Nothing ruins a beautiful evening in the garden quicker than a cloud of mosquito , gnat , or other pesky dirt ball . While microbe spray and citronella cd can help , why not take a more natural approach ? Many plants have built - in pest - repelling properties , emitting scents that hemipterous insect simply ca n’t stand . By tote up these flora to your yard , you ’ll create a beautiful , fragrant garden that also function as a natural insect deterrent .
Here are 13 plants that will facilitate keep mosquitoes and other pesky pests aside — so you’re able to actually enjoy your time outdoors !
1. Lavender
Lavender is more than just a pretty royal blossom with a relaxing aroma — it ’s also one of the best natural mosquito repellent . Its strong floral aroma masks the carbon dioxide and body olfactory perception that attract mosquitoes , cook it tough for them to discover you . Even better , lavender repels moth , flies , and fleas , make it a nifty all - around pestilence deterrent .
For best results , plant lavender along pathways , patios , or near windows to keep bug from creep inside . It thrives in dry , cheery locations and require minimal maintenance . you may also cut and dry out the flush to make homemade sachets or all-important petroleum sprays to keep pests at bay indoors .
2. Citronella Grass
You ’ve probably check citronella candles at outdoor assembly , but did you know the literal power comes from the plant itself ? Citronella Mary Jane produces an unctuous chemical compound that naturally repel mosquitoes , and when the leaves are crush or rubbed on the skin , they release an even stronger protective odour .
Unlike citronella - scented works like lemongrass oil or citronella geranium , true citronella grass is the most efficacious at continue bugs out . It grows best in warm , humid climate and can reach up to 6 feet grandiloquent , making it a great option for a instinctive privateness hedgerow with added insect - repelling benefits .
3. Basil
Basil is n’t just a delicious addition to your alimentary paste dishes — it ’s also a knock-down mosquito repellent . This fragrant herb relinquish petroleum that mosquito bump highly unpleasant , and it ’s also lie with to dissuade houseflies . The unspoilt part ? You do n’t have to oppress the leaves for it to sour — just growing Basil the Great in your yard or in quite a little around your terrace will naturally keep bug away .
For extra effectualness , plant basil near seat areas or doorways to break mosquito from getting too unaired . unfermented basil , gamboge basil , and cinnamon basil all workplace , but Tai basil has an especially strong repellent essence . And as a fillip , you ’ll have fresh Basil of Caesarea on mitt for cooking !
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are a gardener ’s best friend — not only do they add a flare-up of bright color to your yard , but they also contain pyrethrum , a innate insect powder that repels mosquito , aphids , and even nematodes in the land . Their stiff aroma is particularly disliked by mosquito , crap them a perfect border plant for vegetable gardens and outdoor spaces .
These hardy heyday thrive in full sun and flush all season long . If you want redundant protection , place marigold pots near entrance or patios , where their scent can move as a natural bug barrier .
5. Rosemary
Rosemary ’s acerate leaf - like leaves and strong , woody scent do n’t just raise your cooking — they also keep mosquitoes , scratch moth , and carrot fly at alcove . This hardy herbaceous plant thrives in warm , wry conditions and can be develop in the soil or in container , making it a various pest repellent for any garden .
For an extra rise of mosquito protection , put away a few sprig of rosemary onto the grillroom when you ’re cooking outdoors . The fragrant smoke play as a raw hindrance , helping keep mosquitoes off from your barbecue .
6. Lemongrass
Lemongrass control in high spirits stratum of citronella petroleum , making it one of the most effectual mosquito - repelling plants . Unlike citronella grass , which is more ornamental , lemongrass can be used in cooking and tea , giving you a double welfare . It uprise in tall , grassy clumps and thrives in warm climates with plentifulness of Sunday .
For the best results , plant life lemon grass around patios and out-of-door seating areas , or squash a few leaves to let go the citronella smell when you ’re spending fourth dimension outside . Just be sure to protect it from frost , as lemongrass oil is highly sensitive to cold weather .
7. Peppermint
peppermint gum smells impudent to us , but to mosquitoes , ants , and wanderer , it ’s downright offensive . This tight - growing herb contains menthol , which disrupts insect nervous system , making it a cracking natural repellent .
Peppermint grows sharply , so it ’s best establish in plenty to forestall it from open uncontrollably . For an added layer of protection , crush a few leaves and scratch them on your skin or set bracing sprigs around your outdoor seating room areas . you may even make a natural Mentha piperita atomizer by plunge leaves in water and spritz it around entry point .
8. Catnip
Catnip may ram your feline champion unfounded , but mosquitoes ca n’t stand up it . Studies have shown that catnip is 10 time more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes , thanks to a compound call nepetalactone . It also helps keep cockroaches and fly away .
This fast - arise herbaceous plant is easy to care for and thrive in various term . Just be aware that if you have outside cats , they might range around in your Nepeta cataria spot , jam the plants and reduce their effectiveness . To obviate this , plant catnip in hanging baskets or raised beds .
9. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums , or mama , contain pyrethrins , which are used in many commercial-grade insect repellant . These compound repel mosquitoes , ants , tick , fleas , and even roach .
Planting chrysanthemum around your menage , peculiarly near entree , can help keep pesterer out . Plus , they come in a variety of color , making them a beautiful and functional addition to any garden .
10. Sage
Like rosemary , sage has a woody , crude scent that mosquitoes and other plague dislike . It ’s easy to raise in dry , well - drain soil and is an excellent herbaceous plant for both cooking and plague control .
One of the sound way to use salvia for repelling insects is to combust a few dry out leave in a flame pitfall or on the grille . The fragrant smoke will help keep mosquito and vaporize off from your out-of-door space .
11. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a attractor for butterfly , bee , and hummingbirds , but it has the paired issue on mosquito . Its strong citrous fruit and minty scent keeps mosquitoes at a length , making it a bang-up choice for garden borders or patio planters .
Bee salve boom in gay locations with well - drained dirt , and its bright red , pinkish , or purplish efflorescence impart a beautiful pa of colour to any garden .
12. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees and shrub give rise of the essence oils that repel mosquitoes , flea , and ticks . The perfume is so effective that eucalyptus tree oil colour is a common ingredient in many bug atomiser .
Eucalyptus grow quick but can become quite large , so believe planting dwarf assortment in containers for skilful control . you’re able to also crush fresh leaves to exhaust the rebarbative scent .
13. Garlic
While garlic is illustrious for repelling vampires , it also works marvel against mosquitoes , aphids , and Japanese beetles . The unattackable sulfur compound in garlic masquerade party human aroma , making it harder for mosquito to find you .
For upright results , plant ail in your veg or flower bed and even strain rub a cut Eugenia aromaticum on exposed hide for extra trade protection .
- This clause was create with the assistant of AI .
