10 Plants that are Good for Repelling Mosquitoes

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Why choose natural ways to repel mosquitoes?

Mosquito bites can cause a range of illnesses such as Malaria, Zika Virus Disease, and Dengue Fever. While there are several chemical insect repellents available in the market, they contain harmful toxins that can not only harm you but also the environment around you.

Choosing natural ways to repel mosquitoes is an eco-friendly, safer, and more sustainable way to deal with them.

How do plants help repel mosquitoes?

Certain plants have natural oils, fragrances, and other compounds that mosquitoes find repellent. Placing these plants in your home and garden can naturally keep mosquitoes away without using any harmful chemicals.

10 Recommended Plants for Repelling Mosquitoes

If you're looking for natural ways to repel mosquitoes, here are ten recommended plants that can help:

1. Citronella

Citronella is a popular mosquito repellent plant because of its effective citronella oil. It has a strong and pleasant aroma that can mask other scents that attract mosquitoes. Plant citronella grass in pots or directly in your yard for best results.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are not only pretty to look at, but their distinct fragrance keeps mosquitoes away. Plant marigolds around your garden or near windows and doors for best results.

3. Lavender

Lavender is another beautiful plant that gives off a sweet smell while repelling mosquitoes. Plant lavender in pots or directly in your yard for best results.

4. Basil

Basil is a herb that many households commonly use in cooking, but it also has mosquito-repelling properties because of its strong scent. Plant basil in your garden and keep it close to doorways.

5. Lemon Balm

The lemony scent of Lemon Balm deters mosquitoes, making it another effective plant to have in your garden. Like other plants on this list, plant Lemon balm in pots or in your garden.

6. Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular flavor for toothpaste and gum, but it's also an excellent mosquito repellent. Placing peppermint plants around your garden or near entrances to your home will keep those pesky mosquitoes away.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is yet another herb that we use in cooking that can also repel mosquitoes naturally. Plant Rosemary bushes around your garden or near doors and windows.

8. Catnip

Catnip is a mosquito repellent plant that is highly effective, even more so than DEET, a chemical often used in insect repellents. Place catnip plants around the perimeter of your yard or in pots near entrances to your home.

9. Geranium

Geranium has a delightful scent that can help keep mosquitoes at bay. Plant Geraniums in pots, hanging baskets or place them in the garden around your home.

10. Garlic

Not only is garlic delicious in dishes, but it also repels mosquitoes. The sulfur compounds released by garlic when crushed or chopped is what keeps mosquitoes away. Plant garlic in your garden or keep chopped cloves in bowls around your outdoor seating areas.

Using plants for pest control is an eco-friendly and safe way to keep mosquitoes away. By strategically placing these plants in your home and garden, you can create a natural barrier against mosquito infestations.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions relating to using plants as mosquito repellents:

Do all plants repel mosquitoes?

No, not all plants repel mosquitoes. Only certain plants have the necessary oils, fragrances, and other compounds that mosquitoes find repellent.

How effective are these plants in repelling mosquitoes?

While these plants have been proven effective to an extent in repelling mosquitoes, they don't work as efficiently as chemical insect repellents.

Can planting these plants be harmful for humans or pets?

When used in the correct quantities and kept out of reach of pets and children, these plants pose no harm to humans or pets.

Is it necessary to have these plants in my garden or will other methods suffice?

While these plants make a great addition to your garden, other methods like mosquito nets, citronella candles, and chemical insect repellents can also be used to repel mosquitoes.

Can I use essential oils from these plants as repellents?

Yes, you can create pest-repelling sprays and other homemade insecticides by extracting the necessary oils from these plants.

Will a few plants be enough to repel mosquitoes or do I need a large number of them?

One or two plants may not be enough to keep mosquitoes at bay. Experts recommend planting several species for best results.

Can I bring these plants indoors in pots?

Yes, some of these plants like basil, peppermint, and lavender, can be grown indoors in pots.

Do the plants deter other pests too, such as flies and ants?

Yes, some of these plants like Lavender and Basil, repel other pests like flies and ants as well.

When is the best time to plant these pest-repelling plants?

The best time to plant these plants is during spring or summer when the soil is moist and warm.

Are there any other natural ways to repel mosquitoes?

Other natural ways to repel mosquitoes include using natural mosquito spray, lemon eucalyptus oil, camphor essential oil, and neem oil.