Think of all the precautions you take every year to avoid mosquitoes at home; all the sprays that you use, all the creams that you apply and all the equipment that you utilize.
Now think carefully, isn’t it a very tiring process that you put yourself through? And even then, do you manage to keep all the mosquitoes away? This is because none of the methods that you use are natural.
Think of this: what if you were to use plants that can naturally repel mosquitoes? That would not only make your work easier but you’ll also have a beautiful garden to tend to.
Why plants? It seems rather complicated.
But that’s the thing, it’s not. Every year, the expenses that you put yourself through can easily be deterred if only you invest in these mosquito repelling plants.
All the sprays that you use have chemicals in them. These chemicals will prove to be harmful for you to breathe in all the time. And if you have children or pets around the house, it may be even more toxic for them. Not to mention, you will be harming the environment.
It is every bit our duty to contribute to the wellness of the Earth. And utilizing these chemicals will be doing anything but that. The plants that naturally repel mosquitoes are beautiful flowers. Most of them are common kitchen condiments.
And some can be used for leisurely activities of making potpourri or candles or soaps. You can even try preparing herbal teas if you wish to. And all the while they will naturally repel mosquitoes without causing any downside effects while also allowing you to procure a beautiful garden.
There is a wide selection of plants that you can choose from to naturally repel mosquitoes at home. Take your pick(s).
#1 – Geraniums
Pelargonium
Aesthetic: Geraniums are a flowering plant comes in a wide range of colours that you can choose from as per your liking. You can plant it in your backyard or better yet, you can plant the flower in a hanging pot and when the flowers bloom, they will cascade down the side beautifully, giving the place a scenic visual.
Care: Care for this plant is simple and revolves purely around watering. The plant does not appreciate overwatering and instead prefers dry spells more often. It is okay if you don’t water it for a longer time, but just make sure to not water it too much. Also, be sure to water the soil directly rather than allowing the water to come in contact with the plant. Following these simple rules will allow you to have beautiful geranium flowers in your home that will do their job of repelling and beautifying the place.
#2 – Pennyroyal
Mentha Pulegium
Aesthetic: These pretty lilac coloured flowers make for a perfect backyard addition. Aside from being a natural mosquito repellent, it’s a plant that easily attracts butterflies which will add even more beauty to your backyard. Not to mention, it can also be used in certain dishes as flavour. A multi-purpose flower, what else could you wish for?
Care: The plant can survive in conditions that are unfavourable and also acts as erosion control. It requires favourable sunlight to grow. Pinching the plants terminal ends will allow for bushier growth and help the plant to grow in a more compact shape. Make sure to keep the plant moist for better and efficient growth.
#3 – Peppermint
Mentha x Piperita
Aesthetic: The true aesthetic of this plant is that it is a herb that finds commonplace in cooking. So you only won’t be repelling mosquitoes with it, but it will also make a great addition to your kitchen herb garden collection. It also gives a nice minty smell that would be desirable to you and not so much to the mosquitoes, which is a good thing.
Care: The plant requires an abundance of water to grow and desires rich foliage with good drainage. It is averted to dry conditions. It can tolerate partial sunlight, however in order to increase its essence and oils to optimal results, planting it in direct sunlight is desirable. It is a plant that easily spreads, so make sure to use any desirable medium to contain its roots. It is recommended that you move the plant once every three or four years, as the soil weakens in nutrients and a change of place will help in revival.
#4 – Basil
Ocimum Basilicum
Aesthetic: Basil is another herb plant that is of great use in food and beverages. Growing this plant in your backyard will allow for a great addition to your garden herbs. So it can act as a double worker where one side it repels mosquitoes and on the other it gives you great yield for your cooking.
Care: It is one of the plants that can be grown very easily and with a minimum effort. The plant thrives in sunlight and in well-drained soil. It is sensitive to colder conditions so make sure to take care of temperature once you’ve planted it. Water the plant at the base and don’t overdo it. Make sure that your plant gets at least 6 hours of sun every day. While harvesting the plant make sure to leave 1/3 of the plant, so that it continues cultivating leaves.
#5 – Catnip
Nepeta Cataria
Aesthetic: If you have cats around your house, they will be happy that you made an addition of catnip to your backyard. It is one of the most effective mosquito repellents and makes for a simple yet pretty addition to your backyard plants.
Care: Plant the flower in a well-drained soil that is rich in loam. Make sure to plant them at least 15 to 18 inches far from each other. Keep the plant moist during active growing season. Keep reducing the amount of water as the plant progresses towards the full establishment.
Make sure to prune the plant on occasions to encourage further blooming. Fertilize the plant with fertilizer that is soluble in water. Fertilize in summer, however make sure to suspend fertilization in winter and fall as the nutrients won’t be required by the plant.
#6 – Citronella
Cymbopogon
Aesthetic: Citronella’s wide bushy appearance makes for quite some space-consuming once planted. It is mainly used for mosquito repelling. It is a perennial grass plant that emits great beauty and a very strong aroma that keeps the mosquitoes away.
