10 Mosquito Repellent Plants

Mosquitoes are a great source of discomfort not only for humans, but also for animals. Mosquitoes cause many problems. Not only they suck our blood, but also brings all sorts of diseases and viruses with them, like Zika, Malaria and Chikungunya. To keep mosquitoes away, people use mosquito repellent creams and herbal mosquito lotions. But some people are also allergic to it and they become victims of nose, skin, and throat related problems due to its use. Some people also use chemicals to kill mosquitoes, but it is harmful to health and the environment. If you want to get rid of mosquitoes naturally, then grow mosquito repellent plants in your garden. These Mosquito repellent plants will not only allow you to get rid of mosquitoes but also enhance the beauty of your garden.

 

ROSEMARY

This flowering plant is an excellent mosquito repellent. Rosemary loves full sun and it needs to be protected during the winter. Both the live plant and its cuttings are effective for repelling mosquito & other insects. This is extremely useful during bonfire sessions. Just toss up some rosemary cuttings in the fire and the smoke out of it not only gives the good smell, but keep the mosquitoes away.

 

CITRONELLA GRASS

Citronella grass is a good mosquito repellent. The plant carries the fragrance of citronella in its foliage, so just crush the leaf and rub it onto your skin, the aroma is very pleasant, yet it helps to naturally repel those mosquitoes. Citronella grass also repels dengue (Aedes) mosquitoes. It also has some anti-fungal properties.

This grass can grow up to 2 meters and can be planted in the ground or kept in large pots. The plants love full sun and can tolerate summer stress.  Citronella oil is used in herbal products such as candles, perfumes, lamps etc.

 

MARIGOLD

Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.  These plants grow from 6 inches to 3 feet. There are two types of marigold: African and french, both of which are mosquito repellent. As they grow in sunlight, their growth stops in the shade. Position potted marigolds near the entrances to your home, as well as common mosquito entry points like open windows to deter the insects from going past the barrier.

 

CATNIP

It’s considered one of the best natural insect repellents. It contains a natural chemical known as nepetalactone, which is a useful insect repellent. As per one study, it is found that catnip is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. It’s an evergreen plant, which grows in sunlight or partial shade. You can apply it’s crushed leaves or liquid on your skin as a repellent.

 

AGERATUM

 

Ageratum is also a good mosquito repellent. The flowers of this plant are light blue and white, which produce coumarin. Coumarin is a fierce odor that keeps the mosquitoes away. Coumarin is used in commercial mosquito repellent and perfume industry. Do not rub the ageratum on the skin as it contains some elements that are harmful to the skin.

 

PEPPERMINT

Not only is peppermint’s minty clean scent significantly better than that awful chemical smell, it can serve as a natural insecticide to repel mosquitoes. The experts discovered that it offered repellent action when applied to exposed body parts, while also showing larvicidal and mosquito repellent action. Mosquito larvae were killed 24 hours after exposure to a solution of peppermint oil and water. To keep mosquitoes away, just crush a few of the leaves on the plant to release the scent and oils.

 

NEEM

Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) is also an effective mosquito repellent. There are lots of neem based mosquito repellents and ointments available in the market. To keep the mosquitoes away, you can grow neem in your enclosure. You can also burn neem leaves or use neem oil in kerosene lamps and Citronella flares. You can also rub neem oil on the skin to repel mosquitoes. Neem’s mosquito repellent element is also useful for malaria prevention.

 

LAVENDER

Most of us love the smell of lavender, but few realize that it not only offers that fabulous scent, and helps promote a relaxing, calming sensation, but it can keep those tiny invaders from ruining your outdoor dinner party. The pleasant aroma of lavender is offensive to mosquitoes and is best harnessed by planting it in the garden, or in pots situated near doors, windows and entertainment areas.

 

BASIL

Basil is an outstanding natural mosquito repellent, giving off a scent without the leaves having to be crushed or touched. As per one study, it is found that essential oils from basil provided very high levels of mosquito protection, as much as 100 percent. It is also used to make the food flavored. You can grow basil of any variety, but cinnamon basil, lemon basil and Peru basil are more useful because of their sharp aroma.

 

LEMON BALM

The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint. Not only does it offer lots in the way of healing properties, it’s known for warding off mosquitoes while also attracting important pollinators like butterflies and bees. Lemon balm leaves have high intake of Citronella. It is used in many commercial mosquito repellents. In some varieties of lemon balm, the amount of Citronella is up to 38 percent. For a quick mosquito repellent, all you need to do is crush a handful of the leaves in your hand and rub them onto your exposed skin.

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