As soon as the warm weather sets in, days of outdoor entertainment, spending time in the swimming pool and sometimes relaxing on the patio to watch the sunset is what brings you delight.
But, imagine mosquitoes buzzing around to spoil all the fun! During the summer season, the risk of transmitting mosquito-borne diseases is higher across the country with rising temperatures.
How about if we tell you there are plants that repel mosquitoes? Yes, there are plants repelling mosquitoes naturally and you can easily grow them in and around your house – by your doorway or seating area outdoors.
Why not check out the list we got you with the names of mosquito-repellent plants! Read on.
Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
Going by the approximate count, there are over 170 mosquito species in the United States alone.
All these species breed in standing water and love humid conditions. The male ones prefer feeding on plant nectar, while the females are known for their notoriety of feeding on human blood.
Winning a battle with these bugs requires several chemically made sprays, bug zappers, candles, and other kinds of mosquito-repellents found in the market.
But, not many of us knew that there are natural ways of repelling mosquitoes, with plants! You can have an illness and itch-free summer by cultivating some beautiful and mosquito-repellent plants.
Now that we know, we would like to spread the word around. Let’s see which are the ones you can consider the best pick for your home or garden.
Lavender
Did you ever notice how insects and other animals never decimate a lavender plant? It is because of the strong and soothing fragrance from its rich essential oils on the leaves.
Inferences from several arguments reveal that lavender can hinder a mosquito’s ability to smell.
The plant is drought-resistant once adapted to the soil, and just requires full sun and well-drained soil. You can plant it in any climatic conditions, but warmer days are when they thrive most.
Citronella Grass
Popular for distinct and strong lemon scent, citronella grass is one of the plants that repel mosquitoes naturally.
It is a common ingredient used in mosquito repellent creams, sprays, etc. Moreover, it is a great choice for repelling pests effectively.
Citronella is a low-maintenance plant that thrives best in large containers/planters. Remember, it grows best in summer, but cannot withstand frost. You can plant it in a sunny area.
Another significant thing to note is that when buying the plant, purchase Citronella Winterianus or Cymbopogon Nardus – the true varieties.
Marigolds
The next on the list of plants that repel mosquitoes is the easy-to-grow flower plant, marigolds. They release a smell that is not much-loved by mosquitoes.
You can grow these annual flower plants in small pots and keep it close to your patio or doorway.
You can even have them inside your house or in the balcony to keep away from bugs.
As per studies, marigolds not only keep mosquitoes away but can dissuade whiteflies, aphids, Mexican bean beetles, thrips, tomato hornworms and squash bugs.
Rosemary
Rosemary is counted among the most well-known plants that repel mosquitoes both by PlantShed and the New York Botanical Garden.
It is a herb we all have heard about but did you know its peculiar woody scent keeps mosquitoes at bay? And, not just mosquitoes but carrot flies and cabbage moths as well!
Rosemary grows best in dry and hot climates, and thrive in large containers.
You can prune it into all sizes and shapes. People even use the plant as decorations and perfect borders. While it works on keeping away the pests, you can also use it as a seasoning ingredient in your dishes.
Catnip
You can find this mosquito-repellent plant almost anywhere. Catnip or catmint belongs to the mint family and is cultivated as a weed and commercial plant in abundance.
You need not get into much ado to take care of the plant. If you can look past its insidious nature, you will understand how good it’s presence in your garden can be in repelling the irritating mosquitoes.
Coming as a recommendation from Brooklyn Botanic Garden, these are one of the top picks when it comes to growing greens to keep away bugs.
In a study at a reputed Univesity in the United States, catmint or catnip was almost 10 times more effective than a commonly used ingredient in insect repellents, DEET.
Basil
Another herb on the list of mosquito-repellent plants is Basil. It is a kind of pest repellent with a pungent smell that keeps away the notorious bugs and pests.
You can choose anyone from the various types of basil as all of these hold the ability to deter flies and mosquitoes.
The herbs love to be in damp soil that is well-drained and enjoys the company of sun all the time.
