What Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Your back porch slumber will be disturbed by a mosquito's buzzing in your ear. Is there a more natural approach to ward off mosquitoes now that you've tried using citronella candles and insect-repellent gadgets?
We bet you didn’t know that you can use plants to mitigate mosquitoes! Some naturally deter insects and can contribute to a pest-free backyard. So, what plants keep mosquitoes away? Where should they be situated to thrive, and should they be planted or potted?
Let the insect experts at 24/7 Local Pest Control shed some light on what plants help keep mosquitoes away.
What Kind of Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?
While no single plant is a pest panacea, these florae all contain some form of mosquito repellent property. To help deter mosquitoes from your yard, you can plant the following plants:
Basil
- Fragrant and fresh basil can be more than a bright herb in bruschetta. Mosquitoes are not fond of basil, so you can create a barrier around any standing water on your property to discourage any mosquito egg-laying. Basil flourishes in full sun, well-drained soil, and a large pot allowing airflow between plants.
Bee Balm
- Also known as wild bergamot, bee balm has the twofold benefit of deterring mosquitoes and inviting desirable pollinators like bees and butterflies. Make sure you allow for full sun and soil that allows drainage.
Catnip
- Felines are drawn by the naturally occurring chemical nepetalactone that catnip produces. It is this same cat-alluring compound that keeps mosquitoes away and makes it one of the most effective plants for mosquito control. However, if you do have cats, this might not be the best option for you. Catnip can grow in full sun or partial shade and does better with well-drained soil. Keep it in its own pot, if you don’t want it to grow freely in your garden, where it can become a bit invasive.
Citronella
- A familiar ingredient in mosquito-repellent candles, the plant itself produces a strong scent that overwhelms other mosquito attractants. Situate in full sun or partial shade and plant in large planters or let it thrive in a garden.
Lavender
- The soothing scent of fresh lavender also serves to rebuff mosquitoes. Opt for a large pot or let it flourish in the garden if you have the available space. (Lavender can swell to a sizeable bush.) Keep in sunlight.
Lemon Balm
- This lovely decorative plant can be used for more than just décor. Place around your patio space to ward off mosquito intrusion. Situate in full sun and keep potted as it can overrun a garden if planted.
Lemongrass
- This plant contains citral, a natural oil that is used in mosquito repellents, and it serves well as an organic deterrent. Grow in a large pot with ample drainage and leave in full sun.
Marigold
- Pleasant in color and full in fragrance, marigolds work delightfully well to edge a garden and to repel mosquitoes. These flowering plants contain the compound pyrethrum, which is used in insect repellents. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
Peppermint
- Crisp and bright in scent, peppermint is also natural mosquito repellent. Like other members of the mint family, this plant can invade a garden if let loose. Situate in a planter in the full sun with damp soil.
The right plants can be a beneficial ally in the fight for a pest-free backyard. To add to this second line of defence, call 24/7 Local Pest Control today to spray a barrier treatment on your property to rid mosquitoes, ticks and fleas from the property. Give us a call at (833) 220-1001 or contact us online so we can make outside fun again for you and your family.
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