With the nice weather lately, we are sure you have encountered pesky mosquito bites. How can you keep you and your family safe from mosquitos that may carry the West Nile Virus or other allergic reactions? Absolute Pest Control suggests that one of the safest, most eco-friendly, home-based mosquito remedy option is to plant mosquito repellent plants. Here are 3 common mosquito repellent plants that you can find at your local nursery or hardware store:
1. Citronella
Citronella is a medium sized clumping bush that looks nice planted around your patio. Because Citronella is the most common ingredient in most traditional mosquito repellent candles. Traditionally Citronella grows where there is no frost. But, there are several ways to grow it here in Middle Tennessee; planters and covering during the frost season. One thing that people like about these plants is that they are very low maintenance. Grow in full sun in an area with good drainage. When you are at the nursery buying your citronella plants, buy the true varieties. Plants may be marketed as ‘citronella scented’, but these do not have the mosquito repelling ability of true citronella. This is a personal favorite at Absolute Pest Control!
2. Horsemint
Horsemint is a perennial plant that provides a scent that is similar to Citronella. These mosquito repellent plants are fast growing and drought resistant. Salty weather does not bother these plants and they can be found near the ocean. They grow well in Middle Tennessee. During Spring and Fall the Horsemint can be divided into small groups to cover more areas. Bees and butterflies are attracted to this home-based mosquito remedy so take caution if you are allergic.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are a beautiful annuals that are often used as border plants. They are effective mosquito repellent plants in the Nashville area. Their strong smell is disliked by many gardeners and mosquitos. When you use a mosquito repellent that uses Pyrethrum, it is actually derived from Marigolds. These inexpensive plant will reseed itself in favorable conditions. Divide the Marigolds similar to dividing the Horsemint, will decrease dead plants. Planting Marigolds near tomato plants will help reduce tomato plant bugs. We do not recommend using Marigolds on patio tables as they also attract wasps. Wasps are another pest that Absolute Pest Control can help keep away from your home or office.
There are many options to repel mosquitos around your home. Traditional sprays are controversial on their effectiveness and safety. This article provides you with several mosquito repellent plants and a home-based mosquito remedy. Whichever home-based mosquito remedy works best for your family is the direction you should follow. At Absolute Pest Control, we offer a treatment that is applied to a perimeter of your years and can reduce mosquito problems. But, mosquitos are air borne. For this reason, we recommend of service in addition to the home-based mosquito remedy mentioned in this article.
For any questions or concerns regarding servicing your home for mosquitos, or any other pest, please call our Absolute Pest Control office: 615-220-1933.