Mosquitoes are annoying and potentially dangerous insects that can ruin your outdoor enjoyment. They can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus. They can also cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. Fortunately, there are natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your garden and home.
One of them is to grow mosquito repellent plants that emit scents that mosquitoes hate. These plants are not only effective, but also beautiful, fragrant, and beneficial for your health and environment. In this article, we will introduce you to 12 amazing mosquito repellent plants that you need to grow in your garden.
If you want to learn more about mosquitoes and how to protect yourself from them, you can visit this website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What are Mosquito Repellent Plants?
Mosquito repellent plants are plants that have the ability to repel mosquitoes and other insects by producing volatile oils or chemicals that interfere with their sense of smell. These plants can be used as ornamental plants, herbs, or spices in your garden or patio.
Some of them can also be harvested and used to make natural insect repellents, such as sprays, candles, or sachets. Mosquito repellent plants are usually easy to grow and maintain, and they can add beauty and aroma to your outdoor space.
How to Use Mosquito Repellent Plants?
There are different ways to use mosquito repellent plants to keep mosquitoes away from your garden and home. Here are some tips:
- Plant them in pots or containers and place them near your doors, windows, or seating areas where you spend most of your time outdoors. You can also hang them from baskets or trellises to create a barrier of scent around your garden.
- Plant them in the ground around your garden or along the borders of your lawn. You can also mix them with other plants to create a diverse and attractive landscape.
- Harvest the leaves, flowers, or stems of the plants and use them to make your own natural insect repellents. You can either crush them and rub them on your skin, or boil them and make a spray or a lotion. You can also dry them and make candles, sachets, or potpourri.
- Be careful not to overuse or misuse the plants, as some of them may have side effects or contraindications for certain people or animals. Always consult your doctor before using any plant for medicinal purposes, and keep them away from children and pets.
12 Amazing Mosquito Repellent Plants You Need to Grow in Your Garden
Here are 12 plants you can grow around your home that are not only beautiful, but can also help repel mosquitoes.
1. Lemongrass
Most popular natural ingredients for repelling mosquitoes. In fact, a 2011 study in Malaria Journal, has shown that lemongrass has a strong aroma which is very disliked by mosquitoes. That is why, many mosquito repellent products use lemongrass as the main ingredient.
Even so, the strong aroma produced by lemongrass is so calming and pleasant that it can become a natural fragrance at home.
To grow lemongrass, you need a sunny and warm spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or stalks, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Lemongrass needs moist and fertile soil and regular watering and fertilizing. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and water.
2. Lavender
Another plant that is known to be good for repelling mosquitoes at home is lavender. It may sound hard to believe because the scent of lavender is so pleasant and soothing to us, but it turns out that mosquitoes can’t stand the scent of this plant.
As evidenced by one 2019 study in Malaria Journal showed that lavender was able to repel most insect species, including mosquitoes.
To grow lavender, you need a sunny and dry spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Lavender needs well-drained soil and moderate watering, and it can tolerate drought and frost. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and ventilation.
3. Marigolds
Although not as popular as the two previous mosquito repellent plants, the marigold plant is also believed to be effective at repelling mosquitoes in the home. This is because, marigolds contain several compounds, one of which is a pyrethrum compound, which can be toxic to mosquitoes and some insects.
As with other insect repellent plants, the strong aroma of marigold flowers is also not liked by mosquitoes and other insects. Plus, this plant produces beautiful and colorful flowers that can beautify your yard.
To grow marigold, you need a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or seedlings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Marigold needs moderate watering and fertilizing, and it can be deadheaded to encourage more blooms. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and air.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant and flavorful herb that can repel mosquitoes and other insects, such as flies, moths, and beetles. It is also a culinary plant that can be used to season meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables. Rosemary can also be used to improve memory, concentration, and mood.
To grow rosemary, you need a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Rosemary needs dry and sandy soil and occasional watering and pruning. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and water.
Rosemary is not only a great mosquito repellent plant, but also a wonderful herb to grow at home. You can read this article to learn more about the Herbs To Grow At Home.
5. Basil
No less than rosemary leaves, basil leaves have also been shown to be effective at repelling mosquitoes. Apart from having a strong aroma that mosquitoes don’t like, basil leaves also contain compounds that are toxic to mosquito larvae, which can reduce the mosquito population in your home.
To grow basil, you need a sunny and warm spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Basil needs moist and fertile soil and regular watering and harvesting. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and water.
