11 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes


Published on August 12, 2014 by The Beast
Written in Gardening

 

Everyone knows how much of a nuisance. However, using chemical products to keep them away is not what everyone wants to.

Citronella

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Chances are, you have heard of this one before. It’s one of the most common ingredients in most mosquito repellents. Strange, most people don’t even know that citronella is actually a plant. The aroma masks other scents and keeps mosquitos from being attracted to things located around in. You can grow it in pots and place it around a porch or patio.

Lemon Balm

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Another choice is lemon balm. A member of the mint family. It’s a very hardy plant, it resists drought and grows well in shade. Fast growing and aggressive plant- contain it in a pot.

Catnip

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Your cats will be pleased to know that catnip is a great mosquito deterrent! It is very easy to plant and grow. Don’t plant catnip with other flowers, veggies or herbs if you have cats in the garden. They will roll around in the catnip and smash everything around!

Marigolds

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A bright, hardy annual plant, marigolds are a great choice for repelling mosquitoes. They contain Pyrethrum, an ingredient found in many insect repellents. They have a unique aroma that bugs find repulsive. The flowers themselves also look beautiful.

 

Basil

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Cooks will love this. Plant some basil and it’s a quick and easy mosquito repellent. You also have a delicious herb on hand to add to your recipes.

 

Lavender

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Lavender is a gorgeous purple flowering plant with a soothing and calm scent. But, it is also a natural mosquito repellent. Grow it indoors near a sunny window or outside in a flower bed to keep the bugs away.

Peppermint

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Most bugs despise the smell and taste of peppermint- planting it around the home is a great way to keep them from mosquitoes. Plus, the leaves make a great itch relief treatment!

Garlic

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Eating garlic may not repel mosquitoes however, having garlic around does. Make sure to add some garlic to your flower bed or vegetable garden for added protection.

Pennyroyal

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This adorable flower is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes! Make sure to plant some around your flowerbeds. They do attract beautiful butterflies too! This plant has a number of benefits.

Rosemary

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Rosemary is a beautiful plant that is often used to flavour lamb or fish dishes but it is also a natural mosquito repellent. It is perfect to add to your herb garden- it also attracts butterflies!

Geranium

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This beautiful flowering plant is a great choice for a repellent. When planted in a hanging container- the colourful blooms will cascade over the side of the pot, providing a visual piece.

Next time you reach for a chemical bug spray, just take a minute and choose something prettier!