11 herbs to keep mosquitoes away

We have been waiting for summer for a very long time, but with its arrival we begin to protect ourselves from the side effects of heat: we buy sunscreen and, of course, repellents. Some herbs repel mosquitoes just as well as store-bought ones. Plant them in a garden bed or on a windowsill to sleep peacefully.

(Total 11 photos)

Source: lifehacker.ru

1. Citronella

Citronella is one of the most popular ingredients in mosquito repellents. Growing citronella in garden beds or on a windowsill is very easy. This is a perennial herb that grows in bunches and rises quite high.

She has such a strong smell that mosquitoes simply do not notice others behind him, therefore they do not react to people. The aroma of fresh citronella is stronger than the smell of repellents, so it is perfect for scaring away bloodsuckers.

In our latitudes in open ground, the plant turns into an annual. If you want lush bushes, then plant citronella in containers that you put away for the winter in warm rooms.

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2. Melissa

Unlike citronella, lemon balm can survive the winter outdoors. We are used to brewing leaves as an additive to tea and do not know that they can be used to repel mosquitoes. Melissa grows quickly, spreads by itself, you do not need to take care of it. Sow the area and make sure that the grass does not flood the entire garden. It will also look great on the windowsill and fill the room with mint and lemon scents.

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3. Lemon catnip

Lemon catnip, which is often called catnip, looks like lemon balm. Cats really love this grass and react to its aroma with a loud purr. Mosquitoes have a different opinion about this plant.

Kotovnik repels mosquitoes better than DEET. At the same time, grass, unlike repellents, does not cause any complaints from environmentalists.

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4. Marigolds

Traditional city flowers keep mosquitoes and other insects away. Able to grow along busy roads, survive even after landing by inept hands. Plant them around the country house so that mosquitoes do not want to fly to visit.

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5. Basil

Two in one! Seasoning and mosquito repellent. Basil has many varieties that differ in shape and color, so you can also decorate a window sill or garden bed with unusual combinations. The plant is annual and easy to grow.

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6. Lavender

A beautiful plant with a soothing fragrance that is best grown in pots (or to help it survive a cold winter). What is not flavored with lavender! But mosquitoes do not like her essential oils.

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7. Peppermint

Mosquitoes hate the smell of peppermint. And not just mosquitoes. The essential oil of this plant is one of the best spider repellents (for which it is almost impossible to find special remedies). And if a mosquito does bite you, rub the juice of the plant into the bite to relieve itching.

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8. Garlic

Mosquitoes don't care how much garlic you eat. The smell from the mouth for insects is not an obstacle. But green shoots of garlic in a flower bed will scare away mosquitoes away from the gazebo.

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9. Swamp mint

This kind of mint has a very strong smell, so many people don't like its strong flavor. But in open areas where the smell is not concentrated in space, it helps to cope with mosquitoes. And its flowers attract many butterflies.

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10. Rosemary

Ways to use rosemary are usually concentrated in cookbooks. But in the flower bed, the plant behaves as well as pennyroyal: repels mosquitoes and attracts butterflies.

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11. Geranium

Garden geraniums have one main purpose - to please the eye. It is easy to plant, easy to care for, and the choice of species and varieties benefits landscape design.

And of course, garden geranium repels mosquitoes.