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9 Plants to Grow that Repel Mosquitoes

You?ve likely experienced the disappointment of having an outdoor party, hike or other event ruined by a swarm of mosquitoes. If you?re looking for a natural way to get rid of these uninvited guests, try adding some mosquito-repelling plants to your garden this year.

Simply having these plants in your yard and outdoor living spaces can be helpful, but you?ll get the most benefit by crushing the leaves and flowers to release their pungent, bug-repelling essential oils. You can then rub the oils on your skin, clothing or outdoor furniture to deter mosquitoes. You can also cut and hang fresh cuttings around your home, or dry them to keep on hand for later use.

1. Basil

Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum

Mosquito larvae are aquatic, living underwater until they mature and emerge as adult mosquitoes. A 2009 study found that basil extract was highly toxic to mosquito larvae. Planting basil near wet areas is unlikely to directly kill mosquito larvae, but the plants may ward off any approaching adults and convince them to lay their eggs elsewhere.

Basil is an easy-to-grow annual herb you can sow directly in the ground after the risk of frost has passed.

2. Bay Laurel

Scientific Name: Laurus nobilis

Bay laurel is the plant bay leaves are taken from. This commonly used herb has been shown to contain compounds that repel various insect pests, including mosquitoes. You can also use bay leaves to ward off ants, cockroaches, flies and wasps.

Bay laurel is hardy in USDA zones 8 and up, or it can be grown as a houseplant in colder climates. You can also easily buy bay leaves and place them around your home to deter mosquitoes and other pests.

3. Catnip

Scientific Name: Nepeta cataria

If you want to attract cats to your garden and beat bugs at the same time, catnip is a great choice. Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone that gives the plant its distinct odor. Cats find the scent irresistible, but mosquitoes hate it. In fact, nepetalactone has been found to be about 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.

Catnip is perennial in most regions. Just make sure you protect small plants so they can get established before your local cats devour them.

4. Citronella Grass

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon nardus

Citronella grass is the plant citronella oil is derived from, which is used in a variety of insect repelling products. Citronella oil has been proven to be more effective than DEET when it?s first applied to an area, but its mosquito-repelling power slowly decreases after one hour. To maintain citronella?s strength, reapply citronella oil or crush some fresh leaves against your skin or clothing every hour or two when you?re outside.

Citronella grass is native to tropical areas of Asia and is only hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12. It can be grown as an annual in colder regions. The plants are very attractive and can grow up to 6 feet (2 meters) tall.

5. Garlic

Scientific Name: Allium sativum

Research is limited so far, but the oil that?s released when you cut up garlic cloves has been reported by many to effectively repel mosquitoes. Garlic is also included in various commercial bug and mosquito repellants. The chemical compound that gives garlic its distinct smell is called allicin, which is likely what wards off bugs. If you eat garlic, the allicin will come through to your skin. This may also help prevent mosquito attacks.

Garlic grows as a perennial in USDA zones 3 to 8. You can simply grow it as an ornamental plant, or you can harvest it in early summer to eat and replant some of the bulbs for next year.

6. Lavender

Scientific Name: Lavandula species

Research has shown that lavender essential oil is as effective as the chemical bug repellant DEET for repelling a variety of bugs. This is a good thing, considering that DEET-based repellants have been linked to motor function impairment and nervous system damage in humans.

Lavender is a perennial in USDA zones 7 and up. It can be grown as an annual or indoor herb in colder climates. You can crush the leaves to rub on your skin and clothing to repel mosquitoes, as well as promote relaxation and calmness.

Related: 6 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

7. Lemon Balm

Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis

Research has shown that lemon balm has a variety of natural compounds that can repel mosquitoes. In addition, researchers made an extract of basil and lemon balm that was toxic to adult mosquitoes, whether they inhaled it or came in contact with it.

Lemon balm is a hardy perennial, but it can be fairly invasive as it?s related to mint. Plant it in a container sunk in the ground to prevent spreading. It also makes a good indoor plant.

