10 Outside Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

Table of Contents

10 Outside Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

Introduction

Mosquitoes are not only annoying pests, but they also pose a health risk as carriers of deadly diseases. The use of chemical-based insecticides and repellents can have long-term negative impacts on our health and the environment. Fortunately, there are many outside plants that naturally repel mosquitoes without using chemicals while adding beauty to your garden or patio.

Top 10 Outside Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

1. Citronella
   • Known for its lemony scent, citronella is a popular plant to keep mosquitoes at bay.
2. Lavender
   • Lavender's sweet aroma repels mosquitoes naturally while adding a touch of color to your garden.
3. Basil
   • Popular in Italian cuisine, basil leaves also act as a natural mosquito repellent.
4. Marigold
   • Bright and cheery marigolds also help deter mosquitoes from your outdoor space.
5. Lemon Balm
   • Not just for tea, Lemon Balm's citrusy fragrance also keeps mosquitoes away.
6. Catnip
   • While it may attract feline friends, using Catnip as a plant in your garden also deters mosquitoes.
7. Peppermint
   • An aromatic herb used in many dishes and drinks, peppermint leaves also help keep mosquitoes at bay.
8. Rosemary
   • Known for its woody fragrance and culinary uses, rosemary is also an excellent mosquito repellent plant.
9. Geranium
   • Colorful geranium flowers add flair to your outdoor space while naturally repelling mosquitoes.
10. Sage
    • A versatile herb often used in savory dishes, sage leaves also act as a natural deterrent against mosquitoes.

Conclusion

Planting these mosquito repellent plants not only naturally deters pesky mosquitoes but also helps create a beautiful landscape around your home. Ensure you place them in areas where they receive necessary sunlight and proper care for optimal growth and results.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about mosquito-repellent plants:

1. How do these plants repel mosquitoes?
   • The essential oils found in the leaves of these plants emit scents that mosquitoes find unpleasant, making it harder for them to locate nearby humans or animals.
2. Are mosquito-repellent plants effective?
   • Yes! These plants can be an effective natural remedy for repelling mosquitoes from your outdoor space.
3. Can I use these plants indoors to repel mosquitoes?
   • Yes, some of these plants-like basil, peppermint, and lavender-can also be grown indoors and used to repel mosquitoes from your home.
4. Do these plants attract other harmful insects?
   • No, they do not. However, pollinators-like butterflies and bees-may be attracted to these plants.
5. In what forms can I use these plants?
   • Crush leaves or stems and rub them on your skin or clothes to use these plants' mosquito-repellent properties.
6. Do I need to crush or break the leaves of these plants for better efficiency?
   • Yes, crushing a leaf or breaking off stems of these plants releases their natural oils that mosquitoes find unpleasant, making them more effective at repelling mosquitoes.
7. Can I apply these plants directly to my skin to repel mosquitoes?
   • While it's perfectly safe for most of these plants leaves to touch skin, some people might develop allergic reactions after being in close contact with these plants. Further, botanical oils can be strong, and applying them topically in large amounts may cause irritation. Therefore, it's best to do a patch test before applying them to larger areas of skin or dilute them in a carrier oil first.
8. Can I plant these mosquito repellent plants in pots and keep them inside my house?
   • Sure, you can also grow these plants in containers and keep them in areas with sunlight exposure inside your home.
9. Where can I buy these mosquito-repellent plants?
   • Most garden centers and plant nurseries carry these plants, and many big box stores now have sections dedicated to gardening. Additionally, online nurseries are another option to buy these plants, although shipping might make it expensive.
10. Do all species of mosquitoes get repelled by these plants?
    • No, different varieties of mosquitoes might react differently to each of these plants. However, using a combination of them might increase your chances of success.