Plants Repel Mosquitos

Plants Repel Mosquitos

Mosquitos are a legitimate cause for health concerns and a nuisance you have to endure when you go outdoors. They buzz around, searching for people or animals to dine on, sucking out their blood and bringing all sorts of diseases and viruses with them. But, you don’t need to douse yourself or your garden in chemical bug sprays when you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitos away naturally!

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. Citronella is known for its distinct smell, and when a leaf is crushed and rubbed onto the skin, the aroma is very pleasant, yet it helps to naturally repel those mosquitos.

This low maintenance plant does best in large planters because it cannot withstand frost. But in warmer climates, citronella can be planted directly in a sunny area in the ground.

Lavender

Lavender is a perennial plant and it provides nectar for butterflies. This sweet-smelling flower is one of the best plants to repel mosquitos. Lavender repels mosquitos because mosquitos dislike the scent lavender gives off. You can use it as a natural mosquito repellent, placing a few drops on your wrists or ankles.

Lavender is a very tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage. And while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas.

Catnip

Catnip is considered one of the best natural insect repellents. This plant contains a natural chemical known as “nepetalactone”, which is both a useful insect repellent and a feline attractant. Unfortunately, if you’re not a fan of cats, skip this one and move onto a different plant.

This plant can be found thriving almost anywhere. It grows readily as a weed as well as a commercially cultivated plant in some regions of the U.S. Catnip grows tall, so if you’re planting them directly in your garden, do so in an area where it won’t block your desired views.

Marigolds

Marigolds are certainly one of the most beautifully simple flowers. They bring more than just specks of bright reds, oranges, and yellows to the garden. They also have a distinct smell that repels mosquitos. Plant them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out.

Marigolds does not only can keep mosquitos away, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms. This plant can be an exceptional companion for the vegetable garden.

Marigold plants are very easy to maintain and you don’t need a lot of care to keep them healthy and flourishing.

You can enjoy the lovely ambiance of your lawn without the annoyance of mosquitos by incorporating these plants into your landscape design. Looking for more information about your landscape project or possible plants you could incorporate? Contact Just Right Lawns for more information!