Many people don’t realise mosquito-repelling plants are a natural alternative to chemical repellents such as sprays, bracelets, candles and bug zappers. Keeping mosquitoes away in your yard and near your favourite outdoor seating areas is key to enjoying an itch and illness-free summer.
Growing several mosquito-repelling plants around your garden that produce sweet scents and repel mosquitoes simultaneously is possible. This is a much more eco-friendly approach than infesting your garden with chemical bug spray while protecting common sitting areas in your yard.
In this article, we are going to look at the best mosquito-repelling plants for your home:
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus should be included in your yard, deck, or patio for many reasons. They repel mosquitoes and are pleasant to look at. They can be grown in a pot and brought indoors during the winter if you live in a climate with colder winters. Rich soil and proper sunlight are ideal conditions for this plan
Marigold
Besides keeping mosquitoes away, marigolds can also deter aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms from a residence on your plants.
Catnip
Nepetalactone in the catnip and catmint plants is more effective than DEET (an active ingredient in most mosquito repelling products) at repelling mosquitoes.
Ageratum
Ageratum, aka floss flower, are an annual that secretes coumarin, a chemical that attracts mosquitoes but is extremely toxic to them.
Citronella
The citronella candle may seem familiar to you. Still, you may not be aware that the citronella candle’s strong fragrance is derived from the leaves of the citronella plant, also known as the mosquito plant, because it is very offensive to mosquitoes.
Rosemary
The rosemary herb is also very effective at repelling mosquitoes. Its woody scent keeps mosquitoes, and other pests, such as cabbage moths and carrot flies, away.
Lemon Balm
Citrusy lemon balm resembles mint, and mosquitoes hate its citrusy smell. Ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy so that these anti-mosquito plants will grow as best as possible in a partially shaded spot.
Basil
Aside from being a pest-repellent herb, basil is another herb that can be used as a pesticide. Pests are kept away from basil plants by the pungent smell that these leaves emit. The best part is that all types of basil are known to repel flies and mosquitoes, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right type of basil to grow in your garden.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a great herb to add to your garden. Peppermint’s scent causes mosquitoes to stay away. There are a few ways you can make Peppermint more manageable. Placing it in a large container, situating it in a partly shady area, and watering it continuously are some ways.
American Beautyberry
Its gorgeous purple berry clusters attract songbirds and keep mosquitoes away. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, and, unlike mint, it doesn’t like the aroma of the oils it lets off, making it repellent to mosquitoes. A sunny location with well-draining soil and a light shade is ideal for growing American beautyberries.
Lemongrass
As its name suggests, lemongrass is a popular ingredient in Asian cooking. It appears as a tall clump of grass and has a strong lemon flavour and fragrance that gives it a distinct appearance. This citrus fragrance will make your kitchen smell great, but mosquitoes hate the smell of it because it is so strong.
Allium
These bulbs emit a strong fragrance that repels mosquitoes. These bulbs include garlic and onions. This plant is especially beloved for its globe-shaped flowers that float on long slender stems like floating in the air.
Monarda
This beautiful flowering perennial is called bee balm and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while repelling mosquitoes with its minty-herbal fragrance. Despite its preference for full sun, bee balm will benefit from afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Lantana Camara
Consider planting Lantana camara (common lantana) if you’re looking for ways to keep mosquitoes away from your property. The plants used to kill mosquitoes are also very well-liked by pollinators, so you will also find that you can attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden area by using these plants.
Mint
Insects, mosquitoes, flies, and ants are easily discouraged with mint, an excellent nontoxic option. The stronger the aroma, the fewer bugs will be in your home. If you want to enjoy a few leaves of this plant with your afternoon tea, you can keep a pot on your patio. A natural pest control method that can be used inside your home is drying the leaves and using them as a natural pest control method.
Sage
Plant some sage next to your fire pit if it is something you love to gather around in your backyard. If you throw some of this plant into the fire, its earthy smell will keep the bugs away. A homemade bug spray can also be made from dried sage, which can be dried and used as a cooking ingredient.
Other Natural Mosquito-Repelling Methods
To prevent mosquito infestations in your garden, in addition to growing the plants listed above, it is also a good idea to practice good mosquito control. A good way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding is by preventing water from collecting and becoming stagnant.
Even a tiny amount of standing water can be enough for mosquitoes to lay hundreds of eggs. If you have standing water anywhere on your property – rain barrels, birdbaths, water gardens, ponds – mosquito rings can be attached to them anywhere you have standing water. As a result of their natural ingredients, they contain a bacterium (Bt israelensis) capable of killing mosquito larvae.
In addition to these natural products, other products can be used in your garden to help ward off mosquitoes. The products that can be sourced from these plants include citronella torches, candles, and essential oils.
Conclusion
Many diseases have been transmitted through mosquitoes, such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, encephalitis, and, more recently, the West Nile and Zika virus infections. The problem with mosquitoes isn’t just about the annoyance or the itchy bite; it’s about your family and pets being exposed to a health risk.
It is important to plant natural mosquito repellants in the garden to keep your family safe from mosquitoes. Never worry about staying outdoors in the summer again—beautiful plants in the garden can also be your mosquito repellant!
FAQs
Do mosquito repelling plants really work?
Yes, you can deter these dreadful insects by surrounding yourself with the perfect plants! Mosquitoes are notoriously erratic pests. They don’t like the flavours or oils that other plants create. Certain plants, like basil, are actually poisonous to mosquitoes or their larvae.
How Do I Take Care of Plants That Repel Mosquitoes?
Make your plants as large and attractive as possible to maximize mosquito repellency. As your plants mature, they will produce more essential oils and aromas to repel mosquitoes.
Start with healthy soil. Make sure your plants have an airy, nutrient-rich environment to thrive in. Additionally, you should regularly check the soil’s moisture and water it if the top inch is dry. Plants require more nutrients as they grow.
These tenacious plants repel mosquitoes and add natural beauty to your decor, allowing you to spend more time outdoors.
Where can I put my plants?
You can grow your plants in any area of your home. It could be your yard, balcony or bedroom. There’s no limit to this. Only make sure that you care for the plants as you ought to.
