In warm weather, the rise of mosquitoes is inevitable. To repel them, chemical repellents are usually used but they also come with concerns about toxicity and environmental impact.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss the top 10 plants that you can grow to repel mosquitoes. These can be ideal for pest control Dandenong. So let’s not wait any longer and jump right into it!
1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
Overview: Citronella is perhaps the most well-known mosquito-repellent plant. It is commonly used in candles, sprays, and lotions due to its strong, lemony scent, which mosquitoes find offensive.
Growing Tips: Citronella grass thrives in warm climates and needs full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. Ensure it gets plenty of sunlight for maximum effectiveness.
Usage: Crush the leaves to release their oils or place pots of citronella around seating areas.
2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Overview: Lavender’s lovely purple flowers and calming scent make it a garden favorite. Its strong aroma is also effective at deterring mosquitoes and other insects.
Growing Tips: Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate drought but doesn’t like high humidity. Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth.
Usage: Use dried lavender in sachets around the house, or rub fresh lavender on your skin to keep mosquitoes away.
3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Overview: Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow. They contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.
Growing Tips: Plant marigolds in full sun with well-drained soil. They are hardy and can tolerate various conditions but thrive best with regular watering.
Usage: Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden or near entrances to keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay.
4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Overview: Known for its culinary uses, basil is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma confuses mosquitoes, making it hard for them to find you.
Growing Tips: Basil needs plenty of sunlight and regular watering. It grows well in pots or garden beds and benefits from regular harvesting.
Usage: Place pots of basil on your patio or windowsills. Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin for a natural mosquito repellent.
5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Overview: Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a pleasant lemony scent that repels mosquitoes. It also has calming properties and can be used in teas.
Growing Tips: Lemon balm grows best in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It can spread rapidly, so consider growing it in pots to control its spread.
Usage: Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin or grow lemon balm in pots around your outdoor spaces.
6. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Overview: Catnip is famous for its effect on cats, but it also contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels mosquitoes more effectively than DEET.
Growing Tips: Catnip is hardy and easy to grow. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Be cautious, as it can spread aggressively.
Usage: Plant catnip around your garden, especially near seating areas. Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin for added protection.
7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Overview: Rosemary is a versatile herb used in cooking and as a natural insect repellent. Its woody scent is unpleasant to mosquitoes.
Growing Tips: Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in pots or directly in the garden. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Usage: Use fresh rosemary in cooking or as a garnish. Burn sprigs of rosemary in a fire pit or barbecue to create a mosquito-repellent smoke.
8. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Overview: Peppermint’s strong menthol aroma deters mosquitoes and other pests. It’s also a refreshing addition to drinks and desserts.
Growing Tips: Peppermint prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can spread rapidly, so growing it in pots is advisable to keep it contained.
Usage: Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin, or plant peppermint around your outdoor seating areas to repel mosquitoes.
9. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Overview: Sage is a fragrant herb that not only adds flavor to dishes but also repels mosquitoes. Its earthy scent is particularly effective when burned.
Growing Tips: Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and benefits from regular pruning.
Usage: Burn sage leaves in a fire pit or barbecue to create a mosquito-repellent smoke, or crush the leaves and rub them on your skin.
10. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Overview: Scented geraniums, especially those with lemon or citronella scents, are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Their attractive flowers also add a decorative element to your garden.
Growing Tips: Geraniums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown in pots or garden beds and need regular watering.
Usage: Place pots of geraniums around your patio or windowsills. Crush the leaves to release their oils, or use them in floral arrangements to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Final Thoughts
So these were the amazing 10 plants. No doubt by incorporating these top 10 mosquito-repellent plants into your garden, you can easily and effectively keep mosquitoes at bay.
