Sam has my big brown eyes. Nice genetic bonus to being my kid.
Nasty swelling & days of itching from every bug bite she gets, not so great gene.
But to make up for it I'm going to do my darndest to keep the little buggers away so we can still enjoy the summertime outside, starting with a "Mosquito Planter".
Or maybe I should call it the "Anti-Mosquito Planter"
The main anti-mosquito part of the plant is scented geranium, the lady at the nursery said they're the same thing as Citronella plants. I think I believe her because they smell just like an all natural Citronella candle. Kind of like the citrus notes without the chemicals if your nose can picture that. Also in the planter are garlic chives, spicy oregano, regular geraniums (just for pretty) & catnip. (Although the catnip is really fragrant, I just threw it in there because I needed something that would cascade down the sides of the planter & also because P's cat hates me.)
So far so good, I planted it right next to the back door so hopefully the mosquitoes will stop swarming around the dogs while they wait to come inside. I also gave Sam a little scented geranium next to her playhouse. If it doesn't work surely the one-eared bunny will. Scary.
Another plant whose odor is supposed to repel biting bugs is Peppermint. I planted one on it's own because I was scared to put it in the planter with the others. At the nursery the Peppermint plants were going berserk with their little shoots crawling all over the plants next to them & wrapping every which way. That herb is a total clinger.
I also used an all-natural spray around & under our deck since it's the perfect dark, wet breeding ground. I'm hoping my efforts will shut down the mosquito brothel without having to use any harsh chemicals. If you have any other suggestions please pass them along!
Please do not copy & paste any of my content without prior permission, pictures of Samster & Sophie are strictly prohibited. Links to my post however are always welcome!
But to make up for it I'm going to do my darndest to keep the little buggers away so we can still enjoy the summertime outside, starting with a "Mosquito Planter".
Or maybe I should call it the "Anti-Mosquito Planter"
The main anti-mosquito part of the plant is scented geranium, the lady at the nursery said they're the same thing as Citronella plants. I think I believe her because they smell just like an all natural Citronella candle. Kind of like the citrus notes without the chemicals if your nose can picture that. Also in the planter are garlic chives, spicy oregano, regular geraniums (just for pretty) & catnip. (Although the catnip is really fragrant, I just threw it in there because I needed something that would cascade down the sides of the planter & also because P's cat hates me.)So far so good, I planted it right next to the back door so hopefully the mosquitoes will stop swarming around the dogs while they wait to come inside. I also gave Sam a little scented geranium next to her playhouse. If it doesn't work surely the one-eared bunny will. Scary.
Another plant whose odor is supposed to repel biting bugs is Peppermint. I planted one on it's own because I was scared to put it in the planter with the others. At the nursery the Peppermint plants were going berserk with their little shoots crawling all over the plants next to them & wrapping every which way. That herb is a total clinger.
I also used an all-natural spray around & under our deck since it's the perfect dark, wet breeding ground. I'm hoping my efforts will shut down the mosquito brothel without having to use any harsh chemicals. If you have any other suggestions please pass them along!
Please do not copy & paste any of my content without prior permission, pictures of Samster & Sophie are strictly prohibited. Links to my post however are always welcome! 
SO smart! I'm doing this like, tomorrow. :D
ReplyDeleteThat last picture is the CUTEST. I can't resist pups and littl'ns :)
I read that you can get yellow outside flood lights. Bugs aren't attracted to yellow light, just white lights so it keeps the bugs away when outside in the evening. I know this will not help during the day, but thought I would share.
ReplyDeletep.s. you can find them at home depot
We use an all natural soap called Buzz Off. We purchase through Prairieland Herbs in Woodward, IA. http://www.prairielandherbs.com/ We used it last year and I found that it did help. They also have Buzz Off wands- chap stick like things that you put on your pressure points.
ReplyDeleteI think this year I might try using it in my homemade laundry detergent. Every little bit helps:)
I just might have to make a stop at the nursery tomorrow...
I recommend Mosquito Deleter for the yard, it's a trap that kills the larvae before the mosquitos even mature.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mymosquitodeleter.com/
Good luck!
When we sit outside, we use a fan. The mosquitos can't fly in the wind it creates. I just take a tower fan outside with us. It doesn't make too much noise and makes a nice breeze in the heat!
ReplyDeleteremove all sources of standing water, and get some of those torches that burn citronella oil. The smoke coils work well too but are more offensive-smelling.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for the mosquito deleter. I used one last year on my front porch and they were all gone within a week. I've since ripped out the massive pile of weeds the previous owner left, no mosquito problems this year!
ReplyDeleteI've also heard that marigolds will repel them. I have them planted in my back yard, we'll see if they work.
I never knew plants would be a deterrent, thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I need to get myself to the nursery to get some mosquito repellent plants!! I feel like I can't even enjoy our backyard because we're constantly under attack...thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteI hate mosquitoes! I love your idea of using the citronella scented plant. I've been buying some mosquito prevention items from Gempler that have been working well. You may want to try
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gemplers.com/list.aspx?listNo=homepage-sale&ICID=WBMOSQ
I'll definitely be trying some of your ideas as well!
This is awesome!!!! Thanks SO much!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's my understanding that a drop of bleach in any standing water that's around will kill the baby mosquitoes. My children are exactly the same way and my six year old went to school with a mosquito bite and two teachers called to tell me about it because it was so swollen and huge. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the planting tips. I will porbably put them to good use as the midges like to swarm exactly where I intend to put my table & chairs.
ReplyDeleteHope You & Sam get through the summer without to many bites.
Where I live, we basically hide inside for a few months. lol. Actually, the city sprays, because they get so brutal. The weather has been so weird lately though that the skeeters are nowhere to be seen! Yay! Under normal circumstances, it gets joked about that it's our provincial bird.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for the 'secret recipe' really need this now!
ReplyDelete