Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
As spring arrives, unfortunately so do the mosquitoes. While mosquitoes may be great for bats and birds, they are a massive annoyance for everything else.
Due to the awful mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, zika, and malaria, you want to keep them as far away from your family as you can. Apart from spraying yourself with harsh, chemical mosquito repellent, you could use the power of nature and fill your yard with plants that repel mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes, along with many other insects, are attracted to certain odors in your skin. We covered this on our last post where we showed how to keep mosquitoes away.
When you spend time outside in the hot sun and start to get sweaty, you may notice that you have to fend off more mosquitoes. This is because they are primarily attracted to your body odor and other secretions.
The good news is, there are certain strong smells which are unpleasant to the insects that can hide your scent and prevent the mosquitoes from getting too close. Planting the following mosquito repellent plants in your yard will mask your odor and keep the mosquito population under control.
Mosquito Repelling Plants
If you have a problem with mosquitoes, there are a variety of plants that are natural mosquito repellents.
To get the maximum effect of these insect-repelling plants, you’ll need to crush the leaves, to release their essential oils and scent, and rub the leaves and their oils on your skin. Here are some plants that you can include in your yard to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Repels Mosquitoes
Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family. It has small white flowers and a subtle lemon scent. Not only does this plant have some great healing properties, but it is especially good at reducing the number of mosquito bites you’ll have to endure.
You have to be careful when planting lemon balm because it is an invasive species, and if left unchecked it will quickly take over your entire garden. If you ever wondered how to repel mosquitoes with plants, then lemon balm is the ideal houseplant for you. Just plant it in a pot or hanging basket and place it on your patio. It works magically.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
A cousin of the mint plant, the fragrant leaves on the catnip plant contain the chemical nepetalactone. This chemical is best known for attracting cats but will also do a great job as a DIY mosquito repellent.
The downside to catnip is it will draw all the neighborhood cats to your yard, so be sure to consider that before planting it.
Basil (Ocimum americanum) – Useful and Repellent
Basil has long been a cooking staple in many households. You can grow this fantastic and versatile plant around any natural water source in your yard, like a pond, to help control the number of eggs the mosquitoes lay.
You can also use the essential oil derived from the plant as a natural insect spray to repel mosquitoes and keep them from biting you. You can grow basil in pots or the garden, just make sure it is planted in your backyard in well-draining soil and placed in full sun.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Along with its many aromatherapies uses, and herbal remedies, lavender is one of the most beautiful plants that repel flies, mosquitoes, spiders, moths, and ants.
Along with repelling mosquitoes, you can use it as an herbal remedy to alleviate the itching and pain associated with a variety of insect bites, including mosquitoes. You can also rub the plant on your skin to release its oils to help keep mosquitoes well away from you. Lavender is also one of the most drought tolerant plants, which makes it perfect for planting in hot areas.
Peppermint (Mentha balsamea)
All species of mint, both cultivated and wild, contain aromatic properties that are repulsive to insects but pleasant to most humans. You can find the essence of the plant in the stems, flowers, and leaves, and when brushed against or crushed, the scent is released.
Peppermint oil is also one of the best ways to keep spiders out of your home. Use the oil to repel adult mosquitoes and kill the larvae and eggs of several species of mosquitoes. Plant peppermint around the perimeter of the house to keep mosquitoes away and also as one of the plants that deter spiders from seeking a home in yours.