During the cold or rainy season, you will notice that the rate of mosquitoes has reduced so much. That is why one disadvantage of warmer temperatures (hot season) is the return of bugs, especially mosquitoes. Most people are ready to go to any length just to kill or ward those bugs off so as to have a ray of nice and peaceful sunshine.
Some people make use of creams, oils, and soap so that they won’t be disturbed by mosquitoes. I have listed plants that repel mosquitoes, plants that you can use or plant around your compound to get rid of mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are attracted to warm bodies, which makes humans the prime choice for their dinner diet, especially during summer.
The chemicals in commercial bug sprays can be harmful to you. These sprays are also harmful to the environment because they easily get into the air. For a more natural alternative, you can try adding a few plants that repel mosquitoes in and around your house.
Some plants that are listed below, like lavender and mint, produce a soothing scent for humans, but a repulsive scent for mosquitoes. If you want to find a natural way to avoid getting bit this season, take a look at the 20 plants that repel mosquitoes to help you avoid these blood-sucking pests.
Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
1. Mint:
Mint is one fragrant herb that has pest-fighting properties. The active ingredient found in mint and peppermint oil is menthol, which has an active insect-fighting ingredient in it. Mint has biocidal properties, which is mosquito repellent and other various pests. Mint leave grows like weed and is a perfect to plant at home. If you do not want it to spread, you can plant it in a pot. Mint leaves can also be used in a variety of dishes like rice, soup, sauce etc.
2. Rosemary:
Rosemary plant is another plant that, along with being a delectable and versatile herb, it contains oils that have shown to be an effective mosquito repellent. Rosemary is popular with home growers and is very easy to grow. It can grow and flourish in a garden, a window box or even in your landscaping. Rosemary plant can also be used to season food.
They can also be pruned into all sorts of shapes and sizes and make great borders or decorations. While the pests stay away, you can enjoy the herb’s scent and also use it to season your cooking.
3. Citronella (Lemon Grass):
This should not come as a surprise considering the fact that citronella is a popular ingredient for natural mosquito repellent, patio candles and more. Most citronella products are made with fragrant oil that is expelled by the plant, and it can be easily planted in a yard. Products made from citronella plants last for as long as two hours because its oil evaporates very quickly. Having citronella plants around is good insurance against mosquitoes and biting pests. These plants can grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide, so be sure to space them when planting them.
4. Basil:
Apart from its beautifully scented aroma, basil leaves have compounds that can kill mosquito larvae just before they hatch, which helps to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your compound. Basil plants can also help attract pollinators to help your garden thrive. Basil leaf is one of the easiest herbs you can grow, and it is a great mosquito repellent.
Since all kinds of basil plants keep flies and mosquitoes away, feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix into your garden. This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun. You can plant basil in containers or in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as both plants meet the same requirements.
5. Marigolds:
Marigold may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to mosquito repellent, marigolds have several insecticidal components i.e. compounds that repel several types of insects and pests, which is why they are loved by gardeners and landscapers. Similarly to other insect-repelling plants, the scent from the marigold plant can help keep bugs away. This plant does not consume a lot of space, and it can be easily maintained and produces beautiful, colorful flowers that can beautify your compound. Grow them in pots and place them near the entrance to your home to keep bugs away.
6. Lavender:
The aroma from lavender helps send away mosquitoes. Lavender has a beautiful and attractive scent. According to research, lavender essential oils is not just a mosquito repellent, but it also repels most species of pest or bugs for about six to eight hours. The Lavender plant attracts helpful pollinators to create a profusion of purple flowers. Lavender plants should be planted about 2 to 3 feet afar from each other so that they can have enough space to grow and flourish in direct sunlight. This plant is very tough and drought-resistant. Once planted, it only needs full sun and good drainage. It can endure many climates, but it flourishes in a warmer environment.
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7. Nasturtiums:
Nasturtiums are edible flowers with attractive circular leaves and colorful petals. Unlike other plants that repel pests, nasturtiums actually attract them to draw them away from your other plants (or from you). If you have a garden, nasturtiums are helpful for protecting cucumbers, tomatoes, squash and more from common pests like aphids, beetles and flies (this relationship is called companion planting). Nasturtiums can trail throughout open space in the garden, so be sure to plant them at least 10 to 12 inches apart. They thrive in areas with six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Plus, their gorgeous flowers are totally edible and can give your salad an aesthetic upgrade.
