso known as agastache cana or Texas hummingbird mint or bubblegum mint, or giant hyssop or giant hummingbird mint
6.    Catnips — most powerful mosquito repellant – 10 times more effective than DEET; but short lived perennials

I have also read, from online reviews, that these plants don’t work or doesn’t work that well against mosquitoes.

Apparently, Pelargonium citronella plant(s) must be shaken by the wind to distribute the citronella fragrance, and all the other plants’ leaves must be crushed to release their aroma – that’s the trick.

You just can’t have these plants on the table or plant stands or in baskets to repel these blood thirsty insects – you have to initialize the repellant process by releasing the plants aroma.

I guess it’s really not that difficult to do.  Hey, if I get five less mosquito bites a night I’ll crushed those dang thing for hours.

Reference:

Johnson, S.  Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!  thefrugallife.com
Retrieved on 4/1/2009 from  http://www.thefrugallife.com/mosquitoesgarden.html

Plantfiles: citronella grass, Nardu, Capim Santo Cymbopogon nardus.  Davesgarden.com  Retrieved on 4/1/2009 from http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62172/