10 Ground Cover Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

The Mosquito Problem

Mosquitoes are a pesky problem for many homeowners during the warmer months of the year. Not only do they cause itchy bites, but they can also transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus. While there are plenty of sprays and other products available to repel mosquitoes, many people are looking for more natural solutions. One option is to use ground cover plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. Here are ten options to consider.

1. Lemon Thyme

Lemon thyme is a fragrant herb that produces small white or pink flowers in the summer. In addition to its culinary uses, lemon thyme is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent. Plant lemon thyme in a sunny location with well-draining soil.

How to Grow Lemon Thyme

Lemon thyme is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated by division. Plant seeds or divisions in the spring, after the last frost. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Lemon Thyme

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, lemon thyme is a popular herb for cooking. It has a citrusy flavor that works well in marinades, dressings, and sauces. You can also use it to make tea or infuse it into olive oil.

2. Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is known for its ability to attract cats. However, it also repels mosquitoes. The plant contains nepetalactone, which is ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the active ingredient in many commercial insect repellents.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated by division. Plant seeds or divisions in the spring, after the last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Catnip

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, catnip is also a popular herb for cats. You can give your feline friends fresh or dried catnip leaves to play with. Catnip tea is also popular among humans and is said to have a calming effect.

3. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that produces purple flowers in the summer. In addition to its calming properties, lavender is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains linalool, which is a natural insecticide.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated by cuttings. Plant seeds or cuttings in the spring or fall. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Lavender

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, lavender is a popular herb for aromatherapy and relaxation. You can use dried lavender flowers to make sachets or potpourri. Lavender essential oil is also popular for use in diffusers, bath products, and massage oils.

4. Mint

Mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is known for its strong aroma. In addition to its culinary uses, mint is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains menthol, which is a natural insect repellent.

How to Grow Mint

Mint is a hardy perennial that prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated by cuttings. Plant seeds or cuttings in the spring or fall. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Mint

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, mint is a popular herb for cooking and making tea. It has a refreshing flavor that works well in beverages and salads. You can also use it to make mint jelly or mint sauce.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds are annual flowers that come in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, and red. In addition to their bright blooms, marigolds are also known for their ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds are easy to grow from seed and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in the spring after the last frost. Space plants 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

Uses for Marigolds

In addition to their mosquito-repelling properties, marigolds are popular in gardens and as cut flowers. They are also used in traditional medicine and cosmetics.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that produces blue or purple flowers in the summer. In addition to its culinary uses, rosemary is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains camphor and rosmarinic acid, which are natural insecticides.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated by cuttings. Plant seeds or cuttings in the spring or fall. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Rosemary

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, rosemary is a popular herb for cooking. It has a strong flavor that works well in roasted meats and vegetables. You can also use it to make infused oils and vinegars.

7. Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is a tropical plant that is commonly used in commercial insect repellents. The plant contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent.

How to Grow Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is a tender perennial that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated by division. Plant seeds or divisions in the spring, after the last frost. Space plants 24-36 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Citronella Grass

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, citronella grass is used in candles and other products to repel insects. You can also use it to make tea.

8. Garlic

Garlic is a member of the Allium family and is known for its pungent flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, garlic is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains allicin, which is a natural insect repellent.

How to Grow Garlic

Garlic is a hardy bulb that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from cloves or bulbs. Plant cloves or bulbs in the fall or early spring. Space plants 4-6 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Garlic

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, garlic is a popular herb for cooking. It has a strong flavor that works well in sauces, marinades, and dressings. You can also use it to make infused oils and vinegars.

9. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are popular flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and pink. In addition to their bright blooms, chrysanthemums are also known for their ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide.

How to Grow Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are easy to grow from seed or cuttings and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds or cuttings in the spring after the last frost. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

Uses for Chrysanthemums

In addition to their mosquito-repelling properties, chrysanthemums are popular in gardens and as cut flowers. They are also used in traditional medicine and cosmetics.

10. Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that produces white or purple flowers in the summer. In addition to its culinary uses, basil is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant contains eugenol, which is a natural insect repellent.

How to Grow Basil

Basil is an annual plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as s. Plant seeds or s in the spring after the last frost. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Fertilize lightly in the spring and summer.

Uses for Basil

In addition to its mosquito-repelling properties, basil is a popular herb for cooking. It has a sweet and spicy flavor that works well in a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and salads. You can also use it to make pesto or flavored oils.

Using ground cover plants that naturally repel mosquitoes is a great way to keep these pesky insects at bay while enjoying your outdoor spaces. Whether you choose lemon thyme, catnip, lavender, mint, marigolds, rosemary, citronella grass, garlic, chrysanthemums, or basil, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of a mosquito-free garden.

FAQs

1. Do these plants really work?

Yes, all of the plants listed have been shown to repel mosquitoes to some extent. However, it's important to note that they may not be as effective as commercial insect repellents.

2. Do I need to do anything special to prepare the soil?

Most of these plants prefer well-drained soil, so it's a good idea to amend your soil with compost or other organic matter before planting. Be sure to follow the specific planting instructions for each plant.

3. Can I use these plants indoors?

Yes, many of these plants can be grown indoors in pots. However, keep in mind that they may not be as effective at repelling mosquitoes indoors as they are outdoors.

4. Are these plants safe for pets?

While most of these plants are safe for pets, some, like catnip and chrysanthemums, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It's always a good idea to research any plant before introducing it into your home or garden.

5. How often do I need to water these plants?

Most of these plants prefer regular watering, but be careful not to overwater. Check the soil moisture level regularly and adjust your watering schedule as needed.