Mosquito Advice
If you get my weekly newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s situation regarding the need for ways to keep the bugs away during summer outdoor potlucks. (if you don’t get my newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner of the blog). Here are a few thoughts I had regarding her request for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Molly
Dear Midge,
Mosquitoes sure are pesky, aren’t they? If you’re going to be hosting the outdoor potlucks my first thought is what types of plants you have in your flower beds. Did you know there’s a handful of perennials that naturally repel mosquitoes? Even if you plant them near your seating area this year, they will come back and grow larger every year (and help to repel bugs for years to come). Before planting, be sure to check out what zone each grows best in and details on size and sun requirements.
- Citronella
- Horsemint
- Marigolds
- Ageratum
- Catnip
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Lemon balm
- Garlic
Of course you can choose to light citronella candles or light tiki-type torches with citronella scented oil. Using a screened in porch for eating (if you have one) would help your guests to enjoy a bug-free meal. If you are in a location that permits campfires, the smoke given off by the fire will help to deter mosquitoes from your immediate perimeter. Another bonus to a campfire is the ambiance and opportunity to make s’mores!
Mosquitoes love standing water so planning your party after a heavy rain storm might not be the best choice. Waiting until things dry up will hopefully help decrease the insect population. I hope your potlucks go smoothly and great memories are made!
Love ya, Molly
You might also like to know that if you get bit by mosquitos, one of the easiest and best things you can do is pick a plantain leaf from your yard, rub it between your hands to crush it somewhat and place it on the bite. Be sure you know what plantain looks like before using it.
Molly says: I’ve actually heard that tip before but I never did learn to properly identify plantain. I think you’ve peeked my curiosity with your tip- I’m going to now to learn how to identify this helpful plant. Thanks for sharing!
Something I have used with success in the past – one of the sprayer bottles that attach directly to your garden hose for adding things to your lawn/flower beds/etc. – fill the bottle with lemon juice and then attach to your hose. You’ll want to do this the DAY OF the event. Spray the yard with the lemon/water mix….it keeps the “bugs” away for the day…sometimes longer and all it costs is a couple $$$ for the lemon juice, unless you have a juicer where you can juice your own lemons (can cut costs even more). Also Avon’s Skin So Soft is a wonderful product to use as a bug repellent – can be wiped on skin, furniture you’ll be using, sprayed on yard,etc. These can help while you are waiting for your flowers to “grow” into the space and work for their purpose of repelling them.
Molly says: Wonderful and frugal ideas! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m especially intrigued about the use of lemon juice to deter bugs!
My Grandmom used plantain leaves to heal infected wounds also. I haven’t tried this but she insisted it worked.
Molly says: Thank you for sharing! I’ve also heard plantain leaves work well on bee stings. You can find them in about every yard in North America! Be sure to properly identify this plant before using it medicinally.