aromatic compounds as part of their natural chemistry. These compounds may be stored in leaves, stems, flowers, or specialized oil glands.
When leaves are crushed, brushed, warmed by the sun, or otherwise disturbed, more of these volatile compounds can be released into the air.
Some plant-derived oils have demonstrated insect-repellent activity under laboratory or controlled conditions.
That does not necessarily mean an intact plant sitting several feet away will provide the same level of protection.
Plant vs. Essential Oil: An Important Difference
A concentrated essential oil is very different from having the living plant nearby.
Many studies examining mosquito repellency use extracts, oils, or formulations at known concentrations rather than simply placing potted plants in an area.
So while growing aromatic plants can be useful and pleasant, the actual repellent effect of an ordinary plant in a garden may be modest.
What About Mice?
Mice have a highly developed sense
