Mosquito (Repellent) Plants?

The mosquitoes have taken over the airways in our neighborhood.    Step outside and you’ll be dancing the jig of the Skeeter Swatter in no time. 

I’ve often heard that some plants repel mosquitoes if you plant them around your yard.  Have you heard that?  I’m thinking that I’d have to plant a thousand of them for it to work.  Not that I’d mind.  They smell really nice.

But it’s probably not happening. 

While we were in Pennsylvania, though, we visited our favorite plant nursery.  It’s known for carrying a huge selection of hard to find plants and I was excited that they still had a few of their scented geraniums for sale (above). 

This plant (I’ve since read) is grown from a hybrid blend of Citronella grass and Geranium.   Sometimes called the Mosquito Plant, it gives off a sweet lemony scent when you rub the leaves.  People say you can break off a leaf, rub it on your skin, and enjoy natural insect protection.

Does it really work?  I have to admit, I’m a little skeptical.  And I don’t want to steal any leaves from my tiny plants just yet.  But I plan to try it out.  (I’ll let you know!)

However, I would have bought them even if I hadn’t heard what people use them for, just because I love to smell them. 

And smell like them.  Lol!

I also found a plant there that I didn’t know existed.  It’s a type of lemony mint.  Oh my goodness, it smells heavenly!!!  I think it will be wonderful in tea, though I haven’t tried it yet.  It needs to grow a little first.

It will probably take over the back yard before I know it.  But I’m not sure I’ll mind.  Seriously.  And it can’t hurt the war on mosquitoes any.

What do you use to keep the pests away?  We have a can of repellent (with DEET) next to each door.  But I hate to use it unless we’re going to be out for a long time.

We also really like Avon’s Skin So Soft, and this stuff by Cutter.

A few years ago, we had a neighbor stop in to chat and I about split a gut laughing.  She had a dryer sheet hanging over each ear.  When she realized she forgot to take them off, she sheepishly said that she heard they kept mosquitoes away…  (not to mention, keep the neighbors wondering…Lol!)

What kinds of things have you done or heard of to fight mosquitoes?  Won’t you PLEASE share with the rest of us?!!  :)