Do you know why mosquitoes attract us? It’s no secret that mosquitoes are drawn to us because of the aromas and gases we emit such as carbon dioxide, sweat, and stinky feet are just a few examples. Even as much as 100 feet away can attract them.
Mosquito-killing and mosquito-repellent products abound on the market. It’s believed, however, that the majority of pesticides currently on the market include high concentrations of chemical compounds that might lead to allergic reactions or skin diseases in humans. It’s also possible to use natural mosquito repellents if you don’t want to utilize high-chemical agents.
And container gardens with mosquito-repellent plants are an excellent option where you and your family spend the most time. Why not plant them in your garden or place some pots of them on your deck or patio to deter mosquitoes? By reading this guide, you will be able to, 25 Plants and Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes at Home.
Let’s start,
One of the best ways to do repel mosquitoes is to grow most mosquito-repelling plants in the garden. You don’t want to use chemicals to keep mosquitoes away, you can grow plants in your garden.
The plants naturally emit strong scents and essential oils. So, they are natural repellents. These plants should be placed in areas where guests frequently pass by, such as near a seating area or a doorway.
Which plants repel mosquitoes?
Here are 10 plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors in order to repel mosquitoes.
1. Marigolds
In addition to their rectangular petals, marigolds have pointed leaves. Yellow, crimson, and orange-hued flowers are among the region’s most renowned and well-known trademarks. Depending on the number of petals, these flowers can take on a variety of shapes. These flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from globe-like to flat and classic with only six petals.
How does marigold repel mosquitoes?
The unpleasant and musty odor of marigolds is one of its most distinctive qualities. Pyrethrum, saponins, scopoletin, cadinol, and other compounds combine to give the distinctive pungent fragrance they are known for.
Green-fingered gardeners are keen to point out to novices the importance of including marigolds as a decorative border in their gardens. According to this traditional rule-of-thumb, there is scientific evidence to support it.
Biologically, marigolds contain pyrethrum, a chemical that is extremely noxious to mosquitoes and other insects. As a result, mosquitoes avoid them.
2. Lemongrass
An herbaceous decorative grass, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular choice. A typical clump of grasses produces a sprinkling of foliage. Throughout the year, the leaves are green but become a deep red or scarlet in the fall and winter.
The floral show is minor in comparison to that of many of the grasses. In subtropical conditions, the grass can quickly spread and become invasive.
How does lemongrass repel mosquitoes?
Lemongrass is a well-known mosquito deterrent because of its strong scent. Lemongrass essential oil, also known as Citronella oil, has been shown to have a two-and-a-half-hour half-life. It’s even greater for some mosquito species.
Mosquito lotions, repellent sprays, and candles all include citronella oil, which is the most often used natural mosquito repellant.
If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your porch, pathway, or any other place near your seating area, consider planting lemongrass.
In order to keep mosquitoes at bay, but this grass is in a large planter that can be moved around frequently. They’re a great mosquito-blocking screen, and they have a pleasant scent.
3. Rosemary
Rosamarinus rosmarinus (Salvia rosmarinus) is an evergreen shrub with an aromatic scent. Gray-green needle-like leaves adorn the upright woody stems of this attractive plant. It blooms in late spring to early summer, usually in clusters of small, light blue to white flowers, but it can also bloom at other times of the year.
How does rosemary repel mosquitoes?
A low-maintenance plant, rosemary is effective at keeping mosquitoes away because it has a powerful aroma and is easy to grow. Insects and mosquitoes are deterred by the woody scent.
The needle-like leaves and texture of this plant are perfect for a container garden. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain smells.
4. Floss flower
Floss flower is also known as Ageratum houstonianum. Gardeners are crazy about the color blue since it’s so uncommon in gardening. Although the majority of Ageratum’s blossoms are blue, they can also come in white, pink, lavender, and even red. Nursery starts in tray packs or flats are the most common way to obtain these popular bedding plants, but seeds can also be cultivated.
There are a variety of methods to include floss flowers into your landscape, from using it as an ornamental plant to edging walkways and borders to using it in massed displays.
