Show Mobile Navigation
, , , , , ,

Top 5 Plants to keep mosquitoes away summer

Zak Ben - Thursday, March 13, 2014
Summer is undoubtedly the most beautiful time of the year. Long days, sea bathing, sun, more social life, outdoor activities and so on. If it were not for the mosquitoes would be the perfect season!  

With the heat and humidity, the mosquitoes return to keep us company, sunsets in the summer evenings outdoors with their unpleasant bites, disturbing our sleep. In recent years, with changes in weather and climates more and more hot and humid, the mosquitoes have become a real scourge, both in homes and in the garden.

And if they find a body portion discovery or not protected with appropriate products ... there is no escape. These industrial products contain an average of substances ( diethyl-from 5% to 25% ) which, if used frequently, can have toxic effects, especially on children.

If, however, these industrial repellents are not enough or if you prefer to opt for a more "green," using mother nature, we suggest 5 plants "mosquito" , which will surely help to keep away these pesky insects, while respecting the environment and avoiding the use of insecticides. 

Plants very easy to take care of and that we can all keep safely in the garden or on the terrace. Here we go.

Top 5 natural plants to keep mosquitoes away

1. La citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)



Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with very long leaves that can reach up to about 90 cm. 

For its quality, the strongly aromatic Lemongrass was used in traditional medicine for digestive disorders, to keep away the mosquitoes and colds.

Its stems are sturdy, similar to the barrel and can reach a height of 150 cm. Leaves and stems exude a scent, slightly citrusy, which becomes much stronger if the leaves are rubbed between the fingers. Native to Asia, particularly India and Thailand, it is considered the number one anti-mosquito and prefers mild temperatures that do not drop below 8 ° C. 

Citronella is very popular for its property to keep out insects, through its essential oil that is extracted from its leaves by the method of steam distillation that gives off a scent reminiscent of citrus and carries a refreshing and revitalizing both the body and the spirit is.

In the Middle Ages the nomads from Asia brought tropical lemongrass in Europe. Here, for centuries, it was used in the fermentation of beer and wine in the production of aromatic.

2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)


The etymology of the name may derive as much from rosemary "rus maris," dew of the sea, that "pink maris" sea of ​​pink.

The rosemary plant is known to everyone for its sweet smell and healthy, as well as a variety of other uses, but the mythological legend related to Leucotoe princess, daughter of the king of Persia Laocoontenon , it is not known  to everyone equally. 

Apollo, the sun god , fell in love with this princess, and coming with the deception to his room, he seduced her.  's father, came to the attention of dishonor, condemned to death her ​​daughter. But the god Apollo, through the rays of the sun spread over the tomb of the princess, transformed the body of the young in a beautiful and fragrant plant that rose into the sky, a symbol of immortality, but still tied to the land by powerful roots, almost want to avoid the transience of life.

The rosemary is a perennial plant , unaffected by frost and lives for many years. A native of the Mediterranean countries is found naturally along the coast and up to 1500 m asl  It 'a plant, shrub, perennial, with a bushy habit, which can reach a height of 3 meters. S prigiona a smell that has a natural repellent , for the presence in it of aromatic substances, and  contributes greatly to ward off mosquitoes.

3. The Catambra


The Catambra is a plant of the family bignogniacee native of Boreale.

It is a shrub, medium or small size, which thanks to the presence of a substance called catalpolo, is able to keep away integers swarms of mosquitoes. Although odorless to humans, the catalpolo issued by Catambra is very volatile and with a powerful mosquito repellent and is, therefore, absolutely biological half then. This plant can be grown both in pots in the open field.

The Catambra,  which can reach a height of 3.5 meters and a canopy width of up to 6 meters, has a characteristic rounded shape and is very durable. Can be exposed to both the sun is in the shade.  did not need to be pruned, not flowers and especially not emit odors perceptible by humans.

In an era where the safeguard health and environmental protection are very high, this plant is a significant success and is used mainly with the aim of intensifying the fight against annoying mosquitoes.

4. (Nepeta Cataria)


Nepeta cataria is a herbaceous plant branched enough that can also be used for ornamental purposes. Its origins are European, Asian and Middle Eastern. 

In our country it is quite frequent in the north, in the hills and mountains in the background. It 'rare in Central and South America and is absent in Sicily and Sardinia.

The name "nepeta" comes from the Etruscan city of Nepet which seems to have been cultivated. And "catus ", cat , for the strong predilection of these animals to the plant.

The catnip is an effective medicinal plant. Its infusion is a mild sedative, similar to valerian that is taken to facilitate sleep. It is useful in the treatment of headaches,  colds and also turns out to be an amazing and functional natural repellent.

A study conducted by Iowa State University entomologists this plant was 10 times more effective than diethyl substance contained in the common chemical repellents. It 's very easy to grow and require very little care.

5. The Monarda (Monarda punctata)


The Monarda is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Labiatae (Lamiaceae), indigenous to North America. Monarda The botanical name derives from the Spanish physician, Nicolaus Monardes (1493-1578), one of the founders of the new pharmacognosy. 

Although this plant is very easy to grow, with great adaptability. It grows very quickly and prefers sunny places.  

The Native Americans used its leaves to prepare an herbal tea, which appeared ideal for curing the flu, colds and fever control, as it greatly increases the sweating. The essential oils of Monarda are rich in thymol, which is an effective fungicide and bactericide.

It also has great repellent properties similar to those of lemongrass. Emanates, in fact, an intense pungent smell that is able to ward off mosquitoes.