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In this article, we’ll discuss what plants keep mosquitoes away and if you can use plants like lavender against mosquitoes.
We’ll also share a few plants to burn and what plants attract mosquitoes so you can avoid them.
Mosquitoes can ruin even the most beautiful summer sunset with their constant buzzing and biting.
What Plants Repel Mosquitoes?
What plant keeps mosquitoes away? Below, you’ll find our top 16 plants that deter mosquitoes!
Lavender
Lavender is a hardy plant that can withstand the harshest conditions as long as it gets enough sun and good drainage. Lavender plants are best suited for warmer climates due to their need for ample sunlight.
These hardy flowers come in many varieties, but all produce an intense fragrance with healing properties from essential oils on their leaves. Not only does lavender deters pests, such as mosquitoes, by hindering their sense of smell, but this resilient flower also helps repel insects that hinder your garden’s growth.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a great addition to any garden because they encourage pollinators and other beneficial insects. If you also want an easier time keeping pesky pests out of your home, this is one of the many plants that repel mosquitoes naturally.
You can grow them in pots near your entrance or patio. It will deter mosquitoes and aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, and squash bugs.
Citronella Grass
Citronella is a low-maintenance plant that can repel mosquitoes without much work. In addition, the scent from citronella masks the smell of other attractants, like carbon dioxide; you will be able to ward off mosquitoes with little effort at all.
Citrosum and Citronella grass are variations of this plant name found in frost-free areas, such as gardens, where they can thrive easily without any extra care.
Catnip
The most effective plant to get rid of mosquitoes is catnip, a feline attractant, and mosquito repellent. Catnip also deters other insects from invading your plants with its ability to ward off pests for an extended period.
Although this plant can be technically invasive by taking over garden beds if planted too close together, its ability to repel mosquitoes makes up for any negatives!
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a great way to fight mosquitos with its strong citronella scent. It also helps reduce stress and bring on relaxation because of the soothing aroma it emits. Many cuisines use lemon balm as an ingredient, adding another dimension of flavor to your plate.
Keep in mind, though; it could easily take over your plants and other herbs or vegetables if planted outside. So make sure not to plant any into your garden bed.
Peppermint
This plant grows at an alarming rate and can quickly take over your garden if left unchecked. Not only is it a fast grower, but peppermint oil has many uses. Not only does the mosquito-repelling scent of this herb makes summer nights more enjoyable, but it also provides relief from itchiness that accompanies insect bites.
Garlic
Garlic has been used as a repellent for centuries. Squeezing and rubbing garlic on your skin can keep mosquitoes at bay, but it’ll also repel people from you.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a herb that has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes and other flying pests, such as flies and fleas, away. It is most effective when crushed into a fine powder before being placed in the pockets of clothing. However, pennyroyal should be handled with care by pregnant women or infants hypersensitive to its toxic effects on their sensitive skin.
Rosemary
This aromatic herb is perfect for cooking and can keep mosquitoes away. You could also add rosemary to the fire outside and enjoy its beautiful aroma as a natural insect repellent. Rosemary oil has great benefits, too. It’s an excellent skin and hair tonic and can make your hair shinier or give curly strands more definition.
Basil
Basil is an herb that is a pest repellent and can be found in many gardens. Basil leaves emit a pungent smell, which keeps pests away from your garden. The fragrance of basil also keeps flies and mosquitoes at bay.
You can use any basil you choose to plant, including common or purple because either will work. Make sure the soil where you plan on planting basil stays moist but drains well.
Basil also requires lots of sunlight. Just make sure it is in direct sunlight rather than direct rays since this could cause damage over time with exposure to extreme heat when the seasons change.
Scented Geraniums
Geraniums are beautiful flowers that can keep pests away from your home. They come in vibrant colors and smell like lemons, making them perfect for decoration while keeping mosquitoes at bay. In addition, geraniums have citronella oil which keeps those pesky mosquitoes out of the way, so you’re safe when enjoying the fresh air.
Bee Balm
Bee balm is a flowering plant that is commonly known as wild bergamot and horsemint. It repels mosquitoes and brings many pollinators to your gardens like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This beautiful flower can be used in jellies or eaten at the end of an exquisite meal for added flavor.
Mint
Mint is a good option for keeping flies, ants, and mosquitoes away. The aroma of mint oil will ensure you have fewer bugs in your home.
You can plant it near doors to keep pesky insects out and grow some in pots outside so that they are easily accessible when guests come over. You can dry leaves into a pest-control powder as well. However, use them inside with caution because their strong odor may be unpleasant indoors.
