Mosquito Plant
Advertisement: Here's mosquito repellent that works without nasty chemical odors, dangerous electrical currents or greasy lotions. The Mosquito Plant is the first of its kind in the world. Used indoors or out, the Mosquito Plant emits a delightful fragrance that keeps mosquitoes away. One plant protects a 10-foot radius.
Fact: The Mosquito Plant, also sold as Mosquito Shoo, is a species of Pelargonium (geranium). It along with lemon grass and lemon thyme do contain citronella oil. Citronella oil is used in mosquito-repelling candles. However, no plant will repel mosquitoes just growing in a pot or in the garden. Plants release significant amounts of their repellent oils only when their leaves are crushed. According to Dr. Arthur Tucker, plant fragrant specialist at Delaware State College, the best way to use the citronella oil containing plants would be to rub crushed leaves on your skin. Be sure to "test" yourself for any allergy to these leaves by repeatedly rubbing a small amount of material on your inner forearm for a day or so. If there is no irritating skin reaction, its safe to use the plants.
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