Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also a health concern as they can also transmit diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and the Zika virus.
While many people turn to chemical insecticides to control mosquitoes, many of them contain harmful chemicals, making them potentially hazardous to humans and the environment.
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However, there are natural alternatives available that are just as effective in repelling mosquitoes as chemical pesticides.
Grow plants that help keep mosquitoes away
One of the best ways to naturally repel mosquitoes is by growing certain plants in your garden or using their essential oils to make homemade mosquito repellent.
In this article, we explore 10 plants that have been proven to naturally repel mosquitoes. We will provide a detailed explanation of each plant’s properties, how to grow and care for it, and how to use it to repel mosquitoes.
By incorporating these plants into your outdoor space, you can reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your home and enjoy your environment without the annoyance of pesky insect bites.
- Citronella
Citronella is a grass-like plant that contains citronella oil which is commonly used in candles and insect repellent sprays. The oil from the plant can be extracted by crushing its leaves or boiling them in water.
Citronella plants can be grown in containers or planted in the ground. They thrive in sunny, warm climates. They need to be watered regularly and can benefit from occasional organic fertilizer.
- Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that produces beautiful purple flowers. The plant has a calming effect on humans and pets, but mosquitoes dislike its strong aroma.
Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can be used to make essential oils for natural mosquito repellent. To promote bushier growth, prune lavender regularly.
- Marigolds
Marigolds are colorful annual flowers that contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in insecticides. These plants have a strong odor that repels mosquitoes and can also help control other garden pests.
Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. They can be started from seed or purchased as young plants.
- Catnip
Catnip is a perennial herb that is easy to grow and thrives in full sun or partial shade. The plant contains nepetalactone, which is ten times more effective than DEET, a common ingredient in many commercial insect repellents. Catnip plants need to be watered regularly and benefit from occasional fertilizer.
- Basil
Basil is another herb with mosquito-repelling properties. It prefers full sun and moist soil and can be grown in pots or in the ground. Additionally, basil is a versatile herb that can be used in cooking. To encourage bushier growth, basil plants should be pinched back regularly.
- Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a citrusy scent that mosquitoes dislike. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist soil. Lemon balm should be pruned regularly to prevent it from becoming too woody.
- Peppermint
Peppermint is another member of the mint family and has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can be used to make essential oils for natural mosquito repellent. Peppermint should be pruned regularly to promote bushier growth.
- Rosemary
Rosemary is another herb that is effective in repelling mosquitoes. It contains compounds such as Rosmarinus acid and camphor which have been shown to repel mosquitoes.
In addition, the strong scent of rosemary can mask the scent of carbon dioxide and lactic acid that humans emit, making it more difficult for mosquitoes to find their target.
To use rosemary as a mosquito repellent, plant it in your garden or use its essential oil to make a homemade repellent spray.
It prefers well-drained soil and full sun and can be grown in pots or in the ground. Rosemary plants should be pruned regularly to promote bushier growth and should be watered deeply once a week.
- Sage
Sage is a drought-tolerant herb that repels mosquitoes due to its strong scent. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is also used in cooking. Sage plants should be pruned regularly to promote bushier growth and should be watered deeply once a week.
Mosquito prevalence in hot weather
Incorporating natural mosquito repellents into your outdoor space helps to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, especially during summer or hot weather as that is the time when they are usually most prevalent.
It also reduces the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These plants not only provide an effective way to repel mosquitoes but also offer many additional benefits to your garden and home.
For instance, lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that adds color and aroma to your garden while rosemary is used in cooking and adds a delicious flavor to many dishes.
Growing mosquito repellent plants
Growing and caring for mosquito repellent plants is easy as most are low maintenance and can be grown in a variety of climates. Additionally, incorporating these plants into your garden creates a beautiful and natural outdoor space that you can enjoy.
By planting them in areas around your home where you spend the most time outdoors, such as a patio or garden, you help keep mosquitoes at bay.
Using natural mosquito repellents also provides a safer alternative to commercial insect repellents that contain harmful chemicals.
By using these natural options, you avoid the potential negative effects that synthetic chemicals can have on your health and the environment.
Keep those mosquitoes away
Overall, incorporating natural mosquito repellents into your outdoor space helps you enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of mosquito bites.
Not only do they provide an effective way to repel mosquitoes, but they also offer many additional benefits to your garden and home.
Reducing the number of mosquitoes around your home helps reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, creating a safer and more enjoyable outdoor environment for you and your family.