Care: This plant grows up to 5 or 6 feet tall. It is an easy to grow plant and you can either plant it in the soil or plant it in a pot. Keep the plant well – watered and well-fertilized with an all-purpose food fertilizer. Pruning is recommended to encourage further growth. It can survive in any type of soil but just make sure that it is well-drained. See to it that the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day for efficient growth.
#7 – Rosemary
Rosamarinus Officinalis
Aesthetic: Rosemary is an absolutely beautiful flowering plant that is very often used to flavour meat dishes. But on the other hand, it is also an efficient mosquito repellent. It would make a great addition to your herb collection. It keeps the bugs away and attracts butterflies to your garden!
Care: Make sure to regularly trim the plant. The plant prefers cool and bright temperatures. In order for the plant to stay straight, prune it regularly. Water the plant regularly and sufficiently during the active growth season. While harvesting, take away only a little of the plant so that the rest will encourage further blooming and will keep the cultivation in continuance.
#8 – Garlic
Allivum Sativum
Aesthetic: Garlic, a plant whose yield is very much required for use in the kitchen. Garlic is a more than common kitchen condiment that you would require to use every so often. So having this plant in your garden so that it not only provides you with said condiment but also naturally repels mosquitoes is a win-win situation.
Care: Make sure to plant the cloves in an area where water does not collect much as it will result in root rot. It prefers well-drained and fertile soil. Use a large amount of compost and fertilizer for growth. Care for the plant in fall and spring is different so depending upon the season you plant it in, you’ll have to care for it separately.
Use mulch in protecting the soil around the plant. Harvest the garlic bulbs at the right time because if you leave them in the soil for too long, they will separate and you won’t be able to store them well.
#9 – Lavender
Lavandula
Aesthetic: This beautiful lavender plant must find a place in your yard. Its colour and aroma are immensely desirable. While naturally repelling mosquitoes, it also comes in handy for other purposes. If you’re into making soaps or scents or essential oils, or even if you enjoy drinking herbal teas, you may use this plant to your heart’s content.
Care: Plant the flower in well-drained soil where it can gain a lot of sunlight. Make sure to not water it too much; make sure the soil is completely dry before watering it again. Prune the plant frequently during spring or during harvest. Store the harvest in a dry and cool place. You can later use this for your own purposes.
#10 – Marigolds
Tagetes
Aesthetic: These lovely yellow marigold flowers will add a joyous splash of colour to your yard. They can be used for decoration in your home too. Its bright coloured flowers in contrast to their dark coloured green stalk will prove to be a beautiful addition to your home.
Care: The plants can thrive when there is plenty of air circulation. Use well-drained soil and place the plant where it can receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight. Water the soil around the plant regularly. Only water once the soil has dried off completely from the previous watering session.
Do not let the soil become soggy or place the plant in wet conditions because it will lead to root rot. Apply to the plant a water-soluble fertilizer once every month and be sure to not over-fertilize. Pinch the tips of the newly blooming marigolds to encourage a bushier bloom.
#11 – Lemon Balm
Melissa Officinalis
Aesthetic: Lemon balm’s dark greened plants are natural mosquito repellents and work very well. It is from the mint family and is very easy to grow – even for beginners. They also come in handy to prepare herbal tea.
Care: Water the plant frequently at regular intervals, once a week to water the plant would be sufficient. If you’re not sure, water the plant when the leaves begin to look wilted. The plant grows very well in a shady region and will require less water.
Applying mulch to the soil will increase its richness and quality, use organic mulch in possible. If you frequently use mulch for the plant then the amount of fertilizer required would be less. Too much fertilizer will decrease the aroma and flavour of the plant. Avoid soggy soil and humid conditions for the plant as it will attract diseases and make sure to space the plants adequately to encourage air circulation.
#12 – Bee Balm
Monarda Didyma
Aesthetic: These lovely purple, pink and red bee balm plants are not only beautiful in the garden but are also useful in the kitchen. They can be used widely in making herbal teas, jellies, and as a garnish for many other dishes. Not to mention, this plant will draw many pollinators into your gardens such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Care: The plant grows extensively in sunlight. It requires well-drained and rich soil and must be planted evenly spaced. During planting, give the plant a lot of water. Make sure there’s air ventilation or else your plants will fall prey to mildew. In order to contain moisture and control weeds, you can apply mulch to the plant. Replant every 2 to 3 years to ensure division and vigour.
#13 – Floss Flower
Ageratum Houstonianum
Aesthetic: The floss flowers come in a variety of colours that you can choose from to have in your garden. They can be used as edging flowers or can even be a simply great addition to your garden.
Care: It is preferable if you were to plant these flowers in a partially shaded area. The soil around the plant must be well – kept and moist and well-drained. Adding organic compost to the soil will help preserve its fertility. Adding a layer of two-inch mulch to the soil will keep it from drying out and make sure to replace it at regular intervals. Water the plant adequately i.e. twice every week.
#14 – Lemongrass
Cymbopogon
Aesthetic: The lemongrass plant would be a great addition to your garden simply for that fact that it is vastly used in the kitchen. It can be used in various dishes like soups and roasts and also for recreational items like candles, whichever you choose. However, it is recommended that pregnant women stay away from the plant as it has previously been known to cause birth defects.
