The Best Plants To Protect Against Mosquitoes
Hearing a tiny buzz in your ear could be a sign that a mosquito is nearby. These pesky critters tend to come around during warm weather and aren't afraid to bite.
In order to prevent mosquitoes from spreading viruses to humans and animals, people can use certain plants to repel them.
Lavender Drives Mosquitoes Away
Lavender is considered to be one of the most soothing scents and is often used in essential oils. Dried lavender can also be used in DIY beauty treatments.
This plant is drought-resistant, thrives in full sun, and needs excellent drainage. It also is a great plant to use to repel mosquitoes.
Grow Some Vibrant Marigold
While marigold doesn't have the best scent, it is effective in getting rid of mosquitoes and other pesky bugs.
Marigolds are relatively easy to grow and can make a beautiful addition to a garden with their vibrant colors. This plant usually blooms from summer to the first frost of the year.
Catnip Can Save You From Mosquito Bites
Catnip and all the members of the catmint family are some of the most effective plants for repelling mosquitoes.
Their nepetalactone leaves are considered to be at least 10 times more effective than over the counter mosquito repellent. Before planting, it's important to note that catnip can easily overtake flowerbeds.
Monarda Will Attract These Animals
Monarda, also known as bee balm, horsemint, and wild bergamot, can be used to get rid of mosquitoes. However, it also attracts other animals such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The colors of monarda are usually red, purple, pink, or white and it can grow between two to four feet tall.
Allium Is Related To Onions
Those who are familiar with the allium flower may know that it is actually a relative to the onion. Similar to onions, the allium has the power to repel mosquitoes.
Alliums have a long, thin stalk with a flower that looks like a fluffball at the top. These come in all types of colors including blue, purple, red, pink, white, and yellow.
American Beautyberries Can Grow Very Tall
If you want to grow some tall plants that also scare away mosquitoes, then consider planting some American beautyberries.
These plants can grow up to six feet high and six feet wide with purple berries that grow at the stalk, versus the ends. The berries typically grow during fall and winter.
Why Lantana Camaras Are So Unique
One of the most viable mosquito-repellent plants is the Lantana Camara. This plant has woody stalks with flowers that have two colors in the same bundle.
Mosquitoes dislike Lantana Camaras because of their distinct, citrusy scent. These plants need to grow in full sun and the soil needs to be well-drained.
The Special Chemical Inside Ageratums
Ageratum, also known as floss flowers, are one of the most effective plants for repelling mosquitoes. This is due to the chemical inside the flower called coumarin.
Ageratums are typically purple or pink and will bloom in spring, summer, or fall. This plant should be grown in partial sun in a warmer climate.
Why Lemon Geraniums Are The Best
One of the best types of plants to use when trying to repel mosquitoes is the lemon geranium. The strong lemony scent is great for getting them out of the area.
Typically, lemon geraniums are a light purple and pink flower with a pistil that splits. These need to grow in full to partial sun.
Lemongrass Grows Best In This Climate
Those who live in warmer climates should consider planting some lemongrass to get rid of mosquitoes. Not only does it repel annoying bugs, but it's also a great cooking ingredient.
Lemongrass usually grows as a large grass cluster and should be planted directly into the ground. However, it can start out in a pot.
Lemon Balm Can Be Used In The Kitchen
Since lemon balm has a citrus scent, mosquitoes are instantly repelled to it. This plant has many uses, such as being an ingredient in food dishes or an essential oil.
This herb is a member of the mint family and can do well being planted indoors. Lemon balm needs at least five to six hours of light per day.
Peppermint Provides A Nice Flavor
Those who want to get rid of mosquitoes should consider planting some peppermint. Mosquitoes are repelled by the overpowering minty aroma.
However, having peppermint nearby can be great for adding some flavor to your dishes and drinks. Peppermint does best when it's grown in a container with partial shade and moist soil conditions.
The Benefits Of Fennel
Fennel is a bulbous vegetable that is usually featured in Italian cuisine. The plant is closely related to the carrot, but it is not a root vegetable.
Fennel is great for protecting against mosquitoes as well. When fennel is used for cooking, it provides a mild licorice flavor to enhance the dish.
Sage Is Very Versatile
Sage is one of the most useful plants for repelling mosquitoes. This plant has a muted silvery green color and is often used in Mediterranean dishes.
When it comes to growing this plant, sage is very versatile. It prefers full sun in well-drained soil, but can also do well when it's grown in pots.
Why You Should Grow Lemon Thyme
Mosquitoes really don't like lemon, so growing lemon thyme should get rid of them in an instant.
It typically grows between six to 12 inches high and between 12 and 18 inches wide. Lemon thyme has small bright green leaves with tiny light purple flowers when it's in full bloom.
