10 Mosquito-Repelling Plants You Need In Your Garden

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Mosquitoes are annoying and can spread diseases such as malaria, dengue and zika virus

Pesky insects like mosquitoes can make outdoor activities less enjoyable, especially when they start to bite. However, using chemical-laden bug sprays is not the only solution to keep them away. You can also use natural mosquito repellents such as plants!

Eliminate these pesky insects using natural mosquito repellents, like plants.

Some might be unaware of this, but many plants have mosquito-repelling properties. By incorporating the following top 10 plants in your garden or having pots on your balcony, you can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes buzzing around you.

Top 10 Plants To Get Rid of Mosquitoes

These are the top ten plants that can help you get rid of mosquitoes and avoid mosquito bites.

1. Citronella Citronella grass is commonly used as an insect repellent in candles, rings, lotions, and sprays. It has a strong aroma that masks other scents that attract mosquitoes, so once they detect it, they'll stay away.

2. Lavender Lavender has a sweet fragrance that repels mosquitos, flies, and moths. This plant can be grown almost everywhere, provided there is proper drainage for the soil.

3. Mint Mint is a plant that is irresistible to humans but repels mosquitoes. It contains essential oils, such as menthol and eucalyptus, that emit a strong smell.

4. Lemon Balm Citronellal, which has a strong lemon scent, is found in Lemon balm. This makes it an excellent natural repellent for mosquitos.

5. Basil Basil's volatile oils contain citronellol, eugenol, and limonene that give it its distinctive aroma and acting as a natural mosquito repellent.

6. Marigold Marigolds are well-known for their bright hue and cheery blooms, offering beauty and function as they naturally repel mosquitoes, thanks to alpha-terthienyl, a compound found in Marigold.

7. Catnip Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is ten times more efficient at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, one of the most common active ingredients in bug sprays.

8. Rosemary Rosemary produces rosmarinic acid, which is a natural insecticide, making it an effective herb to keep mosquito infestation low.

9. Geranium According to a study by the American Society for Horticultural Science, geraniums have citronellol and geraniol that are effective in warding off mosquitoes.

10. Garlic Garlic emits an unpleasant scent for mosquitoes, rendering them quite ineffective at searching for their next meal.

By planting these mosquito repellents, you'll enjoy your outdoor activities without worrying about pesky insects disturbing your peace. Besides, using natural compounds is always advisable, reducing any potential harm chemical-based repellents might cause in children, pets or human beings.

It’s also worth mentioning that you can mix some of these plants for increased efficiency so don't hesitate to plant them in clusters in your garden or around your balcony.

FAQ

1. Can these plants completely eliminate mosquitos? Short answer: No, they cannot. Plants will help reduce the number of mosquitoes. However, they might be less effective in heavily infested areas.

2. How do I use these plants to keep mosquitoes away? You can plant these plants in your garden or pots on your balcony to repel mosquitoes effectively.

3. Are there any other natural ways to repel mosquitoes? Some other natural mosquito repellents are neem oil, soybean oil, garlic spray, and many more.

4. Do these plants require special care? Each plant has different care requirements, basic watering, pruning and soil fertilization, typically.

5. Can these plants be grown indoors? Yes, but remember that some of these plants may require a certain level of sunlight exposure to survive.

6. What should I do if I still can't get rid of mosquitoes? If mosquito infestation persists, try removing stagnant water reservoirs, as this is where mosquitoes lay eggs, as well as using non-invasive mosquito traps.

7. Are there any plants that can attract mosquitoes? Yes, there are. However, none of them are mentioned within this list.

8. Can I use essential oils from these plants as mosquito repellents? Yes, but remember to test it before applying on your skin.

9. Can planting these plants in my garden attract other insects? It depends, some flowers do attract beneficial insects that act as natural predators to common household pests; hence they don't necessarily attract only harmful insects.

10. Are these plants safe for pets? Plants like Lavender, Marigolds and Mint may be toxic if ingestedby cats or dogs. Please consult with a veterinarian if you notice any unexplained symptoms.