Best Plants and Herbs that will Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

A peaceful outdoor activity can be rapidly transformed into an itching, stressful ordeal by tiny, bloodsucking insects called mosquitoes. So, you might be interested in learning about the prevention of mosquitoes. Although there are several chemical-based mosquito repellents on the market, many people are looking for more natural alternatives due to their potential side effects and environmental impact. Luckily, some plants can really repel mosquitoes. In its infinite wisdom, nature provides us with a variety of plants that have the amazing capacity to repel mosquitoes and other bugs and give us access to a haven free from their unwelcome presence.

`There are a variety of topical mosquito repellents available, along with natural sprays and oils. Use these below bugs and mosquito-repelling plants and herbs to cover your garden and yourself for added security:

Citronella Grass

You might be familiar with hearing about citronella grass, sometimes known as mosquito grass. This is due to the fact that many commercial repellents frequently contain extracts from the plant. If you reside in a region with severe afternoon heat, make sure the perennial grass has access to some shade. The perennial grass will thrive in filtered sunshine. This plant may grow up to six feet tall and six feet broad, so you'll also want to make sure your garden has enough space for it.

Lavender

Although many of us enjoy the smooth, fresh aroma of lavender, mosquitoes don't seem to share the same feelings. Actually, mosquitoes, moths, flies, fleas, and other flying insects dislike the smell of linalool as well. So, you can use this plant to repel mosquitoes. How do you grow lavender in your garden? Well, this attractive plant does well in full sun and well-drained soil. Make sure it receives eight to ten hours of direct sunlight every day, whether you plant it in raised beds, in-ground gardening, or pots.

Mint

Another aromatic herb with pest-repelling qualities is mint. The primary insect-repelling component of peppermint and mint oil, menthol, has biocidal qualities that help manage and repel mosquitoes, mites, and a variety of other pests. It spreads like a weed and is the ideal plant for novices. If you don't want it to spread, grow it in its own pot.

Bee Balm

These colorful flowers will fill your raised beds or garden with fireworks of color and attract numerous pollinators, such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Bee balm has a potent scent that repels mosquitoes despite the fact that many animals enjoy it. It should be planted in well-drained soil in a location that receives direct sunlight in the spring or fall.

Basil

Basil not only produces wonderful pesto sauce, mouthwatering pasta dishes, and mouthwatering salads, but it also repels mosquitoes and houseflies. The plant makes eucalyptol, an essential oil that naturally fights off insects. Plant basil on healthy, well-drained soil in the spring or summer. As long as it receives enough sunlight, it works perfectly for raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Bonus: According to research, basil is poisonous to mosquito larvae. Therefore, you can place it close to puddles of water to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs there.

Rosemary

In addition to being a tasty and functional herb, rosemary leaf also has compounds that have been proven to be beneficial at repelling mosquitoes away. Growing rosemary at home is simple and popular. It can flourish in your landscaping, in a window box, or even in a garden. Additionally, having a rosemary plant nearby makes it simpler to season your food.

Lantana

If the dense bunches of vibrant flowers weren't reason enough to desire one in your garden, perhaps the fact that they also draw butterflies and hummingbirds while releasing a smell that repels mosquitoes away will. They are simple to grow in sunny, well-lit areas with rich, well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Just bear in mind that the lantana plant is poisonous, so you should keep your children and pets away from it.

Marigolds

Marigolds' stunning golden blossoms provide much more to your yard than just aesthetic appeal. Their distinctive smell repels mosquitoes as well as aphids, squash bugs, and tomato worms, among other garden pests. They actually include a natural substance that is present in many insect repellents. Plant your marigolds in beds or containers with healthy soil and appropriate drainage that receive full sun to moderate shade after any chance of frost has passed.

Eucalyptus

Another smell that humans adore and pests detest is Eucalyptus. The plant releases substances like linalool and geraniol that cause insects to fly away. Even many commercial repellents contain eucalyptus oil. Make sure you sow it far enough in advance of the winter months if you're growing it yourself. It requires rich, well-drained soil as well as lots of sunlight.

Flower Floss

Although we may find its fanciful pompom-shaped flowers to be beautiful, biting insects have a very different opinion. A substance called coumarin, which is frequently found in commercial mosquito repellents and has an odor that repels mosquitoes, is secreted by floss flowers. Plant the attractive annuals in your garden in a sunny spot with rich soil that has good drainage and continuous moisture to take benefit from this.

Catnip

Mosquitoes hate it, but our feline friends enjoy it. Thanks to a substance called nepetalactone, which is both a cat attractant and an insect repellent, a sniff of catnip can make mosquitoes run away. The herb grows best in well-draining soil where it may get as much sunlight as possible. It should be planted in the spring after the fear of frost has passed.

Scented Geranium

Not all geranium varieties will aid to repel mosquitoes, but the lemon-scented rose geranium, sometimes known as the mosquito plant, is selected for its powerful scent that achieves just that. It has a hint of citronella oil in it. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and sunny, indirect light, making them particularly well-liked as potted plants. Additionally, your yard will seem oh-so-beautiful thanks to their flowers, which come in shades of white, pink, red, and lavender and have green, bluish-green, gray-green, or variegated leaves.

Final Word

Not only do these above plants help us to repel mosquitoes and say goodbye to pesky insects, but their colorful blossoms and alluring aromas also provide our gardens a charming finishing touch. You'll have a lot of mosquito-free days and nights whether you put them in your small garden on the ground, in raised beds, or in pots.