Floss Flower
Floss flowers have a chemical in them called Coumarin, which is anti-mosquito. As a result, they are great at repelling mosquitoes and other pesky insects from your garden space. Floss flowers come in blue, pink, white, or purple, and they also complement any bouquet beautifully.
Sage
Native Americans have been using sage for centuries to cleanse themselves of spiritual impurities. Historically, it was also used in purification rites and rituals due to its powerful cleansing ability. Today, where we are bombarded with germs daily, this herb is more popular than ever.
It’s not only an effective way to keep your home smelling fresh, but it can even ward off pesky mosquitoes too. Not that you need another reason, but burning some leaves around the backyard or fireplace will result in calming aromas, all while doing double duty as a mosquito repellent.
Allium
Allium gigantism, also commonly known as Alliums, is one of the ideal plants to repel mosquitoes and grows in groups and can grow up to 7 feet tall.
Allium repels insects, including flies, mosquitos, slugs, and aphids. In addition, it protects roots from worms that destroy edible plants for gardens, combined with edible plants, which creates excellent protection against the root-killing worm.
You can either buy bulbs or start them yourself by planting seeds that take time before flowering.
What Is The Best Plant To Keep Mosquitoes Away?
One of the best plants to deter mosquitoes is catnip!
It is the most effective plant to get rid of mosquitoes among plants that keep mosquitoes away. There are many different types of plants, but none can compete with this one in terms of effectiveness and safety for humans.
Catnip has been shown in studies as an insect repellent against mosquitoes as it contains Nepetalactone. When you crush Catnip leaves and flowers, their natural oils are released into the air, creating an unpleasant aroma for mosquitos. This helps keep these pests away from your property since they don’t seem to enjoy being around this type of plant’s fragrance in any way possible.
Are Plants that Repel Mosquitoes a Scam?
Since chemical-laden bug sprays are harmful, many people are looking for natural alternatives. One thing that humans have used since the dawn of time is mosquito-repellent plants. Planting certain aromatic herbs and flowers can keep mosquitos away all summer long with no adverse side effects. And as a bonus, they often smell great too but not always.
The thing is that sage, for example, may only repel mosquitoes away when burned. Thus, simply plopping some plants in a pot on your back patio will not do the trick. Instead, you have to crush or burn some of these plants for their substance release, which offers those great mosquito protection qualities.
You might also have come across a citronella plant at big-box stores. They’re often marketed as mosquito plants, but they’re just geraniums, and that claim debunks.
Also, many people think that planting some plants in their backyard to repel mosquitoes is enough. But, this is not the case, and they need to understand how crucial reducing environmental factors for breeding are.
If you want your backyard free from pesky insects such as mosquitoes, specific steps must be taken. First, it would be best to get rid of anything with standing water on your property, including wheelbarrows, buckets under flower pots, etc.
Plants to Burn to Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Burning sage is also a great way to keep mosquitoes away. You can throw some sage leaves in your backyard fire pit or fireplace and fill the air of your home with refreshing aromas and natural mosquito-repelling scents.
You can also get rid of pesky mosquitoes by burning eucalyptus and rosemary. The active ingredient found in bark from evergreen trees, like pine trees, is commonly used as insect repellents when burned.
A Few Plants That Attract Mosquitoes?
While some plants repel mosquitoes, others attract them. A few examples of these are dahlias and zinnia flowers that emit a scent to lure in the insects while attracting more moths over time.
Your backyard might be filled with beautiful flowers, but you should consider that mosquitoes are attracted to them. You can expect many bees and even more pesky mosquitos around these plants, thanks to the nectar they produce.
The carbon dioxide emissions from these plants also act like an all-you-can-eat buffet invitation for your mosquito friends. Therefore, it is recommended that you plant fewer flowering plants outside.
FAQ:
Does Lavender Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Research suggests crushed lavender flowers can keep you and your family safe from mosquito bites. In addition, crushed lavender flowers produce fragrant oil, which may be able to repel mosquitoes effectively.
Lavender has analgesic qualities (pain killers), antifungal properties (helps prevent infection), and antimicrobial for cuts or scrapes. This means it can not only help fight against new mosquitos but soothe the skin after they’ve already bitten into you.
Does Spearmint Keep Mosquitoes Away?
The mosquito-repelling properties of spearmint make this plant a great addition to bug-infested areas. The added benefit is that it can also repel other pests, such as flies and cockroaches.
Be aware that mint tends to grow out of control and take over other nearby plants. To keep your garden looking its best, consider planting mint in pots or raised beds to avoid becoming invasive.
