As summer quickly approaches, we have all been plagued with a common annoyance: mosquitoes. Is it my imagination, or are these pesky critters getting bigger and hungrier? So many people I know are getting companies like Mosquito Authority of Norman to help get rid of them because they are becoming such an issue! On top of this, there are also many natural ways to repel these insects using your herb garden.

Citronella (photo below) is the most commonly known plant for repelling those nasty mosquitoes. This perennial’s scent masks the smell of the mosquito’s target, making it hard for mosquitoes to locate us! It is used in many insect repellents, but the scent of the living plant is stronger and more effective. Just a quick rub of the leaf emits the fragrance. Citronella can be found as a small, potted plant but if planted into the ground, it can reach 5-6 feet.

Horsemint is another perennial that also gives off a strong, masking scent to hide us from the ‘skeeters. This perennial does well in dry, sandy soil and can be found in coastal climates. Horsemint is good to have in your herb garden for more reasons than one. Not only will it repel the mosquitoes, but it will also attract butterflies!

Though they are beautiful in color, Marigolds also produce a scent that mosquitoes find repellent. Use these annuals as a border plant for patios and walkways to deter mosquitoes in their tracks! Planting marigolds around areas frequented by mosquitoes can create a barrier. Did you know that the mosquito’s saliva is what causes the itch? Yuck! Try planting them in front of open windows to keep insects out of the house! But be careful! The bright colors might attract wasps!

On a recent vacation, we were attacked over and over again by mosquitoes so we decided to do a little research. As it turns out, mosquitoes are attracted to the scents we emit. These scents we emit also explain why some people get bitten more than others. Mosquitoes can smell the carbon dioxide are emitting, as well as our bodily scents. So, the more carbon dioxide you breathe out, the more attractive you are to mosquitos! Having some of these herbs and perennials in your garden can help by covering up those tasty smells and making us almost invisible to mosquitoes! I keep many of these plants on and around my patio during the summer. I even bring them inside in the winter so they will be healthy and big when summer and ‘skeeter season rolls around again!