Only a few things in life are as annoying as the incessant buzzing of a mosquito near the ears, and no amount of swatting can fix that. In places where mosquitoes are common, people need solutions to keep their homes, outdoor spaces, and gardens free of this nasty pest. Generally, organic solutions like mosquito-repelling plants are considered more helpful and safe for health and the environment than chemical-based ones.
Lavender
The most unique aspect of lavender, botanically identified as Lavandula, is that it is a drought-tolerant plant. This remarkable attribute makes this plant incredibly low maintenance in nature. Lavender also grows quickly and is easy to use for repelling mosquitos. In addition to this, the oil extracted from lavender is famed for its pleasant aroma and therapeutic qualities. As pleasing and relaxing it is to humans, this scent is known to irritate the senses of mosquitoes and force them to stay away from places where lavender is planted.
Citronella
Citronella, scientifically known as Cymbopogon nardus, looks like lemongrass and can be easily planted in one’s back garden. It is a key component of many natural and organic mosquito repellents. Its essence is also an essential part of patio candles, incense sticks, and various other products that keep mosquitoes away. In fact, several citronella products are made with the ultra-fragrant oil that the plant emits. The scent of this oil is repulsive to mosquitoes, and when these pests come into contact with the pleasant aromas of the citronella plant and its oil, they tend to entirely clear the area where it is planted. Citronella’s delightful smell also provides a refreshing addition to one’s home and garden, making them great places for people to spend time in.
Catnip
As the name implies, cats love this beautiful plant. Catnip, known in biological terms as Nepeta cataria, is a plant that mosquitoes absolutely hate due to its unique property of having a negative impact on their senses. This plant is a fast and aggressive grower with visually alluring square stems, gray-green leaves, and pleasing white flowers with a purple dot right in the middle. Homeowners will need sandy and well-drained soil, full exposure to sunlight, and loamy growing conditions to make this plant bloom to its full-sized glory.
Basil
Of all the plants that repel mosquitoes naturally, basil is the most health-friendly with amazing medicinal properties. It is a summer herb with fragrant and luscious leaves that thrive (and do not wither) in hot and humid climates. Like the other plants on this list, the plant’s fragrance helps repel mosquitoes, making it one of the top mosquito-repellent indoor plants. One can install it in pots near windows or the backyard to keep mosquitoes away.
Peppermint
Peppermint, botanically known as Mentha piperita L., is commonly found in multiple consumable products, such as toothpaste and deodorants. In fact, the delightfully fresh and zingy peppermint is not only a great tastemaker in meals but is also a strong mosquito repellent. Pepper is a kind of mint (all types of mint are great mosquito repellents), and its leaves have a strong and lingering fragrance. The tall columns of leaves of this plant also help repel mosquitoes naturally with their unique structure. The aroma of peppermint is one of the most repulsive scents there is to the senses of mosquitoes. Homeowners can use a bottle to keep the growth of this plant in check.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a common ingredient used in cold drinks, salads, fish recipes, and fruit cups. It is also a key component of perfumes and incense sticks. The aromatic elements in lemon balm are key to messing with mosquitoes’ sense of smell, making it a useful addition to one’s home or back garden.
Rosemary
Like lavender, rosemary is also known for its low-maintenance credentials. All this gorgeous plant needs to grow to its full size is low-to-moderate watering and excessive sun exposure. The plant’s foliage has a bitter taste and comes with an overwhelming, overpowering smell that certainly helps keep mosquitoes in check. One can plant rosemary in their garden and near their patios to keep both zones free of nasty pests like mosquitoes and flies. Both these pests are repulsed by the aroma of the rosemary plant as well as its extracts.
Marigold
Known for its appealing yellow appearance that adds a dash of sunshine to one’s home, marigold is a beautiful plant to look at. If one wants plants that increase the aesthetic appeal of their home and garden and have at least one of the top mosquito-repellent plants, then Marigold is a great choice. The plant’s mosquito-repellent qualities are an added bonus. Marigold, like the other plants on this list, emits a smell that is pleasing to humans but extremely damaging to the senses of pests like flies and mosquitoes, making it one of the best mosquito-repellent plants.
