Scented geraniums require little care, look beautiful and are even edible. Whether for enriching desserts with a delicate citrus or mint aroma or for preparing an aromatic tea - they are convincing. In addition, they are known to deter annoying mosquitoes.
Do scented geraniums help against mosquitoes?
Scented geraniums can keep mosquitoes away thanks to the essential oils in the leaves. The citrusy, minty or fruity-tart scent acts as a natural insect repellent. For the most effective mosquito repellent, varieties such as 'Lemon Fancy', 'Orange Fizz' or 'Mückenwerfen' are recommended.
Essential oils keep mosquitoes away
There are essential oils contained in the leaves of the fragrant pelargonium. They exude an intense scent - depending on the type and variety, citrusy, minty or fruity-tart. Naturally, the scent has the function of repelling pests. The essential oils it contains should also be able to keep mosquitoes away.
But it's not just mosquitoes who prefer to avoid direct contact with a scented pelargonium. Wasps, horseflies, bees, ants and moths also stay away. But is it really like that or just a sales pitch from various garden centers and hardware stores?
How safe is this mosquito repellent?
Honestly: This mosquito repellent is just as unsafe as many other mosquito repellents on the market. Some mosquitoes simply cannot be stopped when their bloodlust is too great. But it's all about trying! After all, this is a means of protection that does not harm the environment.
Put on the balcony or window sill
Place the scented geranium on your balcony, terrace or on the window sill in the bedroom. The scent is said to be particularly effective against mosquitoes if you rub the leaves, for example shortly before going to bed. It can also be released easily in a fragrance lamp (€13.00 on Amazon).
Which varieties are particularly recommended?
There are species such as Pelargonium x citrosmum, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium citronella, Pelargonium quercifolia and Pelargonium abrotanifolium that are considered the most effective against mosquitoes. If you plan to use scented geraniums to repel mosquitoes, the following intensely scented varieties are recommended:
- ‘Lemon Fancy’
- ‘Orange Fizz’
- ‘Mosquito repellent’
- ‘Royal Oak’
- ‘Princess Ann’
- ‘Lillibet’
Tips & Tricks
Even if the scented geranium doesn't bloom - it doesn't matter! In contrast to other plants that keep mosquitoes away with their flower scent alone, the scented geranium does not need to bloom to ward off insects.