8. Marigolds

Scientific Name: Tagetes species

Marigolds produce what are known as allelochemicals, which are harmful to a range of insect pests, including mosquitoes. One study extracted these allelochemicals from the roots, leaves and flowers of different species of marigold plants. The researchers found that marigold flowers have the highest amounts of insecticidal allelochemicals. So, it would likely be most effective to use marigold flowers to repel mosquitoes by crushing them and distributing them around your home.

Marigolds are annuals that you can easily grow from seed or buy seedlings at most garden centers or nurseries in the spring. They come in a wide range of stunning colors and can handle a variety of growing conditions.

9. Peppermint

Scientific Name: Mentha x piperita

A study published in Bioresource Technology found that peppermint essential oil was toxic to mosquito larvae. Also, when peppermint oil was rubbed onto human skin, it repelled 92 percent of mosquitoes across a range of species.

Peppermint is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. The plants can be invasive, so try planting them in an unused corner of your garden or sinking a pot in the ground to contain the roots.

Related on Care2

Why You?re a Mosquito Magnet, According to Science
Foods You Can Eat to Repel Mosquitoes
8 Natural Mosquito Repellants

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9 Plants to Grow that Repel Mosquitoes

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How the Ski Industry is Working to Save Winter

The outdoor industry is upping its sustainability game, and the ski industry is no exception. Downhill skiing is notoriously known for its environmental impact?anywhere large amounts of people flock is bound to be a recipe for excessive waste. But?hitting the slopes may arguably be the?most carbon-intensive outdoor sport.

In particular, ski slopes use incredible amounts of electricity, from slope-side lighting?and fuel-intensive snow-making to keeping things toasty inside for patrons drinking their apr?s hot cocoas. But?energy isn’t the only hungry environmental monster. In the French Alps, it is estimated that yearly artificial snow production requires the same amount of water as would be used by 1,500 people. That’s a lot of water waste for just a little fake snow. And that’s not to mention the impacts of fake snow on the natural environment, which requires immense energy to produce, causes water displacement, and melts 2 to 3 weeks later in the season than natural snow, which postpones snowmelt. Scientists are still unsure about the ramifications of this.

No one can argue that ski resorts have a lot to lose when it comes to climate change and warming global temperatures. They rely primarily on a cold, snowy winter season, so it is in the industry?s best interests to do all it can to thwart a complete environmental meltdown. And that?s why ski resorts nationwide are looking to seriously green up their acts.

Many ski areas have pledged to do all they can to keep up with Paris Climate Accord goals, even though the US government has pulled out. Green building policies are being implemented for new condominiums in order to protect nearby animal habitats. Ski California has already set goals for water conservation, land preservation, increased clean public transit options and general increased efficiency and sustainability all around.?There are?plenty of?ways to reduce?the skiing industry?s carbon footprint, and that’s great for both skiers and the industry at large.

But the ski industry is looking to?get even greener.

Resorts across the country are working to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make the move towards renewable energy. Jiminy Peak in Western Massachusetts runs one third of its energy needs (two thirds in winter) off of wind power, and they are looking to reduce their carbon footprint more and more each year.

Even more impressive, California ski resort Squaw Valley has just released its plan to go 100 percent renewable by as early as December 2018. The move from fossils to renewables by the ski industry is hopefully the first step in a larger shift in outdoor recreation towards renewable energy. After all, in order to play outdoors you need a healthy, clean environment to do it in.

If you love skiing but have a green conscience, it is important to choose your resort destinations carefully. Factor in airline travel, the resort’s sustainability practices,?the gear and food you buy, weather and anything else to make sure you aren?t adding to the problem. And if your local slope isn?t greening it up, talk to the manager, show them what some other resorts are doing and discuss ways you think?cleaner practices?could increase their slope?s economic and environmental viability in tandem. Let’s be real: increased environmental consciousness will pay off for all of us?on the long run.

Do you love skiing? What do you think you could do on your own to make your season pass less carbon intensive? Share your best ideas below!? ??

