10 Outdoor Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

The Importance of Using Natural Mosquito Repellants

Mosquitoes are not only annoying but can also be dangerous as they may carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. While there are many synthetic mosquito repellents available in the market, they often contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural mosquito repellents available, including outdoor plants. In this blog post, we will discuss ten outdoor plants that can help repel mosquitoes.

Lavender

Most people love the smell of lavender, but mosquitoes don't. This beautiful plant has long been used to repel insects, including mosquitoes. Lavender contains essential oils that have a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Planting lavender around your garden or patio is an excellent way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. It is best to plant lavender in the spring or fall. You can grow lavender from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water it regularly and prune it back after flowering.

Lavender Growing Tips:

• Plant lavender in well-drained soil.
• Give it plenty of sunlight.
• Water it regularly.
• Prune it back after flowering.

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is a popular natural mosquito repellent. The plant contains citronella oil, which is commonly used in many commercial mosquito repellents. Citronella grass is a perennial plant that grows up to six feet tall and has a strong lemon scent.

How to Grow Citronella Grass

Citronella grass prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water it regularly and fertilize it every few weeks.

Citronella Grass Growing Tips:

• Plant citronella grass in well-drained soil.
• Give it plenty of sunlight.
• Water it regularly.
• Fertilize it every few weeks.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a strong lemon scent that repels mosquitoes. This plant is also known for its calming properties and can help you relax while enjoying your outdoor space.

How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. You can grow lemon balm from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water it regularly and prune it back regularly to prevent it from taking over your garden.

Lemon Balm Growing Tips:

• Plant lemon balm in well-drained soil.
• Give it partial shade.
• Water it regularly.
• Prune it back regularly.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not only beautiful but also repel mosquitoes. These flowers contain Pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes and other insects.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight. You can grow marigolds from seeds or seedlings. Make sure to water them regularly and deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Marigold Growing Tips:

• Plant marigolds in well-drained soil.
• Give them full sunlight.
• Water them regularly.
• Deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Basil

Basil is not only delicious but also an excellent mosquito repellent. This herb contains essential oils that repel mosquitoes and other insects.

How to Grow Basil

Basil prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. You can grow basil from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water it regularly and pinch off the tips to promote bushier growth.

Basil Growing Tips:

• Plant basil in well-drained soil.
• Give it plenty of sunlight.
• Water it regularly.
• Pinch off the tips to promote bushier growth.

Mint

Mint is another member of the mint family that repels mosquitoes. This herb contains essential oils that mosquitoes find unpleasant.

How to Grow Mint

Mint prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. You can grow mint from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water it regularly and prune it back regularly to prevent it from taking over your garden.

Mint Growing Tips:

• Plant mint in well-drained soil.
• Give it partial shade.
• Water it regularly.
• Prune it back regularly.

Geraniums

Geraniums are beautiful flowers that also repel mosquitoes. These flowers contain essential oils that mosquitoes find unpleasant.

How to Grow Geraniums

Geraniums prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight. You can grow geraniums from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water them regularly and deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Geranium Growing Tips:

• Plant geraniums in well-drained soil.
• Give them full sunlight.
• Water them regularly.
• Deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular herb that not only adds flavor to your food but also repels mosquitoes. This herb contains essential oils that mosquitoes find unpleasant.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. You can grow rosemary from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water it regularly and prune it back regularly to keep it bushy.

Rosemary Growing Tips:

• Plant rosemary in well-drained soil.
• Give it plenty of sunlight.
• Water it regularly.
• Prune it back regularly.

Catnip

Catnip is not only loved by cats but also an excellent mosquito repellent. This plant contains essential oils that mosquitoes find unpleasant.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. You can grow catnip from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to water it regularly and prune it back regularly to prevent it from taking over your garden.

Catnip Growing Tips:

• Plant catnip in well-drained soil.
• Give it full sunlight.
• Water it regularly.
• Prune it back regularly.

Clove

Clove is a spice that not only adds flavor to your food but also repels mosquitoes. This spice contains essential oils that mosquitoes find unpleasant.

How to Grow Clove

Clove is a tree that grows in tropical climates. It is difficult to grow clove in other regions, but you can use clove oil as a mosquito repellent.

Clove Oil Mosquito Repellent Recipe:

1. Mix 10-15 drops of clove oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as coconut oil).
2. Apply the mixture to your skin before going outside.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are beautiful flowers that not only add color to your garden but also repel mosquitoes. These flowers contain an essential oil that mosquitoes find unpleasant.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and partial shade. You can grow nasturtiums from seeds or seedlings. Make sure to water them regularly and deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Nasturtium Growing Tips:

• Plant nasturtiums in well-drained soil.
• Give them partial shade.
• Water them regularly.
• Deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a natural mosquito repellent that can be used in many different ways. You can burn cedarwood chips or use cedarwood oil in a diffuser.

Cedarwood Oil Mosquito Repellent Recipe:

1. Mix 10-15 drops of cedarwood oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as coconut oil).
2. Apply the mixture to your skin before going outside.

Cedarwood Growing Tips:

• Plant cedar trees in well-drained soil.
• Give them full sunlight.
• Water them regularly.
• Prune them back regularly.

In there are many outdoor plants that can help repel mosquitoes. These natural mosquito repellents not only keep mosquitoes at bay but also add beauty and fragrance to your garden. Whether you prefer lavender, citronella grass, lemon balm, marigolds, basil, mint, geraniums, rosemary, catnip, clove, nasturtiums, or cedarwood, you can find a plant that suits your needs.

FAQs

Q: Are natural mosquito repellents safe?

A: Yes, natural mosquito repellents are safe for most people, including pregnant women and children. However, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before using any new product.

Q: How often should I apply natural mosquito repellents?

A: It depends on the product. Some natural mosquito repellents need to be reapplied every few hours, while others can last for several hours.

Q: Can I use natural mosquito repellents indoors?

A: Yes, you can use natural mosquito repellents indoors, but make sure to ventilate the area properly.

Q: Do natural mosquito repellents work as well as synthetic ones?

A: Natural mosquito repellents can be effective, but they may not work as well as synthetic ones in extreme conditions.

Q: Are there any side effects of using natural mosquito repellents?

A: Natural mosquito repellents are generally safe, but some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you experience any side effects, stop using the product and consult your doctor.