6. Mint Leaves
Mint is a plant that is also effective at repelling mosquitoes in the house. The reason is, mint leaves contain menthol, an active ingredient that is able to fight mosquitoes and insects, and has biocidal properties that help repel mites, mosquitoes, and various other pests.
Besides being able to repel mosquitoes, mint leaves also have many health benefits, such as relieving headaches, helping sleep better, to overcoming digestive disorders.
To grow mint, you need a shady and moist spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Mint needs rich and moist soil and regular watering and harvesting. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and water.
7. Catnip
Journal of Medical and Veterinary Entomology explains that mosquitoes hate catnip, making it perfect for a mosquito repellent plant. This is because, this plant contains a substance called nepetalactone, which can discourage mosquitoes and insects from approaching. That means, placing these plants around the house can reduce the number of mosquitoes in the house.
To grow catnip, you need a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Catnip needs dry and sandy soil and occasional watering and pruning. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and water.
8. Geranium
Later, the name of the geranium plant has become known as one of the best mosquito repellent plants. How not, geranium has a scent like lemongrass and lemon, which makes mosquitoes reluctant to approach. In fact, the strong aroma produced by this plant is also not liked by other types of insects.
To grow geranium, you need a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Geranium needs moist and fertile soil and regular watering and fertilizing. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and water.
9. Lantana
Lantana flowers have been shown to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. A report in The Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, found that the Lantana flower extract can provide protection from Aedes & Aegypti mosquitoes up to 94 percent for approximately two hours. Plus, this flower also has a beautiful flower color so it can beautify your home at the same time.
10. Eucalyptus
It’s been a long time, Eucalyptus, especially Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus citriodora plant, is believed to be one of the best mosquito repellent plants. The strong aroma produced by this plant is able to repel mosquitoes, flies, and several other insects.
11. Citronella
Citronella is one of the most popular and effective mosquito repellent plants. It is a perennial grass that grows up to 6 feet tall and has a lemony scent. It is the main ingredient in many commercial insect repellents, such as candles, sprays, and oils. Citronella can also be used to treat headaches, fever, and infections.
To grow citronella, you need a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Citronella needs regular watering and fertilizing, and it can be pruned to keep its shape and size. You can also grow it indoors in a large container, but make sure it gets enough light and air circulation.
12. Thyme
Thyme is a woody and aromatic plant that can repel mosquitoes and other insects, such as moths, beetles, and caterpillars. It is also a culinary plant that can be used to flavor meat, cheese, bread, and soup. Thyme can also be used to treat cough, sore throat, and bronchitis.
To grow thyme, you need a sunny and well-drained spot in your garden. You can either plant it from seeds or cuttings, or buy a potted plant from a nursery. Thyme needs dry and rocky soil and occasional watering and pruning. You can also grow it indoors in a pot, but make sure it gets enough light and water.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about mosquito repellent plants.
Do mosquito repellent plants really work?
Mosquito repellent plants can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your garden and home, but they are not a complete solution.
You still need to take other measures, such as eliminating standing water, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents, to prevent mosquito bites and diseases.
Which mosquito repellent plant is the best?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different plants may have different effects on different mosquitoes and people. You may need to experiment with different plants and combinations to find out what works best for you and your environment.
How many mosquito repellent plants do I need to grow?
The number of mosquito repellent plants you need to grow depends on the size and location of your garden and home, as well as the type and density of mosquitoes in your area.
Generally, the more plants you have, the better the effect. However, you also need to consider the space, light, water, and soil requirements of each plant, and avoid overcrowding or overwatering them.
Can I use mosquito repellent plants indoors?
Yes, you can use mosquito repellent plants indoors, as long as you provide them with adequate light, water, and air. You can either grow them in pots or containers, or cut some fresh leaves or flowers and place them in vases or bowls around your home.
You can also make your own natural insect repellents from the plants and spray them on your furniture, curtains, or carpets.
Are mosquito repellent plants safe for humans and pets?
Mosquito repellent plants are generally safe for humans and pets, as long as they are used properly and moderately. However, some plants may have side effects or contraindications for certain people or animals, such as allergies, skin irritations, or toxicity.
Therefore, you should always consult your doctor or veterinarian before using any plant for medicinal purposes, and keep them away from children and pets.
Wrap Up
Mosquito repellent plants are a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your garden and home. They can also provide you with many other benefits, such as beauty, fragrance, and health. By growing these 12 amazing mosquito repellent plants in your garden, you can enjoy a mosquito-free and pleasant outdoor space.