10 Plants That Will Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Home

The Importance of Keeping Mosquitoes at Bay

If you've ever had a mosquito infestation in your home or garden, then you know just how annoying and frustrating it can be. Not only do mosquitoes leave itchy and irritating bites, but they also carry diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. The good news is that there are a number of plants that you can grow to help repel mosquitoes naturally.

Here are 10 plants that will keep mosquitoes away from your home:

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is one of the most popular plants for repelling mosquitoes. It contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent. You can plant citronella grass in pots or in the ground, and it prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Citronella Grass

You can crush the leaves of citronella grass to release the scent and place them in areas where mosquitoes are likely to congregate. You can also use citronella oil as a natural insect repellent by applying it directly to your skin.

Lavender

Lavender is not only beautiful and fragrant, but it is also great for repelling mosquitoes. It contains linalool, which is a natural insecticide. Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Lavender

You can dry lavender flowers and place them in sachets or hang them in your closet to keep mosquitoes away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent.

Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family, and it contains nepetalactone, which is a natural insect repellent. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Catnip

You can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent. You can also dry catnip leaves and place them in sachets around your home to keep mosquitoes away.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not only beautiful, but they are also great for repelling mosquitoes. They contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Marigolds

You can plant marigolds around your home or garden to keep mosquitoes away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent.

Basil

Basil is not only delicious, but it is also great for repelling mosquitoes. It contains eugenol, which is a natural insecticide. Basil prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Basil

You can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent. You can also dry basil leaves and place them in sachets around your home to keep mosquitoes away.

Clove

Clove is a spice that is often used in cooking, but it is also great for repelling mosquitoes. It contains eugenol, which is a natural insecticide. Clove prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Clove

You can crush clove leaves and place them around your home to keep mosquitoes away. You can also use clove oil as a natural insect repellent by applying it directly to your skin.

Mint

Mint is a member of the mint family, and it contains menthol, which is a natural insecticide. Mint prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Mint

You can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent. You can also dry mint leaves and place them in sachets around your home to keep mosquitoes away.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical grass that contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Lemongrass

You can crush the leaves and place them around your home to keep mosquitoes away. You can also use lemongrass oil as a natural insect repellent by applying it directly to your skin.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is great for repelling mosquitoes. It contains rosmarinic acid, which is a natural insecticide. Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Rosemary

You can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent. You can also dry rosemary leaves and place them in sachets around your home to keep mosquitoes away.

Garlic

Garlic is not only great for cooking, but it is also great for repelling mosquitoes. It contains allicin, which is a natural insecticide. Garlic prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Garlic

You can crush garlic cloves and place them around your home to keep mosquitoes away. You can also eat garlic to help repel mosquitoes from your body.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and it contains citronellal, which is a natural insecticide. Lemon balm prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground.

How to Use Lemon Balm

You can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent. You can also dry lemon balm leaves and place them in sachets around your home to keep mosquitoes away.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a type of wood that is great for repelling mosquitoes. It contains thujone, which is a natural insecticide. Cedarwood can be used as an essential oil or as shavings, and it can be placed around your home or garden to keep mosquitoes away.

How to Use Cedarwood

You can use cedarwood essential oil as a natural insect repellent by applying it directly to your skin. You can also place cedarwood shavings around your home or garden to keep mosquitoes away.

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and a health hazard, but there are a number of plants that you can grow to help repel them naturally. Citronella grass, lavender, catnip, marigolds, basil, clove, mint, lemongrass, rosemary, garlic, lemon balm, and cedarwood are all great options.

Whether you prefer to plant them in pots or in the ground, these plants can help keep mosquitoes away from your home and garden.

FAQs

1. Do these plants really work?

Yes, these plants contain natural insecticides that are effective at repelling mosquitoes. However, it's important to note that they won't completely eliminate mosquitoes from your home or garden.

2. Can I use these plants indoors?

Yes, many of these plants can be grown indoors in pots. However, it's important to make sure that they get enough sunlight and that the soil is well-drained.

3. Are there any negative side effects to using these plants?

No, these plants are completely safe and natural. However, some people may be allergic to certain plants, so it's always a good idea to test them on a small area of skin before using them as an insect repellent.

4. How often do I need to replace the plants?

These plants will continue to release their natural insecticides for as long as they are alive. However, you may need to replace them periodically if they become damaged or diseased.

5. Can I use these plants in combination with other mosquito repellents?

Yes, you can use these plants in combination with other mosquito repellents like bug spray or citronella candles for added protection against mosquitoes.