Let’s be honest: is there anything more annoying than that little mosquito noise flying by your ear when you’re sleeping? Or the countless and unbearable bites that itch non-stop in the summer?
An electric racket or repellent lotion can help get around the problem, but a natural solution can be the useful and pleasant alternative. There are plants that are true insect repellents due to their natural fragrances. They keep pesky mosquitoes away while introducing wonderful scents to your garden.
The ideal is to plant them in areas where guests will be most often – such as living areas –, preventing mosquitoes from bothering visitors. Interested? check out 12 plants that help repel mosquitoes and leave the house more fragrant:
1. Lavender
Have you ever noticed that bugs or even rabbits and other animals never decimate lavender plants? It is because of its lovely fragrance, which comes from the essential oils found in the leaves. This plant is very drought resistant and just needs full sun and good drainage. While it can withstand many climates, it thrives in warmer areas. (See how to grow lavender here!)
2. Marigold
O marigold, an easy-to-grow annual flower, it emits a scent that wards off mosquitoes. Grow it in pots and place it near your patio or entryway to keep bugs away.
Marigolds are also a popular addition to vegetable gardens. According to the New York Botanical Garden, they can not only ward off mosquitoes, but also deter aphidsthrips, whiteflies, mexican bean beetles, squash bugs and tomato bollworm.
3. Citronella
Known for its distinctive scent, the citronella grass (or lemongrass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellents. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden even recommends lemon-scented plants, like hers, to keep mosquitoes away.
Citronella is low maintenance and does best in large pots because it is frost resistant. But, in warmer climates, it can be planted directly in a sunny area in the ground.
4. Catnip
Catnip can be found thriving almost anywhere. It is in the mint family and grows abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed.
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It is very easy to care for and can even start to invade other areas of your garden. However, if you’re willing to forgo the insidious nature of this plant, they make incredible mosquito repellents. In an Iowa State University study, catnip was found to be ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellents.
5. Rosemary
Another great mosquito repellant is rosemary, an herb that many of us are familiar with. Its woodsy aroma is exactly what keeps mosquitoes away, as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies.
They do best in warm, dry climates and thrive in pots, which can be ideal for cooler areas. They can also be pruned into all sorts of shapes and sizes, adding to the decor.
While pests stay away, you can enjoy the aroma of the herb and also use it to season your dishes in the kitchen.
6. Basil
O basil is another herb that can work as a pest repellent. The strong smell that basil leaves give off is what keeps pests away. And since all types of basil work to keep flies and mosquitoes away, feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix in your garden.
This herb likes to keep moist, it needs a good drainage It is likes a lot of sun. You can plant basil in pots or in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as the two plants meet the same requirements.
7. Fragrant Geraniums
Fragrant geraniums are popular mosquito repellent plants. The best perfume for this purpose is lemon, reminiscent of citronella.
The strong fragrance wards off various types of pests. These fast growing plants like warm, sunny and dry climates, but if you are in a cool climate area they can be grown in pots with constant pruning. (See how to care for and grow geraniums here!)
8. Monarda
Want to attract good bugs like bees and butterflies, while deterring the bad guys? Then bee balm, also known as monarda or horsemint, is the plant for you.
To release the fragrant oils, just crush its leaves. In addition, you will be able to enjoy colorful flowers, in shades of red, pink, lavender, white or purple, throughout the summer.
9. mint
A mint it is an excellent non-toxic option to ward off mosquitoes, flies and even ants. The stronger the aroma, the less bugs you will have.
Plant it in pots in your backyard where it can be easily reached if you want to use a leaf or two in your garden. Evening tea. You can even dry the leaves and use them inside your home as a natural pest control method.
10. Ageratum houstonianum
It is attractive flower annual is ideal for flower beds or potted plants. It contains coumarin, a chemical that helps repel mosquitoes, but also makes it toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
11. Common sage
If you love gathering around a fire in your backyard, plant some sage nearby. Throw some of the plant into the flames and its earthy scent will drive away insects. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade repellent.
12. Allium
These bulbs, which include garlic and onions, give off a strong fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like. You’ll enjoy the whimsical globe-shaped allium flowers that seem to float on long stems.
In addition, you can also use them in recipes in the kitchen.
*Via Garden Design