How does floss flower repel mosquitoes?
As it stands, there is little evidence that Ageratum houstonianum (better known as floss flower) is helpful at deterring mosquitoes from searching in a given region.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been the focus of the majority of the research on this annual flower. The livers of grazing animals are damaged as a result of these chemicals.
5. Eucalyptus tree
Eucalyptus trees are known for their gorgeous blue-green foliage and peeling bark. If you live in a warm area, the trees can provide year-round color, making your yard more visually appealing when other trees are dormant. It’s an advantage that this tree may be grown in containers as well.
How does the eucalyptus tree repel mosquitoes?
As if that wasn’t enough, the scent of these trees resembles that of mint or pine but is much more pronounced. It has a fresh aroma and is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
Eucalyptol, an endogenous pest-repelling oil, is found in each leaf’s pocket. You may keep pests away from your home by placing a few leaves on window sills, bookcases, and even your pet’s bed.
6. Clove
The cloves you use in your food come from Syzygium aromaticum plants, which yield the spice known as cloves. An effective natural mosquito repellant that may be grown in your yard.
How does clove repel mosquitoes?
In order to keep mosquitoes from biting you, put the oil on your clothing rather than directly on your skin.
Because it is the aroma that repels mosquitoes, clove buds and oil can be purchased in stores and used as a mosquito deterrent if you don’t want to grow the plant yourself!
7. Pennyroyal
An herb that was once ubiquitous but has faded in popularity is the pennyroyal plant. It can be used medicinally, in food, and as a decorative accent. Lilac blossoms will be enhanced by the reddish-purple coloration of pennyroyal planted in a herb or perennial garden.
How does pennyroyal repel mosquitoes?
Pennyroyal leaves are extremely good in eradicating mosquitoes. Mosquitoes despise their spearmint-like scent, thus it is also employed in the manufacture of pesticides.
Although this plant’s essential oil is highly poisonous, it may be best to avoid it if you have children or dogs who might eat the leaves.
8. Basil
As a flavorful ingredient in a wide range of recipes, including pesto, basil is a must-have ingredient. After the risk of frost has passed and the earth has warmed, begin planting seeds or transplants. Within a few weeks, you’ll get a bountiful harvest. Maintain collecting the plant’s leaves in order to keep them healthy.
How does basil repel mosquitoes?
The mosquitoes have been proved to be deterred by the use of basil. The characteristics of basil are similar to other repellents. Basil contains citronella, nerolidol, limonene, and estragole, four volatile compounds that might help discourage mosquitoes from your garden.
However, these compounds aren’t just spewed forth by plants, in order for them to be effective as a mosquito repellant, they must be removed. They all work in distinct ways, steaming leaves, charred leaves, and 100% basil oil.
As a result of four volatile chemicals found in basil plants, mosquitoes are less able to detect blood meals. As a result of the compounds’ confusion and irritation, mosquitoes are compelled to flee.
9. Mint
Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family. They are often characterized by their serrated leaves and powerful, often pleasant off-gassed aromas. While numerous mentha plants are employed in culinary creations and confections around the world.
How does mint repel mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are repulsed by the scent of mint. Mint is a plant species that is well-known for its minty scent. Because of this, mints have long been used as a natural mosquito repellant.
Grow mint plants in a container that can be helped to deter mosquitoes.
10. Sage
Salvia officinalis (sage) is a member of the mint family and grows ovate, grayish-green leaves on woody stalks. It’s been a mainstay in herb gardens and inventive kitchens for a long time.
How does sage repel mosquitoes?
While some people believe that sage can help keep mosquitoes away, others feel that the herb can be utilized as a mosquito repellent.
They have a strong scent, and the oils they generate can be used to flavor food and repel mosquitoes. Plant some sage near your backyard fire pit if you enjoy getting together there. In addition, dried sage leaves can be converted into a natural insect repellent by adding a few drops of oil to rubbing alcohol.
11. Sweet ferns
This plant is not a fern at all, but rather a member of the same family as wax myrtle or bayberry. Known for its fragrant leaves and slender, fern-like leaves, this lovely plant is well-known in the garden.
