Does Lemon Balm Repel Mosquitoes?

Lemon Balm The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.

How do you use lemon balm for mosquitoes?

For a quick mosquito repellent, simply crush a handful of lemon balm leaves in your hand and rub them on your exposed skin. Grow the plants near your backdoor or in your garden, where the leaves will be handy when you need them.

How well does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?

Lemon balm contains a compound called citronellal, which has an effect similar to the mosquito repellent citronella. The lemony scent of lemon balm is also one that mosquitoes don’t love, which makes it a perfect addition to your mosquito-repellent plant collection.

Are lemon balm and citronella the same thing?

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) contains more citronella—as much as 400 times more—than the Mosquito Plant. And it turns out both lemon thyme and lemon balm are less expensive and easier to grow.

What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?

8 Best Plants To Keep Mosquitoes Away

• Basil.
• Citronella.
• Lavender.
• Lemon Balm.
• Lemon Thyme.
• Marigolds.
• Rosemary.

Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.

Does lemon balm keep flies away?

Lemon balm: Lemon balm is really easy to grow and makes a nice companion plant in a mixed pot. Plant it in a border around your patio, to repel biting flies.

Is lemon balm invasive?

If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it’s the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden.

Does lemon balm spread?

Lemon balm does not spread by underground runners like mint. It will increase in size, though, making a bigger clump in the garden each season and sprouting from seeds that develop from inconspicuous flowers.

What herb do mosquitoes hate?

11 Plants & Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

• Citronella. Chances are, you’ve heard of this one before- it’s one of the most common ingredients in most mosquito repellents.
• Lemon Balm.
• Catnip.
• Marigolds.
• Basil.
• Lavender.
• Peppermint.
• Garlic.

Does lemon balm come back every year?

Over-winter lemon balm in a protected area such as an unheated garage or patio. Winter growing: Cut back lemon balm in fall leaving just 2 inches of stem. The plant may freeze back to the ground in winter but will re-grow from underground roots and renew itself in spring.

What is lemon balm good for?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).

Is lemongrass or citronella better for mosquitoes?

Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos. However, Lemongrass (or Cymbopogon) is superior.

What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?

A mosquito biting you! Mosquitoes have an incredibly strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. You can repel mosquitoes by using scents they hate, like lavender, peppermint oil, geranium oil, cinnamon bark oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, catnip, rosemary, and pine oil.

What kills mosquitoes the best naturally?

Kill Mosquitoes With These 10 Easy Home Remedies That Actually…

• #1: Eliminate standing water.
• #2: Candles, incense and essential oils.
• #3: Pot the right plant.
• #4: Lemon and clove.
• #5: Garlic spray.
• #6: Eucalyptus oil.
• #7: Mosquito net.
• #8: Camphor.

What deters mosquitoes from biting?

If you want protection against mosquitoes that can cause malaria, dengue, Zika, West Nile, and chikungunya, the best products have DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as their active ingredients. Permethrin-treated clothing can also be an effective deterrent.

Does lemon balm like sun or shade?

Perhaps it is in too much sun. Many herbs do well in the sun, but lemon balm needs shade. Especially in areas in which the summer sun is hot, this plant grows best with some shade in the afternoon or in a spot where there are tall trees to lessen the intensity of the sun.

Can I eat lemon balm?

In addition to the fresh herb, you can also consume lemon balm in the form of an oil or supplement. Lemon balm oils may be cut with water and vegetable glycerin, which just makes it safe to consume orally or used directly on your skin.

Is lemon balm edible?

Edibility – 5/5 – Strongly aromatic, reminiscent of sweet lemon, with menthol qualities (without actually being “minty”). The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after.

What plants repel mosquitoes and flies?

It also works in the gardens.

• Mint. Many repellents contain essential mint oil.
• Sage. This herb has a reputation for getting rid of ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
• Petunias. These colorful annuals keep aphids, certain beetles, leaf hoppers, and squash bugs away.
• Marigolds.
• Rosemary.
• Lavender.
• Basil.

What herb is a fly deterrent?

Mint, Catnip, and Pennyroyal – Mint, catnip, and pennyroyal will all repel flies as well as being repugnant to ants and mice. These herbs work well dried as well, but be aware that pennyroyal can be toxic to pets and children. Tansy – Lesser-known tansy herb will repel flies, ants, fleas, moths, and mice.