Care: The plant is best established in a no-frost season. It thrives in direct sunlight and responds greatly to regular watering. Use well-drained soil that can easily be kept moist to plant. Make sure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight. Keep an eye to see to it that the plant does not dry out.
#15 – Sage
Salvia Officinalis
Aesthetic: Sage is an excellent addition to many areas of your life. It is burned in many cultures for certain rituals and even otherwise, it can be used to burn for aroma and of course, to repel mosquitoes. Its aromatic qualities leave it to be a very desirable addition to your garden.
Care: The plant thrives in full and direct sunlight. This plant prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH level of maybe 6.0 to 7.0. Use fertilizer but using it in an abundant amount will decrease the intensity of its flavour. Water the plant regularly; this is a plant that can survive through minor droughts.
#16 – Citrosum
Pelargonium ‘Citrosum’
Aesthetic: Citrosum’s very use lies in the fact that it is a mosquito repellent plant. Having that one job and also filling up the green levels of the house, this plant will get the job done for you without any hassle. In the past, there have been disputes as to its mosquito repellent tendencies; nevertheless, it is better to have some planted at home.
Care: This plant grows up to a height of 5 to 6 feet tall. It is a plant that can easily be grown and you can either plant it in the soil or plant it in a pot. Keep the plant well – watered and well-fertilized with an all-purpose food fertilizer. Pruning is well – recommended to encourage further growth. It can survive in any type of soil but just make sure that it is well-drained. See to it that the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day for efficient growth.
#17 – Allium
Allium
Aesthetic: This cultivated allium genus flowering plant comes in a few colours that you can choose from. It’s classy, fancy and stylish: everything that you could want in your garden while also repelling mosquitoes.
Care: Plant the flowers in a sunny and well-drained spot of the soil. It’s a very simple plant to grow which only requires watering that can be irregular, fertilizing and weeding of the plant. To avoid much weeding, you can add organic mulch to take care of the problem.
#18 – Mums
Chrysanthemum
Aesthetic: These charming mum flowers are most often used in bouquets and as beautifying plants in many gardens. You could do the same for yours while also gaining the benefit of repelling mosquitoes.
Care: Plant the flowers in well-drained soil. A spot that receives adequate sunlight is well – recommended. Add a layer of compost before planting in order to improve drainage and soil quality. In order to avoid many pests and fungi, space the plants at least 15 to 24 inches apart. Water the plant regularly once every week to keep it healthy. Pinch the tips of new blooms for the growth of more new buds.
How else can I repel mosquitoes using these plants?
Sometimes, even though you’ve planted the required plants, it’s not easy to repel mosquitoes.
They would some sort of a push for optimal results. For this, one of the ways that you can choose it to extract the oils from the plant. Some plants have essential oils that can be extracted when you crush the leaves of the plant. This can be applied to you or used around the house to repel mosquitoes.
The scent from the plant masks the human scent or it is harmful to mosquitoes to repel them: this is how they work. So extracting these oils would be an effective way to put the plants that you’ve grown, to use. Some plants of certain plants can be burned, like you would incense, to bring out the scents of the plants to keep the mosquitoes away.
You can opt to strew herbs around your house. This is a process where you cut the plant and strew its various parts around an area. When people walk across the area they end up stomping these parts and this releases the aroma and essence that would repel mosquitoes. This is a very effective way of using your plants.
Along with these, it is also important to use other methods of precaution. It is important that you get rid of all standing water. Clean and overturn all vessels or places that can hold any amounts of water. These will attract mosquitoes and be turned into breeding grounds for them. Check all kinds of areas, your swimming pools, rain gutters, birdbaths and such so that no water would collect. Sometimes, sadly, mosquitoes at home are a result of your own neglect. If you take the right precautions and pay the right attention, you can completely avoid this situation.
What do I look for in the Plants that I choose?
If you’re a beginner and you’re apprehensive about your gardening skills, it’s better if you choose plants that are easy to grow and require very little attention. Once you feel like you’ve picked up the knack for it, then you can move on to more complicated plants.
If you’re not at home most times or if you travel around quite often and you aren’t able to tend to your plants as much, you can choose the plants that can survive with what little resources they can get and thrive in lesser conditions. This will allow you to have plants while also being able to go about your work.
If you’re a cook, or you have a penchant for cooking or experimenting with foods and beverages, then you can opt to grow the plants that can also be used in the kitchen. They will do their job while also being useful to you in your kitchen endeavours.
And if you’re someone who is into making oils and soaps or potpourri or other such items, then too you can opt for plants that are specifically useful for this purpose but will also naturally repel mosquitoes. All in all, whatever, your situation may be, there’s a plant for any and every one of your need. All you have to do is proper research so you know which plant to choose for yourself.
The plants that are listed in this article have more uses other than repelling mosquitoes. So when you decide to choose, you’ll have more options to weigh in. And whatever may be your choice, you’ll have an abundance of benefits to look forward to.
Remember, these plants not only do the job of repelling mosquitoes but also provide you with condiments and beautify your place like no other. So we recommend that you get on your gardening gloves and begin planting ‘cause why would you want to miss out on having any of these plants in your garden?
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