Let’s be trustworthy — mosquitoes are absolutely the worst.
You’re on the market on a wonderful summer season night, with a drink in hand. Perhaps a little bit string mild motion is occurring, and what occurs?
You turn out to be the buffet.
And for those who’re like me, you’ve most likely tried the whole lot from citronella candles to these questionable bug zappers that sound like they’re frying tiny demons each 5 minutes.
However what if I informed you there’s a prettier, extra pure strategy to maintain these little pests away?
Yep — vegetation.
Good old school potted vegetation that not solely look nice in your patio but in addition assist repel mosquitoes. And no, you don’t should be a gardening professional to maintain these alive.
19 Vegetation That Repel Mosquitoes Backed by Research
1. Lavender
Okay, I do know this one sounds a little bit too dreamy to be true, however lavender isn’t only for calming pillow sprays. It seems mosquitoes can’t stand the stuff.
Based on a research revealed within the Journal of Vector Ecology, lavender oil was discovered to repel grownup mosquitoes successfully. Plus, it smells wonderful and appears like one thing out of a Pinterest board.
Professional tip: Put it in a sunny spot as a result of lavender loves the warmth. I’ve received a few pots close to my patio chairs, and I swear I get bitten approach much less after I sit by them. Right here’s how one can develop lavender in pots.
2. Citronella
You’ve positively heard of citronella candles, however the precise plant is even higher. It smells like lemony goodness, and mosquitoes hate it.
The perfect half?
It’s a hardy little factor, so it’s arduous to kill (an enormous win in my e-book).
Nevertheless, you’ll wish to get Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus — these are the real-deal mosquito-repelling varieties. Not these ornamental “citronella” geraniums they often attempt to cross off at large field shops.
3. Basil
Picture credit score: Leyla through Substack
Sure, the identical basil you throw in your pizza or in a caprese salad. Seems it’s additionally a pure mosquito repellent.
A research within the Malaria Journal confirmed that basil important oil has mosquito-repelling properties. And if science says so, who’re we to argue?
Bonus: It’s tremendous straightforward to develop in pots, and you’ll simply snip a little bit off for cooking everytime you want it. Twin-purpose vegetation are my favourite sort of vegetation.
4. Mint
One other kitchen staple that doubles as a mosquito deterrent.
Mint grows like loopy (severely, don’t plant it straight in your backyard except you need it to take over your life), and it’s nice in a container. Mosquitoes aren’t followers of their sharp scent, so putting just a few pots round your hangout spot can assist maintain them away.
Professional tip: Mint likes partial shade and common watering. And also you’ll adore it in mojitos.
5. Marigolds
These cheerful little flowers would possibly remind you of your grandma’s backyard, however they pack a punch within the bug-repelling division. Marigolds include pyrethrum, a pure compound typically utilized in insect repellents.
They’re straightforward to develop in pots, and the brilliant blooms add some good coloration to your patio setup. Plus, they repel different pests like aphids and whiteflies, too. It’s like hiring tiny floral bodyguards.
6. Rosemary
Ah, rosemary. Seems to be good, smells wonderful, repels mosquitoes, and makes your grilled hen style prefer it got here from a flowery bistro. What’s to not love?
You’ll be able to develop rosemary in a pot in your patio, and for those who’re feeling fancy, toss just a few sprigs on the grill — the smoke helps chase mosquitoes away, too.
7. Lemongrass
This one’s vital.
Lemongrass accommodates citronella oil, and mosquitoes detest it. It grows tall and grassy, making it excellent for including a little bit privateness round your patio.
In case you’re questioning if lemongrass does repel mosquitoes, right here’s what the analysis says.
Moreover, lemongrass loves warmth and solar, so give it a vivid spot and well-drained soil. Bonus — you possibly can snip a stalk or two to your home made Thai curry.
8. Catnip
Enjoyable truth: Catnip doesn’t simply drive your cat wild, it additionally repels mosquitoes like a champ.
Based on analysis from Iowa State College, catnip is ten occasions more practical than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Wild, proper?
Warning: When you have neighborhood cats, be ready for just a few further guests.
9. Bee Balm
Additionally referred to as Monarda, bee balm attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, however sends mosquitoes packing. Its spicy, minty scent isn’t their factor.
