Mosquitoes are the bane of summertime. They will pester you wherever you go, even in the middle of winter if you live where they can survive. If there were only one thing you could do to keep them away from your yard, wouldn’t you want it? Well, I have news for you. There is one plant that is reputed to be able to help with this problem: lemon balm. This herb has been used for centuries as a bug repellent and has shown some promise as an insecticide against mosquitoes when applied topically or inhaled through steam inhalation baths or teas (all methods are discussed below).
How well does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?
Lemon balm is a herbaceous perennial that grows in USDA zones 3 through 8. It’s also known as “bee balm” because of its sweet smell, and it’s been used for centuries to make herbal teas, salves and other skin products. Because of its pleasant scent, you may want to plant lemon balm around your home or yard in order to keep mosquitoes away from you—but does it work?
The answer is yes! But not as well as some other methods: research suggests that lemon balm oil can help protect against mosquito bites by up to 60% when applied directly onto the skin (source). However, this doesn’t mean that people should stop using DEET insect repellent right now—DEET still remains the most effective option at keeping mosquitoes away from humans.
Is lemon balm and citronella the same thing?
Citronella and lemon balm are not the same thing. While both plants can be used for their mosquito-repelling properties, they are actually very different in terms of appearance, growth habit, and what parts of the plant are used.
- Citronella is a perennial grass that grows best in warm climates with high humidity. Its strong lemon aroma comes from its leaves and stems (not its flowers).
- Lemon balm is also a perennial herb native to Europe but widely grown around the world as an ornamental plant or medicinal herb. It has bright green leaves with yellow flowers during late spring through early summer that turn into attractive seed pods later in the season. The oil extracted from these parts of this plant contain citronellal which provides its distinctive lemony scent when burned on charcoal or used as an essential oil!
How do you use lemon balm for insect repellent?
Lemon balm is a perennial herb that grows in zones 3-9, making it an excellent choice for the backyard or garden. It likes full sun or partial shade and can reach a height of 3 feet, but you’ll want to prune it regularly to keep it neat and tidy.
What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?
Lemon balm is the best plant for repelling mosquitoes. It’s a perennial, meaning it will last for multiple years if you choose to keep it alive, and it’s inexpensive. Lemon balm is also easy to grow and harvest: once you’ve planted it in your garden or backyard, you can dry any leaves from its stems by hanging them upside down in bunches like mini bouquets. If you have lemon balm growing in your yard already but don’t want mosquitoes around for the rest of summer, simply make sure to regularly harvest some leaves (the more the better!) and hang them up to dry out before putting them away in sealed jars or tins so they’ll still smell fresh come next spring!
Conclusion
Lemon balm is a great plant to keep mosquitoes away. You can use it in your garden or even in pots on the patio. Lemon balm will also repel flies and other insects, so it’s useful for gardens that want to keep pests out of their crops as well as away from family members sitting outside enjoying the sunshine!
