5 mosquito repelling plants

When we think of the warm summer months and sitting outside in the garden enjoying a barbeque with the family with some nice cold beer, there is something we don’t want to think about … Mosquitoes! Summertime is when the mosquito season starts to peak, and their interactions with humans become more frequent.

As we slowly head into the warm months of the year, we still have some time to prepare to try to reduce mosquito numbers around our property this Summer. Luckily, there are certain plants that can repel mosquitoes. By using indoor and outdoor plants, not only can you make your home and business look and smell nice, but they can also keep these biting insects away.

We have decided to present you with a list of plants you can use to repel mosquitoes. However, before I begin I must write a short disclaimer; although some species of plants can repel mosquitoes, to some extent, they are not a foolproof solution for preventing these biting insects.

Time to bring out those gardening gloves and shop up a storm at your local gardening store!

How do plants repel mosquitoes?

It’s simple really, well you know those lovely fragrances we love from plants, mosquitoes aren’t really that fond of them. Although they might not seem strong to you and me, the aromatic oils found in the leaves of plants actually help to both repel mosquitoes and mask the scent that humans produce and that makes us so attractive to them.

What plants repel mosquitoes?

Use the plants described below in your home and garden to help ward off these biting insects. As mentioned earlier, although they can help reduce mosquitoes and mosquito bites, don’t expect them to be 100% effective.

Citronella

If you’ve ever googled “how to get rid of mosquitoes” you’ve probably come across numerous articles around using citronella plants to repel mosquitoes and products containing it. Some research has shown that the scent from citronella plants can repel mosquitoes. However, this only works to a certain extent.

For citronella be a 100% effective solution to ensure no mosquito enters your home you’d need to immerse yourself in a jungle of citronella plants. Although it is believed citronella oil can help get rid of mosquitoes, the EU has banned its use as an insecticide.

So to summarise, yes the aroma of citronella plants can repel mosquitoes, but understand that it is not a foolproof solution.

Catnip

Catnip is related to the mint plant. It is used as a natural mosquito repellent due to it containing the chemical nepetalactone.

However, this chemical is also the reason why cats love this plant so much. So just be careful; although this plant might help to repel mosquitoes you might also end up hosting a party for a bunch of cats and have a little more cleaning up to do in your garden.

Basil

Basil goes great with spaghetti bolognese and makes great pesto, but did you know it can also help repel mosquitoes?

Certain chemicals found in basil plants are known to do a fine job in keeping mosquitoes at bay. Although it may seem like a heavenly smell to us, is something quite unpleasant to these biting insects.

To add to this, some research suggests that basil contains four mosquito repelling substances, helping it to repel mosquitoes more effectively. However, it’s worth mentioning again that, as with all plant extracts, basil is not a 100% guaranteed fix for a mosquito problem.

Lavender

Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? Well, it turns out mosquitoes don’t as these plants are believed to repel mosquitoes too.

It’s hard to believe that mosquitoes hate this scent that is used in a range of products from hand lotion to washing powder. Did you know it is also believed to even hinder their ability to smell?

All the more reason to use it right?

Marigolds

Marigolds, the easy-to-grow flowers, are believed to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. It is argued that the delectable scent, and it’s essential oils, help to not only keep your home and garden safe from mosquitoes but aphids too!

How to get rid of mosquitoes

Although plants do have the ability to repel mosquitoes to varying degrees, they are not a full-blown solution. You’d have to pretty much turn your home and garden into a jungle of mosquito repelling plants in order to fully protect yourself from mosquito bites.

The best way to keep your home, and your business, safe from mosquitoes is by enlisting the help of a pest control professional.

Rentokil offers a range of solutions tailored to your needs to effectively control mosquitoes.

If you are worried about mosquitoes in your property, get in contact with Rentokil today.