Gardening Sweet Spots
By Donna Hessel
What Do You Know About Mosquitoes?
We usually think of them as a nuisance and possible disease threat. But what do we really know about them? The scientific side of my brain prompted me to find out. So, for your elucidation, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, meet Ms. Mosquito. (Yes, it’s the females that bite.)
The slender, elongated body of the adult is covered with scales as are the veins of the wings. Mosquitoes are also characterized by long, fragile-looking legs and elongated, piercing mouthparts. The feathery antennae of the male are generally bushier than those of the female. The males, and sometimes the females, feed on nectar and other plant juices. In most species, however, the females require the proteins obtained from blood in order to mature their eggs.
Eggs are laid on a surface of water and hatch into aquatic larvae, or wrigglers. The larvae feed on algae and organic debris. The adults mate soon after emerging from their pupal cases. Mosquitoes are attracted to host animals by moisture, lactic acid, carbon dioxide, body heat, and movement. The mosquito’s hum results from the high frequency of its wingbeats. The female’s hum may help you recognize a mosquito ready to attack.
Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
When choosing plants for your gardens, especially those close to doorways or areas in which you like to relax, plan to include one or more of these. In addition to repelling pests, they will add wonderful scents throughout your garden.
- Lavender – Lavender’s lovely fragrance comes from essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. It is even said that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell!
- Marigolds – Marigolds are an easy-to-grow annual flower and can be included in beds or grown in pots placed near your patio or deck. They also repel aphids, thrips, whiteflies, tomato hornworms, squash bugs and bean beetles. So you get a lot for your money when you invest in marigolds!
- Citronella Grass – Lemon Grass – Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. The living plant is the most effective at repelling pests. Low-maintenance, it does best in large planters and can also be used to flavor food. It cannot withstand frost.
- Catmint – Found to be ten times more effective than DEET, which is the chemical used in most insect repellant, catmint grows abundantly everywhere. It’s in the mint family and you may want to plant it in a pot to keep it in bounds.
- Rosemary – Its woody scent keeps away mosquitoes. It grows well in a container and can also be used to flavor food.
- Basil – The pungent smell of the basil leaves is what keeps pests away. All kinds of basil work to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay, so mix a few different types into your garden. This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun. You can also plant basil in containers.
- Scented Geranium (Citronella) – The favored scent is lemon, which is reminiscent of citronella grass. The strong fragrance keeps several types of pests away. These fast-growing plants like it warm, sunny, and dry. They can be grown in planters but will need constant pruning.
- Bee Balm (Monarda) – Bee balm, also known as Monarda or horsemint, attracts good bugs and butterflies while repelling mosquitoes. Plus, you’ll enjoy flowers in shades of red, pink, lavender or purple. Crushing the leaves releases the fragrant oils.
- Mint – Mint of all kinds is an excellent, nontoxic option for keeping mosquitoes, flies and even ants away. The more pungent the aroma, the better. I grow chocolate mint (or rather it grows itself rampantly) and I use it to make a delicious, refreshing ice tea, too. It can also be dried, bagged in mesh bags and used in your home as a natural pest control.
- Sage – Toss some sage into the flames of your firepit and its earthy smell will ward off bugs. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray.
- Allium – Both garlic and onion repel mosquitoes. You can enjoy the flowers of various types as well.
Natural Ingredients that Repel Mosquitoes
If you’re taking a hike, on a camping trip or just hanging out in your back yard with your kids or grandkids, you might want to consider using an essential oil as a natural repellant that doesn’t contain DEET (the chemical component in commercial bug repellants).
Essential oils should never be put on the skin directly. They are always diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond oil. The recipe is usually 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil. Always buy oils from a reputable source as the products are not FDA regulated. Before using any new product, spot test it on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that hives or a burning sensation do not occur. This is especially important when planning to use the repellant on a child. Natural repellants are easy to make. Here are some to consider.
- Lemon eucalyptus oil – You can create your own mixture with 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel. Researchers caution against using the mixture on children under 3 years of age.
- Lavender – Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. You can also drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto your skin.
- Cinnamon oil – To make a diluted 1 percent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants. Be careful when applying cinnamon oil, as a concentrated dose can irritate your skin.
- Thyme oil – For a homemade brew, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water. You may also want to throw thyme leaves into a campfire. Research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes.
- Peppermint oil – If you are targeted by those tiny black gnats that bite and leave welts that itch and take a week to disappear, try making a solution of ½ bottle of peppermint extract (food flavoring found in bakery aisle) in 5 or 6 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray it on your hands and swipe them through your hair and around your hairline, on your neck and ankles. Spray some on your shirt collar, sleeves, socks – wherever you tend to be bitten. Peppermint scent also repels other buggy pests.
Commercial Repellants Contain DEET
DEET stands for a chemical named N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. It’s the active ingredient in various commercial repellents, such as liquids, lotions and sprays. Products containing DEET repel by preventing the bugs from being able to sense human scent. If you decide to use a commercial product containing DEET, take these precautions:
- Don’t apply it to skin under clothing or on irritated skin
- Don’t apply it to hands or other places where it might be ingested
- Don’t use too much product
- Wash it from your skin or clothing when you return indoors
- Don’t let young children apply DEET products on their own and keep it away from their eyes and mouth
Avoid Getting Bitten
Remember that mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Use citronella torches and candles when sitting outside after dusk.
Prevent water from collecting and becoming stagnant; mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs even in a tiny spoonful of standing water. Mosquito rings, also called Dunks, can be used virtually anywhere you have standing water. Empty, scrub, or toss things like buckets, baby pools, pots, garbage cans and bird baths.
Mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothing like tights or yoga pants. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover both arms and legs for the most protection.
Stay in screened-in areas and repair any holes or tears in screens. If you have air conditioning, switch it on instead of opening windows.
Replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights, which tend to attract fewer mosquitoes than ordinary lights.
Enjoy the remaining summer evenings chasing fireflies or sitting around the firepit with friends by taking precautions against those pesky mosquitoes.
Article Sources:
(10 Natural Ingredients that Repel Mosquitoes) – Article included various medically researched sources – Feb 10, 2023; Written by Kareem Yasin, Ashley Marcin
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Website
Mosquito Description –Lifestyle – Ency. Britannica
Garden Gate online newsletter – 6-16-23
Photos courtesy Pexels.com