How does sweet ferns repel mosquitoes?
In the garden, this plant can be used to keep mosquitoes away. The sweet fern can also be used to repel insects when dried and packed into a tight “smudge-like stick.” Place it on a non-flammable surface after drying and securing with thread. It should burn for a long time, creating a constant stream of fragrant smoke.
12. Catnip
Catnip is an easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial. Clumps form from its square stems and its serrated, triangular to oval, gray-green leaves, which can reach a length of three inches. Flower spikes grow in late spring to early fall, yielding clusters of miniature white blossoms with light purple patterns that are white in color.
How does catnip repel mosquitoes?
Catnip is loved by cats, but mosquitoes despise it. Feline attraction and insect repellency are both provided by a chemical compound found in the plant known as nepetalactone.
Catnip’s distinctive scent is derived from the oil found in the leaves. Catnip has been discovered to be more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes and ants than any other plant. Only place catnip in an area away from plants that can’t handle being rolled on by every cat in your area.
13. Lavender
A member of the mint family, lavender blooms are long-lasting perennials. A “true” lavender, lavandula anguvstifolia (English Lavender), is distilled from this plant. The scent of lavender is pleasing to the senses. Many of our drawer fresheners, cosmetics, and bath items are scented with it.
How does lavender repel mosquitoes?
People are overwhelmed by the scent because it’s so potent. DEET is used in the same way to prevent mosquito bites. Lavender, on the other hand, is both natural and effective.
For immediate protection from mosquitoes, the combination of lavender oil and other natural repellents is more effective. Lavender is a proven mosquito-killer in and of itself.
While lavender may not fully keep mosquitoes away from your yard or patio in the short run, it will assist to reduce the mosquito population over time by killing mosquitoes. It’s also a beautiful plant to look at, making it an excellent addition to your garden.
If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your patio, garden, or balcony, simply plant lavender. The good news is that lavender repels mosquitoes indoors as well as outdoors.
14. Citronella plant
Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus, the true citronella plants, are grasses. Citronella plants that have lacy foliage instead of grass blades are usually promoted as mosquito-repelling plants, which are actually poor in keeping mosquitoes away from your property.
How does the citronella plant repel mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes will not be deterred by citronella grass on their own. You must first crush or rub the leaves against your skin to extract the oil. Make sure you don’t have an allergic response by testing this on a tiny area of skin first.
If you want to keep citronella oil fresh for up to six months, store it in a dark, cold spot. Never swallow citronella oil, and always wear gloves when handling it.
15. Stone root plant
Stone root is a perennial herb with a single, erect, square stem that can grow up to 4 feet tall. Four-sided stems with greenish-yellow flowers grow up to 1-4 feet tall. The entire plant has a pungent, spicy aroma and flavor.
How does stone root plant repel mosquitoes?
It is possible to crush and boil stone root to generate an extract for mosquito repellents with a strong, disagreeable odor. The oil of the root can be extracted from the leaves and used as a mosquito repellent because of its mint qualities. With regard to topical applications like the rest of its family, it has no warnings.
16. Lantana
Plants with a vine-like appearance are ideal for growing in outdoor hanging pots that enable the branches of their shrubby branches to spill over the sides. For its little, brightly colored blooms, Lantana plants are well-known for their spherical clusters, the colors of which could range from orange to white and from pink to blue and purple to yellow.
How does lantana repel mosquitoes?
Lantanas are attracted to lantanas, but mosquitoes aren’t the only thing they do. If you’re looking for a plant that attracts butterflies, go no further than this one.
The greatest approach to prevent mosquitoes from invading your home is to grow these plants yourself!]. The fact that it’s an invasive weed means that it grows quickly and may be easily grown in pots. Citronella is a citronella-like scent that repels insects when crushed leaves are used.
Flowers and leaves can also be preserved by drying them. Crush them into a fine powder and burn them in a glass container after they are completely dry. The smell of the plant will keep mosquitoes away for around three to four hours, and the mosquitoes that eat it will be weaker and have a shorter lifespan as a result of their consumption.
