Although citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) contains citronella oil (which does help to repel mosquitoes), the chemical is not released in significant quantities from the growing, undamaged plant. Because of this, planting citronella grass will not reduce the number of mosquito bites suffered. Plants that contain mosquito-repelling compounds generally release these compounds only when the plant tissue is crushed. Varieties of geraniums (Pelargonium) that have scented leaves, like the widely advertised “citrosa plant”, will also have little effect when planted in the landscape.

If you have a mosquito problem in your yard, make sure that there are no breeding sites on your property like clogged rain gutters on the house, buckets or other containers that may have been forgotten outdoors or anything else that might hold water. If you use a rain barrel, make sure that the top is screened or covered.

If there are no breeding sites on your property and the mosquito problem continues you may want to report it to Pinellas County Mosquito Control at (727) 464-7503

To reduce the chances of being bitten it is best to avoid being outdoors at times when mosquitoes are most active, including dusk and dawn. Applying mosquito repellants that contain DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon-Eucalyptus to exposed skin is helpful. (Oil of Lemon-Eucalyptus is not for use on children under 3 years old.) Of course, exposing less skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants is also helpful.

More information on mosquitoes can be found here: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in652

More information on mosquito repellents can be found here: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in419