10 Herbs That Keep Mosquitoes Away

Say Goodbye to Pesky Mosquitoes Naturally

Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to thinking about how to protect yourself from those pesky mosquitoes. While there are many commercial products available to repel mosquitoes, sometimes natural remedies can be just as effective. One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes at bay is by using herbs. In this blog post, we'll explore ten herbs that are known for their mosquito-repelling properties. From lavender to lemongrass, these herbs will not only keep mosquitoes away but also add beauty and fragrance to your garden.

1. Basil

What Makes Basil Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Basil contains essential oils that repel mosquitoes. The oil in basil contains eugenol, which has been shown to have insecticidal properties. When you crush basil leaves, the essential oils are released, effectively repelling mosquitoes.

How to Use Basil to Repel Mosquitoes

You can use fresh or dried basil to repel mosquitoes. Crush the leaves to release the essential oils, and place them in areas where mosquitoes are likely to gather, such as near windows and doors. Alternatively, you can make a basil-infused spray by boiling water and steeping basil leaves. Once the water has cooled, strain out the leaves and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your skin to repel mosquitoes naturally.

2. Lemon Balm

What Makes Lemon Balm Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Lemon balm contains citronellal, a compound that has been found to repel mosquitoes. Its lemony scent also makes it a great addition to your garden.

How to Use Lemon Balm to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant lemon balm in your garden or crush the leaves to release the oils and place them in areas where mosquitoes are likely to gather. You can also make a lemon balm spray by boiling water and steeping fresh leaves. Once the water has cooled, strain out the leaves and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your skin to repel mosquitoes naturally.

3. Lavender

What Makes Lavender Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Lavender contains essential oils that have mosquito-repelling properties. The oil in lavender contains linalool, which has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes.

How to Use Lavender to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant lavender in your garden or use essential oil to repel mosquitoes. To use lavender essential oil, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your skin. You can also add lavender essential oil to a diffuser to repel mosquitoes indoors.

4. Citronella

What Makes Citronella Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. It contains citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which all have mosquito-repelling properties.

How to Use Citronella to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant citronella in your garden or use citronella oil to repel mosquitoes. To use citronella oil, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your skin. You can also burn citronella candles or use a diffuser with citronella essential oil to repel mosquitoes indoors.

5. Lemongrass

What Makes Lemongrass Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Lemongrass contains citral, which has been shown to have mosquito-repelling properties. Its lemony scent also makes it a great addition to your garden.

How to Use Lemongrass to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant lemongrass in your garden or crush the leaves to release the oils and place them in areas where mosquitoes are likely to gather. You can also make a lemongrass spray by boiling water and steeping fresh leaves. Once the water has cooled, strain out the leaves and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your skin to repel mosquitoes naturally.

6. Peppermint

What Makes Peppermint Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Peppermint contains essential oils that have mosquito-repelling properties. The oil in peppermint contains menthol, which has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes.

How to Use Peppermint to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant peppermint in your garden or use essential oil to repel mosquitoes. To use peppermint essential oil, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your skin. You can also add peppermint essential oil to a diffuser to repel mosquitoes indoors.

7. Catnip

What Makes Catnip Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Catnip contains nepetalactone, which has been found to be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, a common synthetic mosquito repellent.

How to Use Catnip to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant catnip in your garden or crush the leaves to release the oils and place them in areas where mosquitoes are likely to gather. You can also make a catnip spray by boiling water and steeping fresh leaves. Once the water has cooled, strain out the leaves and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your skin to repel mosquitoes naturally.

8. Rosemary

What Makes Rosemary Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Rosemary contains essential oils that have mosquito-repelling properties. The oil in rosemary contains eucalyptol, which has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes.

How to Use Rosemary to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant rosemary in your garden or use essential oil to repel mosquitoes. To use rosemary essential oil, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your skin. You can also add rosemary essential oil to a diffuser to repel mosquitoes indoors.

9. Sage

What Makes Sage Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Sage contains essential oils that have mosquito-repelling properties. The oil in sage contains camphor, which has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes.

How to Use Sage to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant sage in your garden or use essential oil to repel mosquitoes. To use sage essential oil, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your skin. You can also add sage essential oil to a diffuser to repel mosquitoes indoors.

10. Thyme

What Makes Thyme Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Thyme contains essential oils that have mosquito-repelling properties. The oil in thyme contains thymol, which has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes.

How to Use Thyme to Repel Mosquitoes

You can plant thyme in your garden or use essential oil to repel mosquitoes. To use thyme essential oil, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your skin. You can also add thyme essential oil to a diffuser to repel mosquitoes indoors.

Try These Herbs to Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally

If you're looking for a natural way to repel mosquitoes, herbs are a great option. From basil to thyme, there are many herbs that contain essential oils with mosquito-repelling properties. By incorporating these herbs into your garden or using them in sprays and diffusers, you can keep mosquitoes away naturally while enjoying the beauty and fragrance of these plants.

FAQs About Herbs That Keep Mosquitoes Away

1. Are herbs as effective as commercial mosquito repellents?

While commercial mosquito repellents may be more potent, herbs can still be effective at repelling mosquitoes. Plus, they're a natural and chemical-free alternative.

2. Can I use these herbs to repel other insects?

Yes, many of these herbs have insect-repelling properties beyond just mosquitoes.

3. Is it safe to use essential oils directly on my skin?

It's generally safe to use essential oils on your skin when they're diluted with a carrier oil. However, some people may have allergic reactions to certain essential oils, so it's important to do a patch test first.

4. Can I use these herbs indoors?

Yes, many of these herbs can be used indoors in diffusers or sprays.

5. Are there any side effects to using these herbs?

While herbs are generally safe, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain plants. It's always best to do a patch test and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.