What can I plant in my garden to reduce mosquito bites? Lemon grass? Catnip? Basil? Lemon Thyme? Best answer?

I have an allergy to the bites I get from mozzies and other flies. I love sitting out in my garden in the summer, but usually end up having to swallow antihistamine like smarties :(

I have read up about some choices when it comes to repellants, but I I would (rather lazily) prefer a growing solution that will be effective and pleasant to look at.

Various marigolds I am told make good repellants, but they also make great slug food, so I dont see too many flowers surviving.

Any practical ideas out there?

Further info - a. I live near a reservoir, so I guess mozzies are going to be around whatever I do.

b. Using a flame thrower or napalm would annoy my neighbours.

c. A green solution would be better.

d. Armoured trousers make it difficult to move, but I agree, are effective.

e. Geraniums may offer a solution, but which ones?
What can I plant in my garden to reduce mosquito bites? Lemon grass? Catnip? Basil? Lemon Thyme? Best answer?
The ends of a fu*k-off big mosquito net?
Reply:I would try the catnip but if that doesn't work just use the marigolds and put some beer in an ashtray and it will drown the slugs
Reply:... try not to wear BLUE mosquitoes are attracted to that color, be sure that there are no stagnant water around you, they love to breed in those places...



with regards to plant the most effective, on which it even caused disorder amongst ethnics and huge repellant companies is the



NEEM TREE...



it has been proven that this tropical tree, native of india repels not only mosquitoes but even cockroaches, it has been a subject for research for a long time, and caused disputes for Intellectual property rights...
Reply:Marigolds are the best. yes taking vitamin b helps depnding how you absorb it also garlic or onions.
Reply:if your the one who knows..,you should know?,
Reply:i hear marigolds r good for that
Reply:WOAH! i was skimming through ur question and all i saw was 'flamethrower'!



i'll never do THAT again...!
Reply:The Mosquito Plant is a genetically engineered geranium hybrid with a unique characteristic: It repels mosquitoes (SUPPOSEDLY)! It is easily grown as a potted patio plant, and easily enjoyed for its attractive foliage and sweet lemony scent, as well as for its mosquito repelling powers. It produces a leafy, attractive, foot-tall plant during its first season.



The Mosquito Plant was created by a Dutch botanist, who genetically incorporated traits of the Chinese citronella grass into a scented African geranium. The resulting cultivar still had the growth and habit of the geranium, and its sweet lemony citronella scent. Citronella is the substance in citronella candles, which have long been used to deter mosquitoes. It doesn't harm them, but they don't like citronella and avoid it. It is most effective as a repellent if you crush a few leaves and rub them on your skin. This releases the citronella and a sweet perfume.

Other Natural Repellents:

These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils.



Citronella Oil

Castor Oil

Rosemary Oil

Lemongrass Oil

Cedar Oil

Peppermint Oil

Clove Oil

Geranium Oil

Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Cinnamon, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium



Keep in mind that 'natural' does not automatically imply 'safe'. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products. Too, when tested, most of these essential oils tended to give short-lasting protection, usually less than 2 hours.
Reply:Start taking vitamin B - they hate it.