The Plant You'll Want To Add To Your Garden If You Have A Mosquito Problem
If mosquitoes are ruining your time outside, it might be time to experiment with some new ideas for keeping them away from you. Lemongrass may be the best answer, especially if you prefer all-natural solutions. It's all about the citronella in lemongrass. This natural oil acts as a camouflage for the scents we give off, like carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes love. In simple terms, lemongrass throws off their GPS.
But the relationship between mosquitoes and citronella goes beyond just masking. There's evidence to suggest that mosquitoes are genuinely repelled by the scent. Some specialists theorize that citronella might even be a bit bothersome for them, though not in the same way, their bites are for us.
For those leaning towards natural solutions, lemongrass is an attractive option. It's eco-friendly and generally kinder to our skin than chemical repellents. However, if you're venturing into areas with a higher mosquito count, it might also be wise to have some backup, just in case. Perhaps try something with a bit more punch, such as DEET, which is EPA approved.
Mind you, lemongrass as a plant will not keep mosquitoes away. It's what you can do with this easy-to-grow plant that will make this the effective and efficient solution that it is. Here are two great ways to make a homemade mosquito repellent spray using lemongrass.
How to use lemongrass to repel mosquitoes
The first method of repelling mosquitoes with lemongrass involves taking some of its leaves and grinding them up. This part is going to smell great! Once you have ground those leaves up into a paste, use the paste and rub it directly on your skin. Chances are good that mosquitoes won't want anything to do with you, but the paste can be a bit of a hassle and there's a chance that applying it directly to your skin can cause irritation.
With that in mind, the best way to use your lemongrass plant is to make a homemade mosquito repellent spray from it. All you will need is some water, a bunch of lemongrass leaves from your garden, and a pot to put everything in. Next, all you have to do is bring the pot to a boil and wait for the lemongrass leaves to turn yellow. Then, take the pot off the heat and cover it until the next day. Pour your recipe into a spray bottle and enjoy your homemade mosquito repellent.
By grinding its leaves or boiling them to concoct a homemade spray, lemongrass becomes a frontline defense against mosquitoes. It's eco-friendly and offers a natural aroma that's far more pleasing than most commercial repellents. However, it's essential to remain practical. For particularly dense mosquito territories, combining lemongrass solutions with tried-and-true repellents ensures you're covered from all angles. In the age-old battle against mosquitoes, lemongrass might just be the fresh ally we've been waiting for.