Mosquitoes are insects the world can do without. At least, that’s what many wish, myself included. However, these annoying disease-carrying pests play a part in the complex food web.
That said, one could do better by just using natural mosquito repellent plants rather than toxic chemical insecticides. Enjoy the outdoors (and even indoors) without the hassles of mosquitoes hovering around waiting for their chance to help themselves to your blood.
Have some of the plants in this list in your yard and in your home to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
1. Basil
A favorite herb for cooking, especially in Italian cuisine, basil is also perfect for warding off mosquitoes. Keep a pot of basil plant in your kitchen so you can cook in peace and have fresh basil leaves at your disposal.
2. Bee balm
The bee balm is an ornamental plant that repels mosquitoes but attracts bees and even hummingbirds.
3. Catnip
Catnip is ten times better than DEET in getting rid of mosquitoes. The only problem with catnip is that cats are attracted to it. So, place them in an area far from your precious garden plants so you won’t have your feline friends trampling all over them.
4. Citronella Grass
Perhaps the most popular of all natural mosquito repellent plants, citronella grass produces an odor that mosquitoes hate. This is why citronella is the main ingredient of many anti-mosquito products.
5. Garlic
Garlic has many uses aside from providing its distinct taste to many dishes. It has numerous medicinal uses and apparently keeps bloodthirsty vampires away, as well. The latter may just be a myth, but studies have shown that it does keep mosquitoes at bay.
6. Geranium
This ornamental plant looks great when placed in a container and hung by the window. It is perfect indoors where it provides a beautiful sight while keeping the skeeters away.
7. Lavender
Lavender is a popular garden plant not only for its aesthetic value, pleasant scent, and calming effects. It can also keep mosquitoes and other critters away.
8. Lemon Balm
Like the rest of the mint family, lemon balm is effective against these skeeters. It is also useful in treating digestive problems, cramps, and PMS.
9. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is similar to the citronella grass in looks. It also contains the ingredient citronella, making it an excellent way to keep the bloodsuckers at bay.
10. Lemon Thyme
Gather some lemon thyme leaves and crush them up before leaving them in places where mosquitoes like to gather. A study done by the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada discovered that mosquito bites are lessened by 62%, thanks to lemon thyme.
11. Marigolds
Pyrethrum, the substance that gives marigold its one-of-a-kind scent, is nature’s insecticide. Marigolds in your garden will make it not only pretty and but also bug-free.
12. Mint
Peppermint and other members of the mint family are not only known for their distinct taste and scent but also for their effectiveness against bugs, especially mosquitoes.
13. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyals make for a great ground cover in your garden. The purple flowers are beautiful to look at and attract butterflies. The plant also repels mosquitoes.
14. Rosemary
Like basil, rosemary is a favorite herb among cooking enthusiasts. Aside from keeping those pesky mosquitoes away, it’s also great for your memory.
15. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil used in many ways, including repelling mosquitoes. You can grow your own plant and use the leaves to make your own bug oil or spray.
Sources: The Spirit Science and Best Plants
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