17. Bee balm
Perennial bee balm is a versatile mosquito deterrent that works in a similar way as citronella. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love it. Tuberous petals in colors of red, purple, and white cover the open daisy-like bloom.
How does bee balm repel mosquitoes?
Because of its strong incense-like stench, the aromatic leaves will assist to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. This confuses mosquitoes and covers the scent of its typical host, which is you and your family and friends. Shade-tolerant and drought-resistant, this fast-growing species can grow to heights of two or three feet and widths of the same proportions.
Many of these plants can be crushed in order to release their fragrant oils and naturally repel mosquitoes.
18. Lemon balm
In the mint family, lemon balm is found. With its medium-textured leaves, it produces a lovely green clump in your yard alongside other herbs and flowers. Tea, fruit or green salad, and fish all benefit from the plant’s flavorful leaves, which are at their best when they are cut back on a regular basis.
How does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?
A chemical called citronellal, which gives Lemon Balm its lemony scent and flavor, is found in high concentrations in the plant. Make a paste out of fresh leaves and apply it directly on the skin, especially around the ankles, arms, and other places that are most sensitive to mosquitoes. They are frightened away by the lemony aroma.
19. Snowbrush
In the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), snowbrush is one of many shrubs, vines, and small to big trees. Spreading, round-topped Snowbrush stems are the result of their thick, multi-branched stems. The scent of the entire plant is wonderful.
How does snowbrush repel mosquitoes?
The sticky, sweet balsamic perfume of both flowers and foliage repels mosquitoes and other insects.
While this shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil, it may be grown in nearly any location, giving a magnificent backdrop to the edge of your yard or blended with other border plants.
20. Tea Tree
Antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial characteristics are all found in the leaves of the tea plant. Gardeners love them because they’re so simple to grow and care for.
How does tea tree repel mosquitoes?
As a natural mosquito repellent plant, you can add a few drops of grapeseed oil to a few tea leaves soaked in water. After an hour, strain the solution and use a spray bottle to saturate mosquito-prone parts of the house.
21. Wormwood
Keep mosquitoes away from your home and or garden with the help of this plant. It’s true that mosquitoes don’t get out of the picture. It has a menthol-like scent.
How does wormwood repel mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are attracted to the scent of wormwood, which can be planted in a garden or flowerbed. The wormwood essential oil can also be used to make a spray. The mosquitoes can be kept away by spraying them around your home or garden.
22. Nodding Onion
Nodding The umbels of the onion face downward, “nodding” toward the earth, making it one of the most distinctive flowers. From each hooked stem, star-shaped blossoms bloom in a variety of pastel hues including cream and soft pink as well as light lavender.
How does nodding onion repel mosquitoes?
The plant doesn’t do much on its own to keep mosquitoes away, but when pressed together and the oil is rubbed on your skin, it works wonders.
23. Tansy
Outside, tansy is a yellow-blooming plant that repels mosquitoes naturally. It’s easy to grow this herb, and it has beautiful flowers and foliage. Members of the daisy family, rhizomatous perennials, are. There are delicate, fern-like leaves on the foliage, but they smell strong and aren’t a pleasure to the nose. Late summer and early fall bring forth the tiny, golden, button-like blooms of this perennial.
How does tansy repel mosquitoes?
Be careful where you plant it, as it is dangerous in huge quantities. Plant it in a location that is out of the reach of children and animals, such as in a fenced-in area. The tansy’s oil, rather than the plant itself, causes the problem. When compared to the plant, the oil has a far higher concentration of harmful compounds.
24. Nasturtiums
Annual Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) grow quickly and easily. Summer to fall, they produce a stunning array of brightly colored blooms that range from orange and yellow to cream, salmon, and burgundy to scarlet and crimson (and often a mix of several of these). Some have leaves that are charmingly mottled or marbled.
How does nasturtiums repel mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes that this easy-to-grow flowering plant manages to fend off admirably.