8. Catmint:
Catnip (catmint) can be found glowing almost anywhere. Catmint is from the mint family and grows both as a commercial plant and as a weed. It is very easy to grow and take care of and may even start to invade other areas of your garden. They are amazing mosquito repellent and ten times more effective than DEET, i.e chemicals used in most insect repellents.
9. Bee Balm:
If you want to attract good bugs like bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, and at the same time pursue the bad ones away, then bee balm is the right plant. Another name for bee balm is Monarda or horsemint. All you have to do is to simply crush its leaves to release the fragrant oils. Bee balm is a beautiful and colourful plant, which comes in different shades of red, pink, lavender, white, or purple. This plant is commonly used in jellies, tea and as a delicious garnish for salads and other dishes.
10. Floss Flower (Ageratum):
Floss flowers contain a chemical called coumarin which is used in common pest repellent, and emits a smell that mosquitoes find particularly offensive. These fuzzy mosquito repellent flowers are very beautiful and attractive plants and are great visual addition to your flower bed or as an edging plant.
Rubbing the crushed leaves directly on the skin is not advised because of their irritating properties. Though the leaves of floss flowers can be crushed to increase the emitted odour. Floss flowers come in different colours like blue, pink white and purple and it also complements any bouquet. This pest repellent flower thrives in full or partial sun and doesn’t require rich soil.
11. Sage:
Sage is another effective pest repellent. If you love gathering around a fire pit in your backyard, then plant some sage plants nearby. Throw some of the plants into the flames and its earthy smell will send off bugs. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray.
12. Allium:
Allium releases a strong fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like. You’ll enjoy the whimsical globe-shaped flowers of allium that seem to float atop long, slender stems.
13. Scented Geranium:
Geraniums are slightly lemon scented and are also pest repellent, i.e it can keep a handful of pests away from your home and garden. These mosquito-repelling flowers have beautiful blooms and come in vibrant colors that make them great for decorating. Scented geraniums have a small portion of citronella oil that contributes to their mosquito-repelling capacity.
14. Pennyroyal:
Pennyroyal is a strong natural mosquito repellent that also keeps other flying pests away like flies and fleas. It’s most effective to crush pennyroyal and keep in your pockets, but keep in mind that pennyroyal has been found to be toxic for infants and pregnant women.
15. Lemon Balm:
Lemon balm is mainly used to help reduce stress, relieve stomach trouble and more. Keep in mind that lemon balm is an invasive species and can take over your garden bed if planted there. This ornamental plant tastes great in soups and other dishes, in addition, it is a pest repellent.
16. Feverfew:
These daisy-like flowers in a pest repellent through their fragrance and pyrethrum oils. Plant them in your outdoor seating area or close to doorways and windows. To maximize its benefits, plant feverfew plant with citronella grass and lavender.
17. Pitcher Plant:
Pitcher plants are not pest repellent, but they attract mosquitoes with a sweet smell and eat them for nutrients. Pitcher plants need sandy soil and lots of sunlight because they are self-fertilizing plants, they don’t need to be fertilized.
18. Peppermint:
Peppermint is sometimes used in its concentrated form, as pest repellent. Crush a few peppermint leaves to release a minty scent and essential oils. Rub the oils on your skin for an added layer of protection against mosquitoes. To enhance the mosquito-repelling effectiveness of peppermint, pick several mature leaves from the plant, mince them into tiny pieces, and scatter them around your outdoor seating area.
Because peppermint quickly spreads, it’s recommended that you grow this plant in pots. If you want peppermint in your garden, use simple garden edging or lay down bricks to slow its spread.
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Conclusion
Plants that repel mosquitoes work best if placed closest to the area you want to get rid of mosquitoes. Areas to keep in mind include windows, doors, walkways, seating areas and dining areas. Some plants work better when leaves are rubbed directly on the skin, but this is not advisable for all plants. Consult with a doctor or dermatologist to confirm what’s best for you and your skin.
Some of these plants work best in pots and planters since this allows you to easily move the plants around your home. On the other hand, other plants work better in the garden since they repel multiple types of insects (and therefore they work as a natural insecticide for your garden bed). This pest repellent is effective and works more in different weather conditions
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