What Plants are Good to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the most common insects that everyone wants to keep away from their homes. They can cause a lot of irritation and other health problems, including malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. While you can always use chemical sprays and other mosquito repellants, many people prefer to use natural remedies like plants to keep them away. Fortunately, there are many plants that can work effectively as mosquito repellents, providing you with a natural and cost-effective way of keeping mosquitoes at bay. Here are some of the best plants to repel mosquitoes.

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon Nardus)

Citronella is one of the most popular plants that people use to repel mosquitoes. This grassy plant is usually found in tropical and subtropical regions and contains a natural oil that has mosquito repellent properties. The plant grows up to five feet tall and has a strong lemon scent, which mosquitoes can't stand. You can plant it in a pot or garden bed and place it near your outdoor seating areas to keep mosquitoes away.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Lavender is a beautiful plant known for its calming scent, but it is also an effective mosquito repellent. The plant contains a natural oil that can keep mosquitoes at bay while providing a relaxing and pleasant aroma. You can plant it in your garden beds, patio pots or use dried lavender flowers as sachets indoors. This plant is easy to grow and can benefit other plants in the area by repelling pests that can cause issues in their growth.

Mint (Mentha piperita)

Mint is a versatile plant that can grow in various soil types and conditions. It has a strong fragrance that mosquitoes can't stand, making it an excellent natural mosquito repellent. You can plant it in pots in your outdoor seating areas or even near your windows to keep mosquitoes at bay. Additionally, the plant's leaves can be crushed and rubbed on the skin to provide additional protection against mosquito bites.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a herbaceous plant that is part of the mint family. This plant contains a natural oil called nepetalactone, which repels mosquitoes. A study conducted in 2001 showed that catnip oil can be ten times more effective than DEET, a common ingredient in mosquito repellents. You can plant catnip in your garden or in pots and place them in your outdoor seating areas to repel mosquitoes. However, if you have cats, be careful as catnip can make them go crazy.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits not only have a refreshing taste and smell, but they are also effective mosquito repellents. The fruits contain natural oils that repel mosquitoes, and you can use their juice to make a natural mosquito repellent spray. Simply mix the juice from the fruits with water and spray it around your outdoor seating areas to keep mosquitoes away. You can also plant citrus trees in your garden or patio pots to repel mosquitoes naturally.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It's a great plant to repel mosquitoes and other insects, and its leaves can be used to flavor food. Rosemary contains natural oils that mosquitoes find repulsive, and you can plant it in a pot or garden bed and place it near your outdoor seating areas to keep mosquitoes at bay. You can also use its leaves to make a natural mosquito repellent oil by mixing it with carrier oil like olive or almond oil.

Conclusion

If you want to repel mosquitoes naturally, consider using plants that have mosquito repellent properties. Citronella grass, lavender, mint, catnip, citrus fruits, and rosemary are all excellent options that are easy to grow and maintain. They not only provide a natural and cost-effective solution to keep mosquitoes away, but they can also add beauty and fragrance to your garden and outdoor spaces. Try planting some of these plants today to enjoy a mosquito-free environment.