Planting Herbs and Flowers to Repel Mosquitoes from Your Yard

Nuisance mosquitoes and those spreading germs and diseases are equally troublesome for homeowners. The only way to stay safe from these pesky insects is to look for effective ways to exterminate or at least repel them.

Thankfully, there are effective, tried and tested ways to do this.

Since the potentially hazardous effects of mosquito repellent sprays and solutions have become widely known, many people prefer natural ways of keeping mosquitoes away. One way to do this is to plant herbs and flowers that can repel mosquitoes naturally.

In this blog, we’re going to talk about all the plants that repel mosquitoes and discuss how homeowners use this option effectively.

10 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

There are many plants and herbs that are effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Many people debate about the efficacy of these natural repellants, but there’s no doubt that these plants can make a world of difference in the population of mosquitoes on your property. The only thing you need to remember is to grow and use them properly so that they give the desired effects.

This means that natural sage repellents are only effective when you burn the plant, while others need to be planted in the right conditions to repel mosquitoes.

Here’s a rundown of all the popular plants that repel mosquitoes effectively and how you can use them correctly.

1. Lavender

One of the biggest advantages of using lavender to repel mosquitoes is that it’s one of the easiest plants to grow. All they need is proper sunlight and adequate drainage, and they can endure all other harsh conditions. Since sunlight is a major factor in their growth, these plants are better suited for warmer temperatures.

You’ll find plenty of variety in the lavender flowers, but one thing that’s common to all of them is their fragrance which is known to have not only healing powers but also repel insects, including mosquitoes. This fragrance can impact their sense of smell which can, in turn, drive them away. Planting this flower is also a great way to turn away insects that may deter the growth of the plants in your yard.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are among the most popular flowers in gardens across the US, primarily because they’re excellent pollinators. More so, these flowers do an excellent job at keeping pesky insects such as mosquitoes away while attracting helpful insects that improve pollination. You can simply plant these flowers in pots and keep them in your patio, entrance, or backyard to keep mosquitos, whiteflies, thrips, squash bugs, and Mexican bean beetles away.

3. Citronella Grass

Like lavender, citronella grass is fairly low-maintenance and can easily repel mosquitoes. It works by concealing the smell of mosquito attractants such as carbon dioxide and wards off these pesky creatures. You can use citronella or citrosum varieties of this grass family to build an easy-to-maintain and mosquito-free backyard.

4. Catnip

Catnip is perhaps the most effective plant on this list. This feline attractor is also an excellent mosquito repellent. It works for an extended period and can also keep other pests away from surrounding plants. Just make sure not to plant too close to other plants as it may take over the garden bed of nearby plants.  

5. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has an overpowering citronella fragrance that’s also effective at warding off mosquitoes. It also releases a soothing aroma that can reduce your stress. The best part is you can use this plant as an ingredient to add more flavor to your food! Like catnip, you need to plant it separately and away from others as they take over the garden bed.

6. Peppermint

Peppermint can grow very quickly and take over your entire yard if you’re not careful. This is why it’s a good idea to grow this plant in a pot. The fragrance of this plant has mosquito-repelling properties, and it also relieves the itching caused by the nuisance of a mosquito bite.

7. Garlic

Garlic has been an effective remedy for repelling mosquitoes. In desperate times, you can peel it, squeeze it, and rub it on your skin to ward off mosquitoes. Of course, this should only be reserved for desperate times, as the garlic may also ward off people!

8. Pennyroyal, Rosemary, and Basil

Pennyroyal, rosemary, and basil are all effective mosquito-repelling herbs that can be used by crushing them into powder. You can keep pennyroyal in your dress pockets to keep mosquitoes away but make sure it doesn’t touch the skin. You can also throw rosemary in the fire to repel insects, while the pungent smell of basil is enough to keep mosquitoes away.

9. Scented Geraniums

The beautiful geranium flowers are excellent at keeping pesky mosquitoes away from your backyard. They smell like citronella and lemons, making them useful and the perfect way to freshen up the aroma.

10. Sage

Sage has been part of ancient Native American rituals for centuries because of their ability to cleanse the aroma. It not only releases a fresh aroma when burned, but it’s also an excellent way of keeping mosquitoes away.

In addition to the above-mentioned plants and herbs, you can also grow the following plants in your backyard to keep mosquitoes away:

• Bee Balm
• Mint
• Floss Flower
• Allium

Tips for Using Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away

The only way to get good results from these plants is to grow and use them properly. As a homeowner, here are some tips you can follow to repel mosquitoes:

• Use catnip leaves by crushing their leaves and flowers; it will release mosquito-repelling oils into the air.
• Avoid planting too many flowers as they release carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
• Burn sage by crushing it and burning it, so it releases the aroma that wards off mosquitoes.
• Get rid of standing water in your backyard or anywhere on your property. This will eliminate the mosquito breeding grounds altogether.  

BackYard Alpha Can Help You With This

As spring approaches fast, your house may become riddled with mosquitoes and bugs that pop up as the temperature rises.

Our team at BackYard Alpha has the solution to all your backyard-related problems, including mosquito repelling techniques. We especially enjoy transforming our client’s backyards to make them safer and more beautiful. Visit our website now to get all the best gardening ideas online, popular pond designs, and of course, some effective mosquito repellent ideas and techniques.

Learn more about us to get started now!