Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away

The Battle Against Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a nuisance that plagues people all over the world. They not only cause itchy bites, but they also transmit dangerous diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. While there are many ways to keep mosquitoes at bay, using natural repellents is a popular and effective method. One of the most natural and eco-friendly ways to repel mosquitoes is by planting mosquito-repelling plants in your garden or around your home. In this article, we will discuss some plants that can help keep mosquitoes away.

Why Use Plants to Repel Mosquitoes?

Using plants that have mosquito-repelling properties is an excellent way to protect yourself and your family from these pesky insects. Unlike chemical mosquito repellents, plants do not release toxic fumes into the air. They are safe for humans, pets, and the environment. Additionally, planting mosquito-repelling plants can add beauty and fragrance to your garden, making it a more pleasant place to spend time.

15 Mosquito-Repelling Plants to Plant Now

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Citronella grass is one of the most well-known mosquito-repelling plants. It contains citronellal, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Citronella has a distinct lemony scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant, so planting it around your patio or garden can help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is a beautiful plant with a sweet, floral aroma that is pleasing to humans but not to mosquitoes. It contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which are compounds that act as natural mosquito repellents. Plant lavender in your garden or near windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is a plant that is easy to grow and has many uses. It contains menthol, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Planting mint around your home can help keep mosquitoes away, and you can also use it to make refreshing tea or add flavor to your cooking.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a plant that is known for its attraction to cats, but it also has mosquito-repelling properties. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Plant catnip in your garden or near your patio to keep mosquitoes away.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a plant that has a lemony fragrance that mosquitoes find unpleasant. It contains citronellal, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Plant lemon balm in your garden or near your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a plant that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has mosquito-repelling properties. It contains eugenol, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Planting basil in your garden or near your patio can help keep mosquitoes away, and you can also use it to add flavor to your cooking.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors. They contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Plant marigolds in your garden or near your patio to keep mosquitoes away.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a plant that has a woody, pine-like fragrance that mosquitoes find unpleasant. It contains rosmarinic acid, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Plant rosemary in your garden or near your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

Eucalyptus is a tree that is native to Australia, but it can be grown in other parts of the world as well. It contains eucalyptol, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Planting eucalyptus trees around your home can help keep mosquitoes away.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass is a plant that has a lemony fragrance that mosquitoes find unpleasant. It contains citronellal, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Plant lemongrass in your garden or near your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia, but it can be found growing in many parts of the world. It contains pulegone, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Plant pennyroyal in your garden or near your patio to keep mosquitoes away.

Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)

Geraniums are beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors. They contain geraniol, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Plant geraniums in your garden or near your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove is a spice that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has mosquito-repelling properties. It contains eugenol, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Planting clove trees around your home can help keep mosquitoes away.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem is a tree that is native to India, but it can be grown in other parts of the world as well. It contains azadirachtin, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Planting neem trees around your home can help keep mosquitoes away.

Cedarwood (Cedrus spp.)

Cedarwood is a tree that is native to the Himalayas, but it can be found growing in other parts of the world as well. It contains cedrol, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. Planting cedar trees around your home can help keep mosquitoes away.

How to Use Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Planting mosquito-repelling plants is an excellent way to keep mosquitoes away from your home and garden, but there are a few things you should know before you planting. Here are some tips for using mosquito-repelling plants:

Plant in the right location

Mosquito-repelling plants should be planted in areas where mosquitoes are likely to congregate, such as near standing water or in shady areas. You can also plant them near windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

Use the right amount of plants

To effectively repel mosquitoes, you will need to plant enough mosquito-repelling plants. A good rule of thumb is to plant at least one mosquito-repelling plant per square meter.

Use companion planting

Companion planting is the practice of planting different plants together that benefit each other. By planting mosquito-repelling plants alongside other plants, you can create a natural barrier against mosquitoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do mosquito-repelling plants really work?

A: Yes, mosquito-repelling plants have been shown to be effective at repelling mosquitoes. While they may not provide 100% protection, they can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area.

Q: Can I use mosquito-repelling plants indoors?

A: Yes, many mosquito-repelling plants can be grown indoors in pots or containers. Some good options include basil, lavender, and mint.

Q: Will planting mosquito-repelling plants attract other insects?

A: While some plants may attract other insects, most mosquito-repelling plants do not. In fact, many of these plants have insecticidal properties that can repel other pests as well.

Q: Are mosquito-repelling plants safe for pets?

A: Most mosquito-repelling plants are safe for pets. However, some plants such as pennyroyal and citronella can be toxic to cats in large amounts, so it's best to keep an eye on your pets around these plants.

Q: How often should I water my mosquito-repelling plants?

A: Mosquito-repelling plants require regular watering, just like any other plant. Be sure to follow the watering instructions for each specific plant to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant.

Planting mosquito-repelling plants is an easy and eco-friendly way to keep mosquitoes away from your home and garden. Whether you choose to plant citronella grass, lavender, or any of the other plants on this list, you can rest assured that you are doing your part to protect yourself and your family from these pesky insects. Remember to plant in the right location, use the right amount of plants, and use companion planting for best results. Happy gardening!