The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Mosquito Repellent Plants

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Mosquitoes are tiny creatures that can wreak havoc on your outdoor living space. Their bites can be painful and itchy, and they may even transmit diseases like Zika and West Nile virus. While there are many mosquito repellent products available in the market, have you ever considered using natural plants to repel mosquitoes? In this ultimate guide, we will be exploring why natural mosquito repellents are the way to go and how different plants can repel mosquitoes.

Why choose natural mosquito repellents?

Chemical mosquito repellents contain DEET, a synthetic compound that can cause skin irritation, headaches, and nausea. Moreover, DEET is not suitable for children and pregnant women. Natural mosquito repellents derived from plants are an eco-friendly solution that does not have any adverse side effects.

How do plants repel mosquitoes?

Plants have their defense mechanisms against insects that feed on their nectar and consume their leaves. Essential oils present in those plants help to ward off mosquitoes by disrupting their sense of smell. These aromas mix with the carbon dioxide that humans exhale, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate the source of blood.

Plants that repel mosquitoes

Several plants can repel mosquitoes naturally. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Citronella

Citronella is famous for its mosquito-repelling properties. It's widely utilized by leading mosquito repellent brands. It has a lemony aroma that masks the scents that attract mosquitoes.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most commonly seen plants in gardens. Its sweet and soothing fragrance attracts bees, butterflies, and humans, but it repels mosquitoes due to its camphor-like smell.

Marigolds

Marigolds have a distinctive aroma that bugs and mosquitoes despise. These plants produce pyrethrum, which is an ingredient present in many insect repellents.

Peppermint

Peppermint is not only refreshing for humans, but it also confuses mosquitoes' sense of smell by interfering with their receptors. Mosquitoes stay away from peppermint scent, which brings freshness to your garden.

Rosemary

Rosemary has an aromatic fragrance that smells appealing to humans, but deter mosquitoes due to the presence of rosmarinic acid. Planting rosemary in pots or near windows can help to repel these pesky insects.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm gives off a lemony scent that's pleasing to us but unappealing to mosquitoes. It has been shown in some studies that lemon balm oil is four times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.

Catnip

Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that attracts cats but repels mosquitoes. While cat owners have to beware planting catnip, the plants can be a useful way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Mosquito repellent herbs

Apart from plants mentioned above, herbs are also natural mosquito repellent. Here are some mosquito repellent herbs:

Basil

Basil's strong fragrance masks the scent of humans, making it hard for mosquitoes to find their prey. This herb is an effective natural insect repellant that can boost your garden's aesthetic.

Garlic

Garlic is another effective natural mosquito repellent, which works well through consumption. The garlic odor from our breath, sweat, or skin covers up our natural scent, making us less attractive to mosquitoes.

Mint

The smell of mint is not suitable for mosquitoes. Mint contains menthol, a compound that mosquitoes dislike. Sprinkling some oil in your backyard could help control mosquitoes.

Growing mosquito-repellent plants and herbs is an efficient, safe, and inexpensive way to keep mosquitoes out of your yard. Keep in mind that planting these plants doesn't guarantee a mosquito-free zone, but they do help to reduce mosquito populations. These natural inputs work best when combined with other pest-control strategies to maximize their efficiency.

Final thoughts on backyard mosquito repellent plants

Mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance; they also spread deadly diseases that can cause severe illness or even death. While there's no silver bullet for controlling mosquito populations, using natural mosquito repellents is a good idea. Mosquito-repelling plants and flavoursome herbs offer great alternatives to DEET-based products that pose a risk to human health and the environment.

FAQ

Do mosquito repellent plants really work?

Yes, mosquito-repelling plants work by releasing essential oils that confuse mosquitoes' senses and mask the human scent, thereby reducing mosquito bites.

How do I care for my mosquito repellent plants?

Ensure that you water and fertilize them correctly to keep the essential oils comes out properly. Planting them in suitable soil with proper drainage also matters.

Can I use mosquito repellent plants indoors?

While some of these plants can thrive indoors, they are likely to have limited effects and work best outside. Also, be aware of the odours since they might become overpowering inside.

Are there any plants that attract mosquitoes?

Flowers like hibiscus, hydrangea, and lilies tend to attract mosquitoes, so it is better not to plant these in your garden area.

What are some other natural ways to repel mosquitoes?

Using Citrus peels or candles made from essential oil has a pleasant smell and can be an effective way to repel mosquitoes naturally.

Will planting these plants guarantee no mosquitoes in my backyard?

No, but their mosquito deterrent capabilities will help to reduce the mosquito population in the area. Keep removing stagnant water around to control mosquito breeding near you.

Can I use essential oils from these plants to make a DIY mosquito repellent?

Yes, essential oils extracted from many mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, eucalyptus may be used as the main ingredient in DIY mosquito repellent sprays or lotions.