We are talking about mosquitoes, and everybody knows that they can be a huge nuisance. However, using chemical products to keep them away is not on the top of everyone’s wish list. Here’s a list of plants that repel mosquitoes – naturally!
Citronella
Chances are, you’ve heard of this one before- it’s one of the most common ingredients in most mosquito repellents. Strange enough, citronella is actually a plant! Citronella is a beautiful perennial clumping grass that emits a strong aroma. That aroma masks other scents, and keeps mosquitoes from being attracted to things located around it. The citronella plant has a much stronger aroma than other mosquito repellents that contain citronella, so it is a great choice. Citronella is very easy to grow, and can grow 5 or 6 feet high! Grow in pots and place it around a porch or patio, or plant it directly in a yard or garden bed. It’s a great choice for repelling mosquitoes naturally.
Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family, the plant is also known as horsemint and beebalm. It is a very easy plant for beginning gardeners to grow, even if you don’t have a green thumb! Lemon Balm is a very hardy plant, it resists drought, and grows well in shade. A fast growing and sometimes aggressive plant, you might want to plant it in a pot, so you can move it to wherever you like it doesn’t take over the garden! A bonus, dry the leaves and use for a delicious tea!
Catnip
Your feline friends will be happy to know that catnip is a great mosquito deterrent! In fact, in a 2010 study, researchers found that catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET, the ingredient commonly found in bug repellents. A very easy plant to grow. Be careful not to plant catnip in with other flowers, veggies, or herbs if you have cats in your garden. They’ll roll around in the catnip and smash everything nearby!
Marigolds
A bright, hardy annual plant, marigolds are a great choice for repelling mosquitoes. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, an ingredient found in many insect repellents, and they have a unique aroma which bugs find repulsive. The flowers make a great border or addition to the flower bed!
Top Tip: Companion plant marigolds with tomatoes. The insects hate them so much they’ll stay away from your beloved tomatoes.
Basil
A double whammy when it comes to mosquito protection; plant some basil! A quick and easy mosquito repellent, and also a delicious fresh herb on hand for your favorite recipes! There are many different varieties of basil around, so find the ones that you like best. Many expert gardeners recommend trying lemon basil or cinnamon basil to deter insects. Plus basil is one of the easiest herbs to keep alive – even the biggest novice can manage it!
Lavender
Lavender is a gorgeous purple flowering plant with a soothing, calming scent, but, also a natural mosquito repellent? Grow it indoors near a sunny window, or outside in your garden or flower bed to keep the bugs away. Make a delicious herbal tea, or fill your home with a wonderful calming aroma.
Peppermint
Most bugs despise the smell and taste of peppermint, so planting it around your home is a great way to keep them from dropping by uninvited! Plus, if you do happen to get bitten, peppermint leaves rubbed directly onto the skin make a great bite relief treatment! A bonus is the wonderful minty smell that makes a delicious addition to food and beverages!
Garlic
Unfortunately, several studies have shown that EATING garlic does not repel mosquitoes. (Unless, however, you were to eat a HUGE amount!) Make sure to add some garlic to your flower bed or vegetable garden for added protection! Not only will you keep mosquitoes away, you’ll also have a whole load of garlic to flavor your food.
Pennyroyal
The adorable pennyroyal flower is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes! Plant some around your flowerbeds. It also make a great ground-covers. They attract a plethora of beautiful butterflies. Some people even use pennyroyal to flavor certain fish dishes. As you can see, this plant has plenty of benefits!
Geranium
A flowering plant that’s a great choice for mosquito repellent. When planted in a hanging container, the colorful blooms cascade over the side of the pot, providing a beautiful visual piece and a very useful bug repellent!
Rosemary
A beautiful flowering plant that is often used to flavor lamb or fish dishes. It’s perfect to add to your herb garden or flowerbed to keep bugs away and it even attracts butterflies! Plus, you can simply snip a few springs off every time you need to add extra flavor to your lamb or steak!
As you can see, there are many different plants out there that can help to keep bugs away! Next time you reach for the chemical bug spray, take a minute and think again, then choose something more natural! PN
Great post, very informative and spot on! well done 🙂