Best plants to repel mosquitoes
With the arrival of the dog days of summer and increased rainfall, mosquitoes find an ideal breeding ground. Most people have been bothered by these pesky insects either during outdoor activities or while sleeping. Although it’s impossible to completely avoid mosquitoes, there are some clever ways to keep them at bay.
Entomologists have discovered that the following flowers and herbs can effectively repel mosquitoes.
Citronella
Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to make decisions, such as where to lay eggs. Therefore, planting plants with scents that mosquitoes dislike is a good way to keep them away.
Some mosquito-repellent candles are made from citronella essential oil. A more direct approach is to plant citronella in pots or in your garden. Citronella contains volatile substances like citronellal and limonene, which emit a special aroma that interferes with mosquitoes’ sensory organs, making it difficult for them to locate people.
Lemongrass
Any plant with a lemon scent can act as a mosquito repellent. Lemongrass, lemon balm, and lemon verbena belong to this category. Which specific plant works best depends on the climate of your region. Lemongrass needs to grow in a sunny area with good drainage. When the weather gets cold, it should be brought indoors.
These plants contain citronellal, which can effectively repel mosquitoes. For example, some mosquito-repellent products like sprays contain lemongrass extracts, which release the scent of lemongrass to repel mosquitoes, providing natural protection.
Lavender
Lavender not only has aesthetic appeal but also has mosquito-repelling properties. It contains linalool, which repels mosquitoes. Crushing lavender leaves can also release essential oils that repel mosquitoes. Dried lavender petals can even be used as an anti-itch remedy for mosquito bites.
Since this purple plant thrives in sunny environments, avoid planting it in shaded areas.
Rosemary
Rosemary contains essential oils that mosquitoes and other insects wish to avoid. The whole rosemary plant contains various volatile oils with strong antibacterial activity. Its fragrance not only repels insects but also has a calming effect.
In addition to beautifying the environment, rosemary is widely used in cooking. It grows well in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Catnip
Catnip is one of those plants with a strong scent that mosquitoes can’t stand. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is even more effective than DEET (a common chemical in mosquito repellents).
Besides being easy to grow and maintain, catnip also makes an attractive ornamental plant. It’s not picky about soil, as long as it’s well-drained, it will thrive.
Mint
Mint contains rich volatile substances such as peppermint oil and menthol, which have a unique smell that can repel mosquitoes to some extent. The most effective ingredient is menthol, which repels mosquitoes and other pests.
Mint can grow in all types of soil and can be placed indoors during the summer. It’s important to note that all types of mint have mosquito-repelling effects, but only within a small range where the mint’s scent can spread.
Basil
In addition to being a cooking herb, basil can also be planted as a garden plant. Basil leaves contain compounds that can kill mosquito larvae. These compounds confuse and irritate mosquitoes, forcing them to leave and seek other food sources. The active ingredient in basil that repels mosquitoes is eugenol. The leaves can be made into lotions or sprays for mosquito repellent.
Marigold
Marigolds contain pyrethrins, a natural insecticide. In Africa, marigolds are often hung under thatched roofs to repel swarms of mosquitoes and flies.
Marigolds prefer warm environments and are resistant to early frost, semi-shade, and transplanting. They have strong disease resistance, fewer pests, and are easy to grow, with no strict soil requirements.
Garlic
In addition to the above plants, the strong pungent smell released by garlic can also repel mosquitoes. Garlic is rich in allicin, a pungent chemical that has a unique smell and can be applied to the skin to effectively repel mosquitoes.
Crushed garlic wrapped in a mask and sprinkled with essential balm can be used as a mosquito-repelling sachet, effectively replacing chemical products on the market. Made from natural materials, it has no adverse effects on human health.
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These Plants Attract Mosquitoes
Just as there are plants that repel mosquitoes, there are also plants that attract them.
Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. Plants like bromeliads and succulents have waxy leaves and water troughs that can store small amounts of water after rain, providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes also like flowering weeds and ornamental flowering plants, such as goldenrods (e.g., solidago), orchids, and wildflowers. The sugars in the nectar of these plants provide another source of nutrition for adult mosquitoes.
In addition to standing water, areas near trees, tall grass, or dense shrubs that are shady and moist are ideal habitats for mosquitoes, so it’s best to minimize these areas. The more sunlight there is, the less likely mosquitoes are to breed.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
