As summer approaches, many people are worried about mosquito bites and the diseases mosquitoes can carry. Although there are some things that you can do to protect yourself from mosquitoes, such as using repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying inside during high-risk hours, it is also possible to keep them away by simply planting certain plants in your garden. Here are 10 plants that can be used to create an insect-free zone in your backyard.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a native plant found commonly in Southeast Asia. It has a high level of citral, which is used in mosquito repellants. This ornamental plant tastes great in soups and other dishes.
Marigolds
Marigolds are well-known for their use as an insect repellent. These cheerful flowers are a natural source of pyrethrin, the compound that is found in most commercial insecticides. It blows from the flowers, leaves and roots of the marigold in order to repel bugs.
Geraniums
Scented geraniums have beautiful, bold, fragrant blooms that are known for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. The lemony fragrance is thought to be reminiscent of citronella grass, and it overpowers the mosquito’s ability to smell.
Garlic
If you don’t want mosquitoes around, plant some garlic in your garden. The natural odors given off by the plant are strong enough to keep insects away.
Peppermint
If you want to keep it in your garden, this isn’t the most invasive plant. Peppermint oil can do more than just repel mosquitos – it can also help relieve discomfort from mosquito bites.
Lavender
The natural fragrance from the leaves of lavender plants can help repel mosquitoes and other critters such as deer. Once a lavender plant is established, it’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow. If you have problems with mosquitoes in your home, try growing a potted lavender plant on an indoor windowsill.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that’s known for not only adding flavor to dishes, but also as a way to repel pesky mosquitos thanks to its intensely-scented leaves and flowers.
Catnip
Catnip is among the best mosquito-repelling plants and can work to repel cockroaches, too. It contains nepetalactone, which is 10x more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.
Basil
Basil is an effective mosquito deterrent. Its pungent smell deters pests. Basil grows well in containers or in the ground and makes a feasible option for people who can’t garden traditionally.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm is another plant that has a citrusy scent. It is fast-growing and easy for novice gardeners to grow. The plant thrives in sun or shade, and is drought resistant too.
Conclusion
If you live in an area with a lot of mosquitoes, you know how annoying and dangerous they can be. Luckily, there are a number of mosquito repelling plants that anyone can grow to help keep these pests at bay. We hope our list of the 10 best mosquito repelling plants has given you some ideas for which ones you’d like to try growing in your own yard. Do you have any other favorite mosquito repelling plants? Let us know in the comments below!
