Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be a serious problem. They’re a health hazard, they make itchy bites, and they can turn your lawn into a minefield. Prevention is the key to controlling mosquitoes, which involves reducing areas of standing water where mosquitoes like to leave their eggs.
There are also a lot of mosquito-repelling products on the market like sprays, candles, and magnets. Did you know you can also repel mosquitoes with plants? There are many ways you can put your green thumb to good use and have the best-smelling yard and deck on the block.
Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
Citronella Grass: You may recognize the name citronella from the citronella candles that are sold as mosquito-repellent devices. If you have ever smelled a citronella candle, you know the scent is distinct. Planting some of those in your yard will be noticed by mosquitoes, and they will hopefully avoid it.
Lavender: There are quite a few insects and animals that do not enjoy the scent of lavender, and luckily mosquitoes are included in this group. Lavender is a strong plant and can be drought-resistant, although, like the citronella, it needs good aeration or drainage and full sun in order to survive.
Eucalyptus: Similar to citronella, eucalyptus has a strong scent that can repel mosquitoes in addition to a variety of other pests. Unfortunately for those of us in the northeastern United States, you probably won’t be able to grow this tropical plant yourself. You might, however, be able to make artful flower arrangements with eucalyptus branches! You can also make your own bug repellent with eucalyptus essential oil.
Lemon Verbena: Growing up to 6′ tall to 8′ wide, lemon verbena is a stunning shrub that also offers a sweet lemon flavor people like in teas and desserts. Brush by the leaves, and you’ll smell the amazing lemon fragrance that mosquitoes can’t stand. It’s great for walkways and big containers. This shrub is a perennial in hot climates! If you’d like to enjoy it year after year, it’s recommended you plant it in a pot so you can bring it inside and protect it from the frost.
Rosemary: Not only does rosemary repel mosquitoes, but it can also repel other insect pests that you do not want near you or your garden. Fortunately, it thrives in areas that are dry and hot, so it’s a great solution for back patios with a lot of sun and those gardeners lacking a green thumb.
Basil: Basil has a strong scent, and while we humans find it lovely, mosquitoes despise it. It will also help keep flies away as well. Basil can be included in your garden with your other plants and herbs, or you can keep it separately in a planter. If you have a few pots of basil, it is easy to place them at different spaces throughout your yard to ward of mosquitoes. You can even create a basil barrier.
Catnip: Catnip does more than drive pets wild. Catnip is an especially effective mosquito repellent. It has been shown to be more effective than DEET, a chemical used in mosquito repellents. Catnip is part of the mint family and grows very easily without much assistance.
Peppermint: Like basil, peppermint has a delicious fragrance that attracts humans. However, the strong scent repels mosquitoes. This resilient plant is great for patio containers and beyond. Plus, it’s a perennial, so it will come back next year to repel mosquitoes again! Just be careful about what you co-plant it with, as mint is technically a weed that grows quickly and might prevent other plants from thriving.
Control Mosquitoes with Help from Green Lawn Fertilizing.
There are many more plants and herbs that repel mosquitoes and this is just small sampling of those that work well and are fairly easy to grow. If mosquitoes are becoming a pest and your best defenses just are not working, call Green Lawn Fertilizing at 855-469-0692. We have developed a mosquito control service plan that can help you eliminate mosquitoes from your lawn.
