With summer comes the good inviting weather. The heat brings about the desire to be outdoors, but this carries with it the fact that you are likely to have to deal with mosquitos. Taking an eco-friendly approach to getting rid of the biting, bumps, and potential health hazards these bloodsuckers bring is important. Mosquito repellent plants are valid alternatives, completely natural compared to the most common chemical repellents on the market.
Most chemical repellents contain amounts of DEET (diethyltoluamide) ranging from 5% to 25% and there are considerable concerns about the potentially toxic effects these substances can have in the long term, especially on children. These plants are not only repellent but also aromatic herbs which can be used in cooking but pay attention to your planting location. A light breeze could disperse the repellent aroma, therefore, drastically reduce its effectiveness and allowing the mosquitoes to feast joyfully on your blood.
These 18 plants are simple to grow and could afford you a summer full of peaceful sleep.
1. Geranium (Geranium sylvaticum)
Decorative, fragrant, and particularly colored, the geraniums are a family of herbaceous plants native to the southern part of the African continent. Widespread in temperate and subtropical regions. What you did not know, perhaps, is that their smell is a powerful natural repellent against insects especially mosquitoes and midges, to the point that some have renamed the geraniums “mosquito away”. It is a plant whose flowering is very rich which is simple to grow and the maintenance care to be given is not excessive. In short, this plant is perfect for beginners and can, in fact, reach a meter and a half in height.
A frequent mistake with geraniums is the tendency to water them too much. These plants are very resistant to drought and need to be watered only when the substratum is completely dry. It is important to remember that you must avoid wetting the leaves to avoid inducing rotting and cryptogamic diseases that may ruin this beautiful plant.