An airborne substance that repels pests is released by nasturtiums. Plant nasturtiums around your patio or flower beds to deter pests from invading your property. Nasturtiums can be used as companion plants for a variety of foods.
25. Lemon verbena
A magnificent plant that can be cultivated in any location because of its attractive shape and ease of care. When its leaves are crushed, this plant has a lemony aroma. If you have little room, you can plant Lemon Verbena.
How does lemon verbena repel mosquitoes?
In order to keep mosquitoes at bay, you can plant mosquito-repelling plants around your home. It has a lemony aroma that is both aromatic and fresh. As a mosquito repellent, the plant’s oils can be applied to the skin.
What are some other ways to repel mosquitoes naturally?
To keep mosquitoes away from your home, there is a list of 5 natural repellents you can apply.
1. Vinegar
You can find vinegar in almost every grocery store. If you want to get rid of mosquitoes, you can use either apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar. Spritz yourself with a mixture containing 3 cups water and 1 cup of vinegar. Even the dining table and television screen in your home might benefit from this spray.
2. Neem oil
When using neem oil to ward off mosquitoes, dilute it 50 to 100 milliliters in water, oil, or lotion. In addition, it’s critical to choose neem oil that is cold-pressed and extra virgin.
3. Garlic water
Using garlic water to get rid of mosquitoes is widely accepted as one of the most effective methods. It’s as simple as chopping up a few garlic cloves and boiling them in water. After that, fill a spray bottle with the solution and squirt it about the room, near all of your outside light bulbs, the garage, and wherever else you see fit. Mosquitoes will be exterminated immediately using this method.
Spraying garlic water in your home helps keep mosquitoes at bay since it contains a variety of qualities that garlic possesses.
4. Cinnamon oil
If you think cinnamon is exclusively for applesauce or oatmeal, think again. Cinnamon oil has been shown in a study in Taiwan to kill mosquito eggs. Adult mosquitoes, particularly the Asian tiger mosquito, can also be deterred by using it.
5. Coffee ground
Mosquitoes can be kept at bay by using coffee grounds. In addition to being environmentally beneficial, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose your coffee grounds! It’s easy to get rid of these pests by burning some coffee grounds in an egg carton or coffee tray.
Watch does citronella plant repel mosquitoes | Video
What is the most repulsive scent to mosquitoes?
There are a few scents that mosquitoes hate such as citronella, clove, cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, and other scents of the above-mentioned plants.
How does citronella work as a mosquito repellent plant?
There are numerous common names for this flower, including citronella, mosquito plant, citrosa, and Pelargonium citrosum. A prominent element in insect repellent, citronella, isn’t actually found in the plant’s name. It’s a variety of common-sense geranium, which simply releases the aroma when its leaves are crushed. Genes from two additional plants. Chinese citronella grass and African geranium were used to create the mosquito plant geranium. Is there anything else we need to know? Citronella plants claim to repel mosquitoes, but is this true? The citronella perfume of the plant is claimed to repel mosquitoes best if the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin, as mosquitoes are said to find it unpleasant.
Which mosquito repellent plants can grow indoors?
You can grow mosquito repellent plants indoors using adequate conditions. Rosemary, Lemon balm, basil, lemongrass, garlic, mint, catnip, citronella grass, and marigolds are some of them.
Can eucalyptus trees grow in a pot?
Yes. If you’re looking for an attractive and aromatic potted plant, eucalyptus trees are a great option.
A container garden is a must for anyone interested in growing eucalyptus indoors. It’s not a lot of regulations, but they’re really significant.
Is catnip safe for cats?
Catnip is safe for cats and kittens of all ages, and there is no proof to the contrary. It’s possible for cats to suffer an upset stomach and diarrhea if they eat a lot of catnip leaves. Cats are skilled at self-regulation, so they won’t go overboard if they accidentally get their paws on a catnip plant or a bag of it.
Conclusion
By reading this guide, I hope you got the full idea of 25 Plants and Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes at Home.
Please share these 25 Plants and Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes at Home with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Strawberry Houseplants: Guide to Grow Strawberries Indoors
