10 Plants That Can Help You Avoid Mosquitoes

The Connection Between Plants and Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a common problem in many parts of the world. They can be annoying at best and dangerous at worst, as they can carry diseases like Zika virus, dengue fever, and malaria. Many people try to avoid mosquitoes by using chemical insecticides or mosquito repellents, but these methods can be harmful to the environment and our health.

Fortunately, there is a natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay: plants. Certain plants contain compounds that repel mosquitoes, making them a great addition to any garden or outdoor space. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 plants that can help you avoid mosquitoes naturally.

1. Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is one of the most popular mosquito-repelling plants. It contains citronellal, a compound that masks the scents that attract mosquitoes. Citronella grass can be grown in pots or planted directly in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

How to Use Citronella Grass

• Crush some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
• Burn citronella candles or use citronella essential oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes away indoors.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that also repels mosquitoes. It contains linalool, a compound that is toxic to mosquitoes. Lavender is easy to grow and requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Lavender

• Plant lavender around your patio or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.
• Use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or mix it with carrier oil and apply it to your skin.

3. Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family and contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels mosquitoes. In fact, catnip is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the chemical commonly found in mosquito repellents. Catnip is easy to grow and prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

How to Use Catnip

• Crush some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
• Plant catnip around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.

4. Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that is also a natural mosquito repellent. It contains eugenol, a compound that is toxic to mosquitoes. Basil is easy to grow and requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Basil

• Crush some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
• Plant basil around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.

5. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a lemony scent that repels mosquitoes. It contains citronellal, a compound that masks the scents that attract mosquitoes. Lemon balm is easy to grow and requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Lemon Balm

• Crush some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
• Plant lemon balm around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.

6. Marigolds

Marigolds are beautiful flowers that also have mosquito-repelling properties. They contain pyrethrum, a compound that is toxic to mosquitoes. Marigolds are easy to grow and require well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Marigolds

• Plant marigolds around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.
• Crush some fresh flowers and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is also a natural mosquito repellent. It contains rosmarinic acid, a compound that repels mosquitoes. Rosemary is easy to grow and requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Rosemary

• Crush some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
• Plant rosemary around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint is a member of the mint family and has a refreshing scent that repels mosquitoes. It contains pulegone, a compound that is toxic to mosquitoes. Peppermint is easy to grow and requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Peppermint

• Crush some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
• Plant peppermint around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.

9. Garlic

Garlic is a powerful mosquito repellent that works by emitting a strong odor that masks the scents that attract mosquitoes. Garlic is easy to grow and requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Garlic

• Crush some fresh garlic cloves and mix with water. Spray this mixture around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.
• Add garlic to your diet to make your blood less attractive to mosquitoes.

10. Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that is also a natural mosquito repellent. It contains thujone, a compound that repels mosquitoes. Sage is easy to grow and requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

How to Use Sage

• Crush some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
• Plant sage around your garden or outdoor seating area to keep mosquitoes away.

Using plants to avoid mosquitoes is an effective and natural way to keep these pesky insects at bay. By planting the 10 plants listed above, you can create a beautiful and mosquito-free outdoor space. Remember to crush the leaves of the plants and apply them to your skin or use essential oils in a diffuser if you want to use them as a personal insect repellent.

FAQs

1. How long do mosquito-repelling plants last?

Most mosquito-repelling plants last for one season, but some perennials like lavender and rosemary can last for several years.

2. Can I plant mosquito-repelling plants indoors?

Yes, you can plant mosquito-repelling plants indoors, but they will be less effective than when planted outdoors.

3. Are there any side effects of using mosquito-repelling plants?

There are no known side effects of using mosquito-repelling plants, but some people may be allergic to certain plants.

4. Do I have to crush the leaves of the plants to use them as insect repellents?

No, you can also use essential oils extracted from the plants in a diffuser or mix them with carrier oils and apply them to your skin.

5. Can I plant all these plants in the same pot?

No, it's best to plant each plant in a separate pot or directly in the ground to allow them to grow properly.