What Plants Repel Mosquitoes?
Several plants naturally repel mosquitoes with their distinct strong fragrances. We can use these plants in and around the house to reduce or eliminate mosquito numbers.
In most instances, just the smell of these mosquito-repelling plants will stop the mosquitoes in their tracks.
Position the following plants in areas that you like to relax or in front of entrances into the house.
Lavender
Not only does lavender have a unique, strong smell that mosquitoes detest but the essential oils on the lavender leaf will also hinder a mosquitoes movement.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family (also a mosquito repelling plant) The lovely smell that this plant omits comes from the citronella oil and mosquitoes tend to steer clear of it.
Catnip
Catnip has a chemical called Nepetalactone within its leaves. This is the substance that creates the smell cats are attracted to. Nepetalactone is also a natural mosquito repellent, which is why this plant is an excellent plant to grow around the house to deter mosquitoes.
Citronella Grass
Citronella has the nickname of the "mosquito plant" not because mosquitoes are attracted towards it but the complete opposite. Mosquitoes hate the smell that this plant secretes. As a side note, citronella is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellents.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of those plants that release a potent smell, coupled with the fact that Rosemary is an extremely pretty plant it makes the perfect mosquito deterrent.
Lemongrass
As the name suggests, lemongrass emits a strong lemon smell and also tastes of lemon. Mosquitoes hate this lemon aroma and will actively avoid anything that gives off a lemon type fragrance.
Marigolds
Grow these easy to manage plants in a pot and let the pungent smell keep mosquitoes away.
Mint
It seems that the overriding factor to plants that keep mosquitoes away is a very strong aroma and Mint is no different. The minty smell that humans love does not site so well with mosquitoes and they will generally avoid it.
Basil
Again, the strong smell that Basil emits will help to keep mosquitoes away from your home. As with Mint and other herbs, Mint can be grown in pots and then placed around entrances to your home.