Plus, these vivid, shaggy flowers are whole showstoppers.
Professional tip: Preserve it in a sunny spot, and deadhead the blooms for much more flowers.
10. Scented Geraniums
These aren’t your grandma’s houseplants.
Sure forms of scented geraniums (particularly the lemon-scented ones) have mosquito-repelling properties because of their sturdy perfume.
Professional Tip: They thrive in pots, love full solar, and you’ll crush just a few leaves in your palms to launch much more of that lemony goodness.
11. Pennyroyal
This lesser-known herb is a part of the mint household and has a robust scent that mosquitoes hate. It’s a low-growing plant, so it’s nice for filling in round taller pots.
Warning: Pennyroyal may be poisonous to pets if eaten, so steer clear for those who’ve received curious furry buddies.
12. Thyme
Particularly, lemon thyme is a strong selection for mosquito management. It releases a citrusy scent that bugs can’t stand. And actually, it appears lovable spilling over the edges of a clay pot.
Furthermore, it’s one other one you possibly can cook dinner with. Summer season grilled veggies, anybody?
13. Allium
Yep — these large, globe-shaped purple flowers are a part of the onion household, and mosquitoes can’t take care of their odor. Alliums look dramatic in a pot and pull double responsibility in pest management.
You can begin with potted garlic and proceed experimenting with different members of the allium household.
As a bonus, in addition they repel aphids and different annoying backyard pests.
14. Wormwood
This silvery, feathery-leaved plant is a favourite of cottage gardens and occurs to be a pure mosquito deterrent, too. Its scent and bitter style are completely unappealing to mosquitoes.
Professional tip: It likes dry, well-drained soil, so it’s excellent for those who’re vulnerable to over-forgetting your watering can.
15. Bay Laurel
You most likely have a jar of dried bay leaves in your spice rack, however the plant itself makes a beautiful patio addition. And mosquitoes hate the odor.
Bonus: Pluck just a few contemporary leaves for soups and stews when the climate turns chilly.
16. Pitcher Vegetation
Right here’s a wild card — pitcher vegetation are carnivorous, that means they eat bugs. Mosquitoes included. They’re a little bit trickier to take care of since they like humid circumstances and distilled water, however they’re completely fascinating.
Word that these vegetation aren’t enormous deterrents alone, however a cool addition to your anti-mosquito squad.
17. Tansy
Tansy has cheerful yellow button-like flowers and a robust camphor scent that retains mosquitoes at bay. It’s a bit old-school, nevertheless it’s made a comeback with gardeners searching for pure pest management.
Like pennyroyal, tansy may be poisonous if ingested, so maintain it out of attain of pets and small youngsters.
18. Dwarf Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is known for its clear, menthol-like scent. Whereas some varieties develop into large bushes, you will discover dwarf or potted varieties that thrive outdoor in summer season.
Professional tip: Crush just a few leaves between your fingers for an additional mosquito-repelling increase.
19. Feverfew
Final however not least, feverfew is an old school herb with small daisy-like flowers and a robust scent. Bonus: It’s been historically used to deal with complications, although you’ll wish to analysis that one earlier than testing it out.
It’s a hardy little factor when it comes to rising, excellent for pots and flower containers.
A Few Fast Suggestions for Success
Group your vegetation round your seating space for a little bit pure forcefield impact.Pinch or crush just a few leaves from time to time to launch extra of their pure oils. That’s what mosquitoes actually hate.Make certain your pots drain effectively as a result of standing water is principally a mosquito spa.
Conclusion
Hear, I’m not saying potted vegetation alone will flip your patio right into a mosquito-free utopia.
However paired with a fan (mosquitoes are weak fliers — enjoyable truth) and possibly a strategic citronella candle or two, it makes a noticeable distinction. Plus, your outside area will look and odor unimaginable.
In case you’ve received a favourite mosquito-repelling plant I didn’t point out, let me know! I’m all the time looking out for brand new plant buddies. As a result of actually, I’ll take any excuse to purchase extra vegetation.
Right here’s to mosquito-free evenings and patios stuffed with fairly, hardworking vegetation.