Related on Care2:

How to Actually Stick with Your Goals
How to Stay Healthy When You’re Taking Care of Someone Who Is Sick
The Unexpected Best Time of Day to Exercise

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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How the Ski Industry is Working to Save Winter

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How to Choose the Right Solar Charger for Your Camping Trip

If you can’t bear to be unplugged when you go camping or backpacking, never fear. Now you can plug into a bevy of light, portable solar chargers to power your phone, camera, batteries, music player or other mobile device.

But first, what should you look for in a solar charger?

Portability

Portable solar chargers come in a wide variety of sizes that range from the dimensionsof a mobile phone to some as big as a small rug or medium-sized briefcase. Before you buy, be clear onhow much power you’ll need to to generate at any given time. If you’re backpacking, you’ll want lighter equipment. If you’re driving to your destination and setting up camp, you can take a heavier and more elaborate system.

Capacity

Hand-in-hand with size goes capacity. What kind of device or devices you’re charging, how many devices you need to charge and how many days, weeks or even monthsyou’ll need power willdetermine the size of the charger you’ll need. Inhabitat has put together recommendations for everyone, from “light packers” to “extreme adventurers” and more.

Price

Solar chargers come in all price points. Once you figure out how much capacity you need and the size charger that will do the job, compare prices and ratings online to get the most affordable charger to fit your budget. Outdoor Gear Lab’s ratings overview does a good job here.

Compatibility

Just about all solar chargers come with USB ports so you can charge any kind of phone or tablet that also has a USB port. However, some battery packs may only recharge using a wall outlet in which case your solar charger will be useless. Check to besure that your devices can plug into your charger before you buy.

Flexibility

Will your charger only collect sunlight if it’s lying on a flat or angled surface? Or does it some in a case with a grommet so you can clip it to your backpack and let it charge while you’re hiking? Can you clip a few chargers together to maximize your solar collection time?

Durability

What happens if you drop your solar charger? Does it come in a case to protect it from damage? Especially for devices the size of a cellphone, make sure they will be protected against breakage. Also, check the warranty on the product as well as online performance reviews to get consumers’ feedback on how well a device does its job. And if you need something that’s waterproof, you can find it on this list.

Weather and Sun Availability

An important consideration as you ponder your trip has to do with the sun itself. If you’re going to Costa Rica during the rainy season, I can tell you from personal experience that you can’t count on your solar charger to stay powered up. On the other hand, if you’re heading to the desert or just going camping when it’s likely to be mostly sunny, you won’t have any trouble recharging. The point is, a solar charger will operate most effectively when it can tap into solar power. There are lots of reasons to check the weather report before you leave on your trip. Add this one to the list.

Back-Up Battery Pack Instead?

If you’re going on a relatively short trip, say three days or less, a fully charged back-up battery pack for your phone and tablet may work just fine. Ifweight isn’t an issue, you may want to take both an extra battery and a solar charger. Plan your trip in advance so you can make an informed decision.

Or…simplify the entire process and just leave your mobile devices home. Isn’t that what getting into nature is all about?

Related:

5 of the Best Ways to Recharge Batteries
Solar-Powered Backpack Charges Gadgets

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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How to Choose the Right Solar Charger for Your Camping Trip

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5 Eco Escapes to Warm Weather This Winter

If you’re dreading the next three or four months of cold winter weather, perhaps it’s time to consider cashing in your miles or shopping the air fare sales so you can head to warmer climes at least for a week or two. Here are five of my favorite destinations, all of which have allowed me to lower my carbon footprint by camping when I get there or staying in a low-impact eco-lodge, anddoing some volunteer work.

1) Cinnamon Bay Campground, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands – Our family started going here when my children were literally toddlers (including one in diapers), and we returned several years in a row, usually in February, when the kids had a nice long break from school.St. John is considered a temperate rain forest; it also has the mountainous terrain that once-active volcanoes left behind, in addition to gorgeous beaches and fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving. Plus, much of the island is a national park, and the U.S. Park Service offers all kinds of activities for young and old alike. We always take their mountain-to-beach hike, which walks us past petroglyphs and around the three-dimensional webs that golden orb weaver spiders weave. Bring your own tent for “bare site” camping, or rent one of theirs, which includes clean sheets, picnic tables, and a barbecue. You can also rent a “cottage,” which is really two cement walls and two screened and curtained walls, but also some electricity. All showers and bathrooms are communal, but that never bothered any of us. Lower your carbon footprint by flying direct to St. Thomas, and then taking a ferry to St. John.

