Dill Weed as a Mosquito Repellent

Growing

• To plant dill seeds, select a spot that will allow the seedlings to receive sun for at least 6 hours every day. In the South, sow dill seeds in early spring and again in late summer for a year-round harvest. In cooler climates, sow the seeds every few weeks from early spring through mid-summer to ensure an ongoing supply of fresh dill sprigs. To harvest fresh leaves, simply snip the foliage from young plants. Harvest seeds by waiting for the flower heads to turn brown, then enclose them in paper bags. Secure the bags with pieces of gardening twine, then shake the stalks to knock the seeds into the sack.

Placement

• Dill grows well when planted in pots of well-drained soil. Containers can be strategically placed around the perimeter of the yard, effectively keeping bugs at bay while the billowy, fine-textured foliage fills in empty spaces. Alternatively, plants can be placed near well-lit windows, adding fragrance and color to the kitchen. In the garden, dill weed makes a colorful, casual low-border or ornamental background for pastel pink or blue blossoms in a flower bed.

Benefits

• In addition to keeping mosquitoes under control, dill weed also helps fight common garden pests by attracting beneficial insects such as the lacewing and the ladybug. These bugs prey on the larvae of aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers and thrips, thus reducing the need for insecticides. The fragrant dill weed foliage also draws butterflies into the yard, adding beauty, color and movement to the garden.

Extraction

• The distinctive aroma of dill weed is caused by the high concentration of carvone in its foliage. In addition to being a natural insect repellent, this chemical also has antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial properties. Slightly soluble in hot water, carvone can be easily extracted from dill weed. Simply crush 1 cup of either fresh or dried dill, then cover the plant material with 2 cups of boiling water and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Strain the solution to remove any solid materials, then spray the dill-scented liquid over any areas of the yard or patio where mosquitoes are not wanted.