Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

If you are one of those unlucky people staying in a place where the hot, muggy summers can bring in a host of the nasty, pesky mosquitoes, then this article is for you. Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects that can come around in any season. Not only are the mosquito bites extremely itchy, but they can also aid in spreading many diseases like malaria. The usual way of repelling mosquitoes involves spraying a large quantity of poisonous chemicals in your yard. If you are interested in a more natural approach, here are some tips for controlling mosquitoes around your home without using pesticides or other dangerous chemicals. More on effective way to control mosquito bites.

There are a number of plants that have built up their natural defenses to repel certain insects like mosquitoes. Planting a mix of these plants around your home can create mosquito-free zone for you. Here is a list of outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes and flies.

List of Mosquito Repellent Plants

Marigolds: These lovely annuals not only make great bedding plants and hanging baskets, but are also great in getting rid of mosquitoes and pests. Marigolds bloom in various colors of yellow, gold, and red. These short compact plants are great for containers, hanging baskets and beds.

Catnip: Catnip is a perennial herb that's related to mint. It is most often used to stuff toys or feed cats. Although its aroma may attract all the cats in the neighborhood, but it's that same scent that keeps mosquitoes away.

Citronella Grass: Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a great plant for repelling mosquitoes. This tropic plant grows to be six feet tall. The citronella oil, derived from this plant is the primary ingredient in most natural insect repellents sold in stores. It can be poured into candles and lanterns that can be burned in your yard to repel mosquitoes.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ): One of the most popular plants for repelling insects such as ticks, moths, and mice are lavenders. These plants are quite tolerant to dry conditions and do not need to be watered too often. However it is important that these herbs are planted in well-drained soils.

Ageratum:The Ageratum plant with its pale blue and white flowers produces Coumarin which is commonly used in commercial mosquito repellents.

Lemon balm: Lemon balm with its sweet scent is not only perfect for teas and wine, but also works great for keeping the mosquitoes from lurking around.

Garlic (Allium sativum): Planted in the fall season, garlic is known to repel aphids, Japanese beetles, peach leaf curl disease, apple scabs and spider mites. The best part is, this plant is tolerant to many soil types. However, it prefers an area with full sun so that the soil drains well.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The oil of this tropical garden herb repels mosquitoes. In addition to it, rosemary herb is used in cooking. However it is important to note that rosemary plants are not hardy in cold climates. Though you can grow them in a pot outside, you would have to take it inside in the winter.

Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla): In addition to the common plants and herbs grown at home, there are some wild plants that help repel mosquitoes. Vanilla leaf is a plant native to the northwest and Japan where bundles of these dried plants are placed in and around the dwellings to keep mosquitoes away. You can rub the plant on the skin, fresh or dried to deter mosquitoes. This plant surprisingly grows in shady and moist areas, where you can find maximum mosquitoes.

Sagebrush and Wormwood: All these species of herbs are known to be very effective mosquito repellent plants. They can either be used as an aromatic smudge or applied directly to the skin. These species of plants grow mainly in plains, deserts, mountainous regions and other drier places.

In addition to these, there are many other plants that repel mosquitoes. These include:

• Pineapple weed
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Nodding onion (Allium cernuum)
• Wild bergamot (Mondarda fistulosa)
• Snowbrush (Ceonothus velutinus)
• Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina)
• Cedars (Thuja spp.)

The plants that repel mosquitoes can be planted in your garden and on your patio. In addition, you can crush the blooms of the plants between your fingers and rub on your clothes, arms and other exposed areas. Try to avoid the mouth, eyes and other sensitive areas.