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Mosquitos are a nuisance. They’re annoying; they can carry diseases and make it hard to enjoy the outdoors during summertime.
Luckily there is a solution – plants that repel mosquitos! Planting these around your yard will keep them away from you and your family while also adding some beautiful greenery to your space. I don’t know about you, but I really hate putting on store-bought mosquito repellent. It smells terrible, and I hate liberally spraying chemicals on myself – so, when I realized my plants could help me, I was super happy!
Plants that repel mosquitos have been around for centuries. They’re easy to grow and can be found in your own backyard or at your local nursery. These plants will keep the pesky mosquitos away so you can enjoy the outdoors without getting bitten!
These plants work as an alternative to chemical-based mosquito repellents, which are harmful to humans and the environment. Plus, they’re easy to maintain, so you don’t have to worry about spending time on pesky mosquitoes all summer long! You deserve to enjoy your summer without being bothered by mosquitos.
Plants to Grow in Your Yard as Natural Mosquito Repellent
Plant some of these natural mosquito repellents today and get ready to enjoy summertime with family and friends. You’ll never have to worry about being eaten alive by mosquitoes again!
1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon)
Citronella Grass is one of the most popular plants that repel mosquitos. The oils in citronella grass plants are what repel mosquitoes. However, the plant does not release the oils when it is just growing in a spot.
For the mosquito-repelling oils to be useful, they need to be extracted, or you can crush or press the grass blades and rub them directly on clothes or skin. *Be sure to test a small area of your skin for an allergic reaction first. You can find it on Etsy.
2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is my favorite herb to grow during the summer for two reasons! First, it is delicious (I love Caprese salad!), and two, it is amazing at keeping bugs away!
This pungent-smelling plant has been used as a mosquito repellant since ancient times and since it’s one of the few plants that offer a strong-enough bug-repelling scent that you do not have to crush the leaves! A 2009 study showed that basil essential oil is also toxic to mosquito larvae!
3. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
The catnip leaves are long and thin with deep green coloring on top with small white hairs covering them- making them look furry. Catnip is a perennial herb that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This plant is known to have a strong odor, but it’s also great at repelling mosquitoes! I found mine on Etsy.
Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. – Science Daily
4. Lavender (Lavandula anguvstifolia)
When you’re planting an herb garden serving as a mosquito repellant, make sure to include this leafy herb – mosquitoes can’t stand it! Lavender is a perennial herb that grows well in most regions of the United States. It’s known to be a good mosquito repellent, thanks to its pungent aroma and medicinal properties.
The lavender plant contains an essential oil called linalool, recognized as one of the most effective natural insect repellents today. Plant lavender seeds or buy lavender plants to ward off mosquitoes in your yard and garden quickly.
5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. Lemon Balm contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony aroma and flavor that bugs find unpleasant. For a quick mosquito repellent, crush a handful of lemon balm leaves in your hand and rub them on your skin. Lemon Balm is easy to find at any garden store or on Amazon.
6. Peppermint (Mentha)
Peppermint is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. Peppermint oil, derived from the leaves and stems of peppermint plants, is effective in repelling mosquitoes. It’s also useful for keeping other bugs away including aphids, beetles, caterpillars, fleas, flies, lice, mice, and moths.
Fresh mint also is great to grow in your yard so you can use it in delicious summer cocktails! Mojito, anyone?? It’s easy to grow peppermint from seeds or just buy a plant.
7. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Not only does Bee Balm repel mosquitos, but it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds!! For many insect-deterring plants to work, you must crush the leaves or blooms to release the plant’s oils that release their scent and repel insects, but not Bee Balm! As it blooms in your garden, it releases fragrances mosquitoes dislike. Bee balm is a perennial that flowers in a variety of colors and plant sizes. You can find them at your local nursery, Home Depot, or Etsy.
8. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Not only do they look pretty, but these colorful and heady flowers will also repel mosquitoes. They do this by releasing a chemical called pyrethrum, which is toxic to most insects.
There are many ways that you can make your garden or patio a mosquito-free zone, but if you want to do it naturally, there are six plants that will help keep mosquitos from getting close. The best part? These plants need little care and don’t take up much space, so they’re perfect for small spaces too. So if something’s bothering you about mosquitoes in your yard, these 6 easy methods might be just what the doctor ordered! I hope you found this post helpful!