Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Nothing ruins a summer outdoor party faster than a swarm of buzzing, biting mosquitos. Even if you’re burning a bunch of store-bought citronella candles or festive tiki torches, you’re likely still being bothered by these blood-sucking pests. But did you know there’s a wide selection of plants you can incorporate into your gardening design that will not only add beauty and visual appeal to your landscaping but also naturally repel mosquitos? Here’s a look at your choices.
Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitos
Most plants that naturally repel mosquitos do so with their natural fragrances. You can avoid smelly aerosols and costly citronella candles and revamp your gardening beds with some beautiful new mosquito-repellent plants. Keep these herbs and flowers in pots or landscape beds close to doorways and outdoor seating areas to chase the mosquitos away:
- Citronella Grass: You likely recognize the name of citronella grass — it’s the most commonly used natural fragrance for creating mosquito repellants. Ditch the candles and the sprays and invest in some low-maintenance, highly effective citronella grass. This naturally mosquito-repellent plant is the most successful at repelling unwanted pests. This plant prefers warmer climates, so in Central Florida, all you have to do is place this grass directly in a sunny spot.
- Lavender: Lavender is one of the best plants to keep around because it not only repels mosquitos, but its natural oils also keep rabbits and other insects away. Lavender thrives in warmer climates like Central Florida and is incredibly durable and drought-resistant once established.
- Marigolds: If a variety of pests are ruining your outdoor events or gardening beds, simply plant a row of marigolds. These annual flowers are excellent pest and mosquito repellants — keep them in pots around your deck or patio or keep them as borders to your favorite vegetable patch to repel common pests like aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs and tomato hornworms.
- Scented Geraniums: Like citronella grasses, scented geraniums have a faintly lemony odor which naturally repels mosquitos. Simply plant some scented geraniums in a warm, sunny area to keep mosquitos and other bugs at bay.
- Rosemary: Keep mosquitos away and add some fresh herbs to your next Italian dish with some fresh rosemary plants. Its woody scent is an excellent natural mosquito repellant and also works on cabbage moths and carrot flies. Plant some rosemary in tiny containers around your outdoor seating or prune larger bushes to create an attractive border.
- Basil: Another great natural herb that keeps mosquitos away is basil. There’s a wide variety of basil types you can plant in pots or in your garden surrounded by flowers. Make sure your basil is in a damp, sunny and well-drained area to ensure thriving growth.
- Mint: Mint is a versatile herb that not only chases away mosquitos but also flies and ants. The larger and more fragrant mint plant you have, the fewer bugs and pests you’ll see hanging around.
Need Help Keeping Pests Away? Call Bee Green Pest Control Today
At Bee Green Pest Control, providing our customers with thriving, lush landscaping that they love is our top priority. Our friendly and experienced local landscaping professionals happily provide systemic pest control services and fertilization solutions for homeowners throughout Central Florida, including the Orlando, Oviedo and Winter Garden communities. Schedule our lawn care services today by calling 813-661-9300 to speak to a team member, or fill out our online form to request a free service estimate.