Flowers That Mosquitoes Hate

Do you love spending time in your garden but get constantly annoyed by pesky mosquitoes? Worry not! There are some flowers that can help keep these unwanted guests at bay. Not only do they add beauty to your yard, but also act as natural mosquito repellents. In this article, we will discuss 15 different types of flowers that mosquitoes hate.

List of Flowers

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are colorful and easy to grow flowers that are known to repel mosquitoes. They contain a chemical called pyrethrum which is used in many insect repellents. You can plant them in your garden or keep them in pots around your house.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds require full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or seedlings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Marigolds

Not only do marigolds repel mosquitoes, but they also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees that help pollinate other plants in your garden.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant flower that is popular for its calming scent. However, it is also a natural mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their targets.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender requires full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Lavender

Lavender is not only an effective mosquito repellent, but it also attracts bees and butterflies to your garden. Plus, you can use its fragrant flowers to make potpourri or essential oils.

3. Citronella

Citronella is a popular ingredient in many mosquito repellents. It contains citronellal, which masks the scent of humans and repels mosquitoes.

How to Grow Citronella

Citronella can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. You can keep it in pots around your house or plant it in your garden.

Benefits of Growing Citronella

Citronella not only repels mosquitoes but also acts as a natural air freshener. Its leaves have a lemony scent that can help mask unpleasant odors in your home.

4. Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is known for its ability to attract cats. However, it is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its leaves contain a chemical called nepetalactone, which mosquitoes hate.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Catnip

Catnip not only repels mosquitoes but also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in cooking. However, it is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their targets.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary requires full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Rosemary

Rosemary not only repels mosquitoes but also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden. Plus, you can use its fragrant leaves to add flavor to your cooking.

6. Basil

Basil is a popular herb that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. However, it is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their targets.

How to Grow Basil

Basil requires full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Basil

Basil not only repels mosquitoes but also adds flavor to your cooking. Its fragrant leaves can be used in salads, pasta dishes, and more.

7. Peppermint

Peppermint is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in teas and desserts. However, it is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their targets.

How to Grow Peppermint

Peppermint requires partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Peppermint

Peppermint not only repels mosquitoes but also has many health benefits. It can help soothe digestive issues and relieve headaches.

8. Geraniums

Geraniums are colorful flowers that come in many different varieties. They contain a chemical called citronellol, which is used in many insect repellents.

How to Grow Geraniums

Geraniums require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Geraniums

Geraniums not only repel mosquitoes but also add color to your garden. Plus, they are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.

9. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are colorful flowers that come in many different varieties. They contain a chemical called pyrethrum, which is used in many insecticides.

How to Grow Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums require full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums not only repel mosquitoes but also add color to your garden. Plus, they are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.

10. Alliums

Alliums are a type of flowering plant that includes onions, garlic, and chives. They contain a chemical called allicin, which is known to repel mosquitoes.

How to Grow Alliums

Alliums require full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or bulbs. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Alliums

Alliums not only repel mosquitoes but also add flavor to your cooking. Plus, they are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

11. Floss Flower

Floss flowers are colorful and easy to grow. They contain a chemical called coumarin, which is known to repel mosquitoes.

How to Grow Floss Flowers

Floss flowers require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or seedlings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Floss Flowers

Floss flowers not only repel mosquitoes but also add color to your garden. Plus, they are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.

12. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in teas and desserts. However, it is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their targets.

How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm requires partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Lemon Balm

Lemon balm not only repels mosquitoes but also has many health benefits. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and soothe digestive issues.

13. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are colorful and easy to grow flowers that come in many different varieties. They contain a chemical called linalool, which is known to repel mosquitoes.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or seedlings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums not only repel mosquitoes but also add color to your garden. Plus, you can use their edible flowers and leaves in salads and other dishes.

14. Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in cooking. However, it is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their targets.

How to Grow Sage

Sage requires full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Sage

Sage not only repels mosquitoes but also adds flavor to your cooking. Its fragrant leaves can be used in stuffing, soups, and more.

15. Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in teas and desserts. However, it is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their targets.

How to Grow Mint

Mint requires partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in a location where they get plenty of sunlight and water them regularly.

Benefits of Growing Mint

Mint not only repels mosquitoes but also has many health benefits. It can help soothe digestive issues, freshen breath, and relieve stress.

In there are many different types of flowers that can help keep mosquitoes away from your garden and home. By adding these plants to your yard, you can reduce the population of these pesky insects without using harmful chemicals. Plus, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of these natural mosquito repellents.

FAQs

1. Are these flowers safe for pets?

Yes, most of these flowers are safe for pets. However, some, like catnip, can attract cats to your garden, so it's best to keep an eye on your furry friends.

2. Can I use these flowers as a replacement for insect repellent?

While these flowers can help keep mosquitoes away, they may not be as effective as commercial insect repellents. It's always best to use a combination of different methods to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

3. What other methods can I use to repel mosquitoes?

You can use mosquito nets, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

4. Can I grow these flowers indoors?

Yes, most of these flowers can be grown indoors, provided they get enough sunlight and water.

5. Do these flowers repel other insects?

Yes, many of these flowers can repel other insects like flies, ants, and gnats.