You can plant basil in your garden or in containers. It can be a good mix with the flowering plants in your garden. Just make sure they meet similar requirements.
Scented Geraniums
Another popular pick from the list of plants that repel mosquitoes is the scented geraniums.
Suggested by BBG, NYBG, and PlantShed, the lemon scent of the plant reminds of the citronella grass. These are beautiful blooms having a strong smell that deters pests and mosquitoes.
Scented geraniums are fast-growing garden plants that love warm, dry and sunny climates.
If you are looking forward to planting these in the winter season, you can use planters to grow them with regular pruning.
Lemongrass
Also known as Lemon Verbena, lemongrass boasts of high citral level, an oil used as an essential ingredient in mosquito repellents.
It is an ornamental plant that gives a great taste to your soups and other healthy dishes. These are toxic for mosquito larvae and keep away all kinds of flies.
The plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun. The average height of lemongrass is 3-6 feet. Keep away from new moms and pregnant women as it has shown side-effects in newborn babies.
Bee Balm
As the name suggests, Bee Balm attracts bugs like butterflies and bugs. But wait, only the good ones! They attract good bugs and deter the bad ones. Isn’t that interesting? Bee Balm, also popular by the name horsemint or Monarda, is the right plant for you if you want to see colorful butterflies and bees flying around in your garden with no mosquitoes to spoil the show.
All you need to do is crush its leaves to get the fragrant oils. The best part? You will get to see colorful flowers in different shades of pink, red, white, purple, lavender throughout the summer.
Floss Flower
This one is an amazing annual flower plant that makes for perfect container or bedding plants.
The flower consists of coumarin, a mosquito repelling chemical. Make sure your pets or kids don’t ingest the flower as it is toxic in nature.
Mint
A fantastic nontoxic plant that repels mosquitoes, ants and flies is mint. The more pungent smell it emits, the fewer bugs you will see around.
You can easily grow mint in small pots and keep them on your patio. You can enjoy the afternoon tea with a few mint leaves for the refreshing feel.
Another interesting thing about having a mint plant at home is that you can dry the leaves and use it in various dishes and also as a natural pest control method.
Sage
If you are someone who likes sitting by a fire in the backyard, plant some sage around.
You can just drop some leaves of the plant in the flames to ward off mosquitoes and other insects. How about drying up some sage and using it for your homemade bug spray?
Allium
Allium is a plant species that includes onions and garlic. The allium bulbs emit a strong and distinct fragrance that is not a favorite of mosquitoes.
The attractive globe-shaped flowers of the plant also add to the beauty of your garden.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a natural mosquito-repellent having a powerful scent that keeps other pests away like fleas and flies.
The most efficient use of pennyroyal is to crush the leaves and keep them in your pockets. Nevertheless, you must keep in mind that the plant is toxic for pregnant women and infants.
It can thrive in partial/full sun with damp soil. It grows to an average height of 0.5-1ft.
Chives
As rosemary and basil, chives are also effective plants that repel mosquitoes naturally.
They release a strong, onion scent that helps keep away mosquitoes and other flies. However, they don’t contribute to a fragrant garden. It is best used as partner plants for roses and carrots to keep aphids and carrot flies at bay.
It also fights against a fungal disease, Blackspot, that harms rosebushes. It requires full to partial sun and can be potted indoors if there’s scope for 4-6 hours of sunlight through the day.
When you plant it outdoors, ensure to space them in a distance of 8-10inches and use well-drained soil.
In a Nutshell
Apart from these plants that repel mosquitoes, there are a few smart ways you can follow to stay away from the itchy bugs.
Avoid having standing water outdoors as it is a common breeding ground for several insects, including mosquitoes.
If you do have a birdbath that stores stagnant water, make sure to clean it once a week. Also, take good care of the mosquito-repellent plants to ensure a home free from pests.
You can now go back to having the summer parties in your backyard with these beneficial greens around. You will also enjoy colorful blooms outdoors adding to the feel of your garden party.
Happy summers!
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