Ahhh….finally it’s getting warm and we can wear t-shirts, shorts, and bare feet – Yipee! UNTIL….those pesky mosquitoes appear. There’s no quicker way to ruin an evening picnic or stroll than by being attacked on all sides by voracious, fierce, and downright disgusting mosquitoes.
For those who really aren’t thrilled about spraying chemicals all over their skin and becoming living perfumed advertisements for the OFF company, here are some herbal suggestions that just may do the job. Not only will you feel better about your cologne of choice, but you’ll even be able to enjoy the extra benefits of being surrounded by such beautiful foliage and flowers.
Basil
Lemon basil and cinnamon basil are deliciously scented choices for mosquito repellents. Try taking some of these leaves and rubbing them directly on your skin. The oils may make you smell a tad bit like an Italian eatery, but mosquitoes aren’t fond of such cuisine, so go for it!
Catnip
Hmmm…I wonder if cats know a little more than their humans do about this plant? Mosquitoes find catnip disgusting! Trim your plant back often so it doesn’t take over your yard – unless of course you are an extreme cat lover – or grow it in baskets or pots. I have mine in the ground in areas where my kitty is free to roam and roll as he likes, but also some in pots. And come to think of it, I don’t see many mosquitoes following or landing on him! Maybe we people should get out there and do a little nip-rolling as well! At the very least, take the leaves and rub them all over you. Did you know it has been used by many instead of DEET? Pretty powerful stuff I’d say!
Citronella Grass
Citronella oil is pretty popular in candles and other products out there used to repel mosquitoes. Many candles and lanterns have lined walkways of folks who know its secret. This one is NOT to be broken and spread all over your skin. It can cause quite an irritation. But you can and should plant it along walkways and throughout your frequented outdoor patio as a fragrant natural deterrent. It’s quite beautiful and will add a nice tropical feel to your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds are used by many gardeners as anti-buggers. Pretty and useful, they can be used as borders in and around gardens and patios, or on porches and in pots as well. They are probably not what many would call highly pleasing to the olfactory senses, but perhaps for that same reason mosquitoes don’t like them either. Marigolds come in many different varieties of both colors and sizes and can fit into almost any herb or veggie garden. This is another plant that is best left off the skin – just let its natural odor do its thing and repel while you sit near them.
Rosemary
“Parsley, sage, rose-mary and thyme….”
Scarborough Fair – meaningless to most people today, these herbs spoke to the imagination of medieval people as much as red roses do to us today…though I don’t think mosquitoes would agree to that explanation at all. In their brainless heads, rosemary is just awful! Certainly no tasty treat worth loving. But we with a brain do love it – for both cooking and warding off the nasty creatures! Keep it thriving in well drained soil and full sunlight, and it will be easy to grow. I have some that even wintered over very well in my greenhouse and my guinea pigs are really happy it did! Try mixing some with water in the blender, straining it then dabbing it on yourself. It’s always a good idea to test a small area of skin to see if for some strange reason you have a reaction, but it should be fine for most people.
So there you have it – five ways to keep mosquitoes at bay without smelling like a chemical factory. Maybe a restaurant – but is that so bad? Other plants that may be used include lemon balm, lavender, and other mints, all of which can be rubbed onto the skin. So get out there and show those winged tormentors just who’s boss! Enjoy your summer!
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If you would like to contribute to this feature with your own nerdy thoughts, please write me at patty@littleacornmedia.com with herb nerd as the subject.