Warm weather and mosquitoes go hand in hand.  Now, mosquitoes have become a dangerous intruder on your property due to West Nile Disease which is spread by infected mosquitoes.  While not all mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus, it's impossible to tell which ones do.  You want to minimize exposure to all mosquitoes especially around your home.  Here are three plants that will deter mosquitoes from venturing near your property.

Citronella

This is a great hardy plant to introduce in your landscaping.  The citronella fragrance is especially abhorrent to mosquitoes.  It hides your scent so that the mosquitoes aren't able to find you.  Citronella is a grassy perennial and as such requires less maintenance than other plants.  You can grow it directly into the ground or in a large pot. 

Citronella will not survive a frost so if you live in a cooler climate, do take the plant indoors for the winter.  Beware, that a citronella plant can grow to 5 to 6 feet tall so if you are planting it near a patio or deck, place it strategically. 

Make sure that to read the description of the plant before purchasing it.  A lot of plants have the citronella fragrance but do not keep mosquitoes away.  Look for varieties called Cybopogon winterianus or Citronella nardus.

Ageratum

If you want beautiful flowers and keep mosquitoes away, then this is the plant for you.  Mosquitoes quite despise the smell of this plant.  It is an annual plant with a quite spectacular color payoff.  It most commonly has distinctive purplish blue flowers but does come in other varieties with white and pink flowers.  

It only grows up to 18 inches in height so use it in front of larger shrubs or grassy plants as an ornamental highlight to your landscaping.

Catnip

If you want an ally in your war against mosquitoes, look no further than catnip.  An Iowa research team discovered that catnip is 10 times better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, a compound used in commercial repellents.  Catnip, unlike DEET, has no toxic effects.  It's safe on skin and is used in teas and as an ingredient in medicine.

Catnip is a perennial minty herb and produces beautiful white flowers in the summer.  It will cover the ground unless planted in a controlled garden area.  It's best to grow catnip in a pot and place it where you spend the most time outdoors.  Contact Alpine Rock and Block for more helpful tips.

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