2) Whale Watching and Sea Kayaking, Baja California – February and March are the perfect times to go whale watching around Mexico’s Baja peninsula. This finger of land separates the Sea of Cortez from the Pacific Ocean; its sandy cliffs strike a gorgeous contrast to the deep blue ocean below and the robin’s egg blue sky above. You’ll kayak around Espiritu Santo Island, then head to Magdalena Bay and the safety of motorized skiffs, which will put you right in the middle of pods of 40-foot long migrating gray whales. Camp on the dunes above the beach, stargaze at night, and enjoy whales breaching in the bay while you eat breakfast in the morning.

3) Birding, Biking and Shelling on Sanibel Island, FL – If you’ve never been to Sanibel, you’re in for a treat. Located in Florida’s Gulf Coast, about an hour’s drive from Tampa/Fort Myers, this is the beach that’s famous for the billions of pale pink shells that cover its shores. It’s paradise for nature lovers, too, especially birders. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge hosts abundant bird life; if you go December through March, you’ll see the most birds, though I was there Memorial Day week one year and wasn’t disappointed. There are several hiking and biking trails where you might spot alligators and birds like the white ibis. There are also two designated kayak/canoe launch sites, and places to fish for snook and spotted sea trout. Enjoy a sunset sail out of Captiva, Sanibel’s “sister” city. There are plenty of camp grounds on Sanibel and in the Fort Myers area as well.

4) Camping, Rock Climbing and Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, California – If you’ve never been to Joshua Tree, you’re in for a real treat. This national park, located in southern California, encompasses two deserts: the higher Mojave, and the lower Colorado. The Little San Bernardino Mountains hug the park’s southwest edge, giving you many different ecosystems to choose from. The park takes its name from the unusual looking Joshua trees you’ll find there, but there are plenty of juniper, pinon pine, and various kinds of desert oaks, as well. The rock outcroppings, formed more than 100 million years ago as magma cooled beneath the surface, give the place an otherworldly feel. Camp in any one of the nine campgrounds on park grounds, though be aware that only three offer water and flush toilets. NOTE: Temperatures during the winter range in the 60s, but it does get down to freezing at night, so if you decide to camp, bring cold weather gear. Hiking ranges from natural trails to back country roads that are more rugged and challenging. There are thousands of rock climbing routes, too.

5) Canoeing and Kayaking on the Rio Grande – The Rio Grande sounds magical, and it can be. It follows the southern boundary of Big Bend National Park in west Texas for 118 miles. If you go the distance, you’ll see three major canyons: Santa Elena, Mariscal, and Boquillas. Take a half-day float trip, or extend your visit to seven days. Bring your own canoe, kayak, or raft, or sign on to a guide service. There are plenty of local outfitters that will provide guides, rent you equipment and give you up-to-date information on the river. You’ll have to bring your own water as well as food – and a passport if you plan to get out of your boat and step onto the Mexican side of the waters. If you have the time, spend a few days hiking and camping in the park’s back country, where you’ll find primitive campsites, some of which you can drive into on dirt roads that are best traversed with a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Do you have a favorite winter get-away? Please share!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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5 Eco Escapes to Warm Weather This Winter

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Stunning Short Film Showcases Passionate Young Farmers (Video)

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Stunning Short Film Showcases Passionate Young Farmers (Video)

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7 Natural Wonders You Haven’t Heard Of

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How to Create a Rain Barrel

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How to Create a Rain Barrel

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Meet The Woman Who Didn’t Buy Anything New for a Year

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Meet The Woman Who Didn’t Buy Anything New for a Year

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12 Wacky Weather Facts: From Moonbows to Blood Rain

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12 Wacky Weather Facts: From Moonbows to Blood Rain

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