by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: May 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 13, 2011

Give Mosquitoes the Buzz Off with repellant plants.

My mother-in-law gave me a Mosquito Plant for Mother’s Day a few years ago, and our patio has been mosquito-free ever since.

What is a Mosquito Plant?

The Mosquito Plant is an annual geranium hybrid that actually repels mosquitoes. The same plant is also known as the Deodorizer Plant for its strong scent.

Created in Holland, the Mosquito Plant is a genetically engineered hybrid, resulting from the grafting of a scented African Geranium with Chinese citronella grass. It looks like a scented geranium, except that its leaves are more jagged, and it does not produce flowers.

Mosquito Plants may be grown in garden beds or patio pots. They may grow up to three feet tall. Because they are warm-weather annuals, they must be replaced each spring. They can, however, be brought indoors for the winter.

A single plant may repel mosquitoes within a 5- to 10-foot radius, depending on winds. However, for best results, the home gardener will often plant multiple Mosquito Plants in garden beds or patio pots near decks, terraces and other spots where humans are likely to gather outdoors.

Planted in a roomy and sunny spot with ample drainage and healthy soil, the Mosquito Plant may grow to a height of three to four feet.

These plants are not particularly attractive, but their bug-chasing aroma adds to their appeal.

The citronella-like oil in the leaves of the Mosquito Plant is the main mosquito repellant, so the leaves may also be crushed and rubbed on human skin for greatest effectiveness. Of course, it’s important to do an allergy test first, using a small patch of skin, before going all out with a Mosquito Plant rub.

Some scented geranium varieties also send mosquitoes away.

Several scented geraniums may also deter mosquitoes from dwelling near your garden. These are available in many flavors. Lemon balm, mint, citrosa, and cinnamon can be quite effective in banishing the buzzing pests. Most of these varieties actually produce blooms, although the flowers are quite small and generally faded in color.

Marigolds, catnip and rosemary  may be offensive to mosquitoes as well, although these do not pack the punch of the real Mosquito Plants for bug repelling.

Mosquitoes hate citronella candles too.

Citronella candles and torches are quite useful in dismissing buzzing pests from your patio. Burn several for a party. Be careful that the smoke does not blow towards your picnic, though, as it can quickly compete with the aromas and tastes of your sumptuous cuisine.

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