People who say mosquitoes are a nuisance don’t know what they’re talking about. A dripping faucet is a nuisance. Mosquitoes are tiny little monsters hell-bent on frustrating everything around them. And they’re pretty successful at it.
You’ve probably already tried a few bug sprays and some of them work, but the scents are usually way too strong and unpleasant. What’s even worse than the smell is the fact that those chemicals can’t be good for you or the environment.
But nature’s got your back. Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes with scents they can’t stand. That’s right – you can annoy them, too! But not only do these plants keep the nasty little bugs away, they also add color, fragrance, and life to your backyard.
Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
New plants might make you want to refresh your landscaping, so get some supplies first. I’d simply look for gravel delivery near me and start from there. Once the garden looks all nice and the stage’s been set, you can also start planting those bad boys.
So, let’s get into the plants you’ll definitely want to have.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is famous for the way it repels mosquitoes – it has a strong lemony scent the little vampires can’t stand. The smell masks the scents that attract mosquitoes to people, confuse them, and keep them at bay.
It grows well in warm, sunny places and it can also do great in pots and garden beds. Place citronella grass close to patios, decks, and seating areas to protect your sanity while you relax outdoors. It prefers moist soil, but it can handle short dry periods. Trim it regularly to encourage fuller growth and to keep the plant healthy.
Lavender
Lavender smells relaxing to you, but mosquitoes hate it. Its calming floral fragrance and beautiful flowers make it ideal for planting close to doorways, windows, and outdoor spaces where you like to sit. Lavender grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once it’s established, it only needs occasional watering.
Apart from repelling mosquitoes, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, so it adds even more life to your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds are bright, cheerful, and everyone likes to look at them. But they contain pyrethrum compounds, which are natural chemicals you’ll find in many insect repellents. These compounds help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away from your garden.
Marigolds are easy to grow and bloom throughout the summer, especially in sunny spots with well-drained soil. You can plant them along borders, in vegetable gardens, or even in pots near windows and entrances.
Basil
Basil isn’t just for pizza and pasta; it also works as a natural mosquito repellent because of its strong scent. Plant basil in pots or garden beds close to seating areas and doorways. It loves full sun and moist, well-drained soil. And as a bonus, you’ll always have fresh basil leaves for cooking.
Pinch back the flower heads to keep the plant producing more fragrant leaves throughout the season.
Catnip
Mosquitoes hate it as much as cats love it. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is the active compound in the plant, and it’s (roughly) ten times more effective as a spatial repellent when compared to DEET. This is why it’s such a great option for repelling those pesky mosquitoes.
And catnip is so easy to grow. It likes most soil types and prefers full sun. Plant it in borders or containers, but be prepared for visits from the neighborhood cats who will want to roll in it.
Lemon Balm
This plant has a notable citrusy scent that mosquitoes like to avoid. It’s part of the mint family, so like peppermint, it spreads fast and it does best in pots unless you don’t mind it taking over a garden bed.
Place containers around your outdoor living areas to create a sort of natural shield. Lemon balm likes partial shade and needs plenty of water to stay lush.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a lovely woody aroma, but mosquitoes find it absolutely intolerable. Grow it in pots so you can move it around to wherever you want protection, or you can plant it directly in the garden. Rosemary likes full sun and well-drained soil.
You can even shape it into small hedges or decorative topiaries to add structure and style to your backyard.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a sharp, fresh scent and it totally overwhelms mosquitoes’ senses so they stay away from it. Grow it in containers because if you put it in a garden bed, it will spread aggressively.
Place pots of peppermint around patios, balconies, and windowsills. It grows best in partial shade and moist, rich soil. You can even crush a few leaves once in a while to release more of its oils into the air.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – plants that look pretty and help you keep the tiny flying vampires away. Mix some of these plants and you’ll get a mosquito-free paradise. Well… Close to it. Those little suckers are persistent so you can’t really get rid of all of them.
And plus, your garden will always smell amazing!
