Mosquitoes are a nuisance, especially in warm weather. They not only buzz and bite but also spread a lot of dangerous diseases. West Nile Virus and Zika Virus are the two most common mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts. While there are chemical repellents available in the market, some plants are also said to repel mosquitoes. Even if these plants are not effective in repelling mosquitoes, there’s no harm in trying as they have zero side effects and they will also beautify your garden.
Citronella Grass
Citronella is one of the most popular natural mosquito repellents. You’ve probably seen citronella candles at outdoor events, but the plant is even more effective. Its strong lemony scent masks the odors that attract mosquitoes, keeping them at a distance. Citronella grass thrives in warm climates and can be grown in pots or garden beds. Place it near windows, doorways, or seating areas for maximum protection.
How to Use: Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin for a quick mosquito-repelling solution.
Lavender
Humans may love lavender’s calming scent, but mosquitoes can't stand it. This hardy, drought-resistant plant produces fragrant purple flowers that not only add a pop of color to your garden but also serve as a mosquito deterrent. Lavender can be grown in garden beds, containers, or indoors by a sunny window.
How to Use: Place potted lavender plants around your outdoor spaces or use lavender essential oil for a stronger repellent effect.
Marigold
Bright and cheery marigolds not only beautify your garden but also repel mosquitoes. Their distinct scent contains a compound called pyrethrum, which is used in many insect repellents. Planting marigolds around your patio or garden perimeter acts as a natural barrier against mosquitoes.
How to Use: Plant marigolds near entry points to your home, or mix them in with other plants in your garden to create a repelling border.
Basil
Basil isn’t just great for your culinary creations—it’s also a powerful mosquito repellent. The aromatic oils that give basil its distinctive flavor are also responsible for keeping mosquitoes away. Basil thrives in sunny spots and can be grown in pots, making it ideal for small spaces like balconies or patios.
How to Use: Grow basil in pots near seating areas or rub fresh basil leaves on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has a strong lemon scent that mosquitoes find unappealing. This fast-growing herb can quickly fill up your garden or containers. It’s also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies while keeping pests like mosquitoes away.
How to Use: Crush the leaves to release their oils and scatter them around outdoor spaces to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another mosquito-repelling herb with a delightful fragrance. It’s perfect for both culinary and decorative purposes, but its woody scent helps keep mosquitoes and other insects away. Rosemary can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, and it does well in sunny, well-drained areas.
How to Use: Burn a few sprigs of rosemary in your fire pit or grill to release its oils and repel mosquitoes naturally.
What to do if the mosquito population is out of control?
In such cases, it's important to contact a mosquito control service. RidAway is one such expert at controlling mosquitoes. It is EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry-certified, and guarantees 100% tick removal.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