Why Rosemary Repels Mosquitoes
One of the reasons why rosemary does well when it repels mosquitoes is because of its woody fragrance. It also looks nice in the garden with lavender-colored flowers.
Growing rosemary can be tricky because it thrives in hot, dry conditions and will be fine when grown in a container. Rosemary needs full sun and well-drained soil.
Get The Basil Ready
Not only is basil a popular cooking ingredient, but it also does wonders with shooing away mosquitoes.
Basil will start growing flowers when it stops producing new leaves. In order to prevent this from happening, make sure to remove the buds when they pop up. Basil prefers lots of sun, moist soil, and good drainage.
Citronella Is Often Used In Candles
Citronella is often used in candles that are specially designed to get rid of mosquitoes. This plant is part of the geranium family and is great for those who live in warmer climates.
Citronella thrives when it is in full to partial sun, but it does need protection from the midday sun.
Pennyroyals Are Toxic
While pennyroyal plants do a terrific job of repelling against mosquitoes, it's crucial to know that they are toxic.
If pennyroyals are ingested, they can cause organ failure, so never plant them if there are children or pets around the home. This plant grows in full to partial sun and loves moist soil.
Garlic Works Wonders For Repelling Mosquitoes
Garlic is a member of the allium family and is one of the most protective plants against mosquitoes. While garlic is a common cooking ingredient, it can be toxic for animals.
If you have any pets nearby, you should try to avoid growing garlic. When animals ingest it, it can lead to organ damage.
Mosquitoes Shy Away From Feverfews
Feverfews are yellow and white flowers that have a similar look to a daisy. These plants have the power to get rid of migraines, but also repel mosquitoes.
Feverfews are part of the chrysanthemum family and have a lemon scent that mosquitoes hate. People should know that they can take over a garden if not properly grown.
Chrysanthemums Will Come In Handy
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, come in a wide array of colors and are typically in full bloom during the fall.
Planting these flowers in your garden will come in handy because they will protect you against mosquitoes. They are overly fragrant with a slight sweetness that keep mosquitoes at bay.
Oregano Isn't Just For An Herb Garden
There are many reasons why planting oregano is beneficial. Not only is it a great enhancer for a wide variety of dishes, but it gets rid of mosquitoes as well.
Also, oregano can be used for ground cover and edging. It's versatile for planting and can be grown in pots, window boxes, or containers.
Tansy Flowers Are More Than Cute
Tansy flowers have fern-shaped leaves with petals in the shape of a button. While these tend to grow in clumps, they actually aren't wildflowers.
They need to be properly cared for because they can spread incredibly fast. Tansy flowers do repel mosquitoes, but the plant can be evasive, so inexperienced gardeners should avoid them.
Consider Planting Some Eucalyptus
Since eucalyptus has a strong fragrance, it repels mosquitoes almost immediately. Eucalyptus is part of the myrtle family, which means it's a fast-growing plant.
Those who choose to grow it should know that the trees require full sun and the soil needs to be well-drained. Outdoor eucalyptus doesn't typically need fertilizer.
Grow Lemon Verbenas During This Time Of Year
Mosquitoes can't stand citrus fragrances, so the lemon verbena plant is one of its worst enemies. This lemon scented plant is adorned with tiny purple and white flowers and starts blooming in late spring.
If you want to know if they are being trimmed correctly, make sure that they take on a bushy look. This allows it to replenish itself during the growing season.
Take A Gander At Calendulas
Calendula flowers are part of the daisy family. They can also be described as pot marigold, which shouldn't be confused with the common marigolds.
Calendulas come in many different colors and work wonders with getting rid of mosquitoes. This flower is native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean.
Wormwood Has A Sharp Smell
Wormwood is typically added to essential oils and used as a bitter flavoring for drinks. Since it has a rather sharp smell, it can protect against mosquitoes.
Other names for wormwood include absinthe and mug wort and it can grow up to three feet tall. It will typically sprout yellow flowers during the summer months.
Pitcher Plants Are Carnivores
While most plants repel mosquitoes by shooing them away, pitcher plants are a bit more intense. These plants are carnivores, which means they have the ability to actually catch and eat the mosquitoes.
Most of these kinds of plants can be found in the South of the United States in states such as Louisiana and Mississippi.
Cedar Trees Prevent Mosquitoes From Taking Over
There are certain trees that have the potential to prevent mosquitoes from taking over. Cedar trees are some of the biggest of all time and they can repel mosquitoes and other bugs.
Since they have longevity, cedars have become one of the longest-lasting pest controls for people to use. Consider planting this kind of tree in your backyard.
