Mosquitoes can turn an otherwise relaxing and tranquil outdoor living area into a nightmare. Their numbers will quickly multiply, feasting on any warm-blooded human or animal in their vicinity. And given that mosquito-borne disease is on the rise, this is something that homeowners shouldn’t ignore.
Thankfully, there are certain plants you can grow to repel mosquitoes naturally, without using any harsh synthetic pesticides.
Citronella
Arguably, one of the most effective mosquito-repelling plants is citronella. Its natural oils and compounds are even used in many insect repellent sprays and products, attesting to its effectiveness.
Citronella has a unique smell that masks a person’s own smells, essentially camouflaging him or her from these blood-thirsty insects.
You can mimic the smell of citronella by burning a citronella-scented candle outdoors, but these rarely work as well as the actual plant.
Catnip
Cats love it, but mosquitoes hate it. According to a study conducted back in 2010, catnip is more than 10x more effective at warding away mosquitoes than DEET – the primary synthetic chemical used in mosquito and bug repellent products.
So if you’re on the losing end of a battle against mosquitoes, try growing some catnip plants around your home.
Peppermint
Another plant that’s great for keeping away mosquitoes is peppermint. Bugs, including mosquitoes, hate peppermint, so they’ll typically keep their distance from it.
And if you happen to get bit, you can apply the plant’s oil directly to your skin for instant relief.
Lavender
Lavender doesn’t just smell nice; it’s also a highly effective mosquito-repellent. These light purplish flowers deter mosquitoes and other common insect pests, keeping them at bay.
You can easily grow them indoors around a window, or if you prefer, grow it outdoors. With regular water and sunshine, lavender plants will thrive.
And you can even use the lavender as potpourri for your home. This is a versatile plant that’s ideal for repelling mosquitoes and other pests.
These are just a few of the most effective plants for repelling mosquitoes. In addition to growing them, you should also eliminate sources of free standing water.
Whether it’s a bucket, old tire or debris, these otherwise harmless items can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
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