Eleven plants to keep mosquitoes at bay
Do you want to banish mosquitoes from your yard, terrace or house? Forget chemical repellents. There are many varieties of plants that naturally deter these pests while adding greenery to your yard. Stay bite-free all year round!
1. Lemongrass
This is the most well-known natural mosquito repellent. And for good reason—its smell keeps the pests away. This plant is very easy to care for and can grow up to two meters high. You can keep it in a pot on the terrace or patio, or train it up a trellis in the yard. Other alternatives: lemon thyme and lemon verbena are equally as effective
2. Peppermint
Insects don’t like the smell of mint. And mosquitoes hate peppermint most of all. Perfect in a container on the terrace, as part of a green wall, or in a pot on a window ledge. And the added bonus? Its edible leaves can be used to soothe insect bites.
3. Lemon balm
Lemon balm belongs to the mint family. This perennial grows in all types of soil but can quickly become invasive. It’s best kept potted to contain its roots. Its citrus scent soon sees off mosquitoes as well as chiggers, which are common in late summer.
4. Basil
Calling all city gardeners! Ideal for a kitchen window ledge or a small balcony, basil is the number one weapon against mosquitoes in urban environments. Some varieties such as lemon basil and cinnamon basil are even more effective.
5. Catmint
Also known as catnip, this aromatic plant is adored by cats but is the enemy of mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites as it contains an oil that these insects hate. Simply plant it in the yard or keep it in a pot. However, be careful not to put it near flowers or herbs, as your feline friend (or your neighbor’s) may damage them.
6. Marigold
This annual plant is as attractive as it is effective against pests. It contains pyrethrin, which is used in commercial repellents. The colorful flowers are ideal for prettying up your beds and borders.
7. Lavender
Lavender protects against aphids, mites and mosquitoes, as well as making your house smell nice. It needs to be in full sunlight, whether on a balcony, in beds or beside the vegetable garden.
8. Rosemary
This aromatic mosquito repellent flourishes in well-drained soil and full sunlight, preferably under a window or at the foot of a wall to create a barrier to insects. A handy tip? Dry a few sprigs and use them to ward off mosquitoes inside the house.
9. Geraniums
As well as being super easy to grow, geraniums smell lovely. Plant in a hanging basket on a balcony, in a pot against the railings of a terrace or on the veranda, and say goodbye to mosquitoes!
10. Savory
Savory has flowers that give off a repulsive odor. Like peppermint, its leaves can be used to soothe insect bites.
11. Nasturtiums
Both decorative and effective against fleas, beetles and mosquitoes, nasturtiums will brighten up any garden or flowerbed.
This list of plants is non-exhaustive. There are also other plants that keep mosquitoes away, such as tansy, mugwort and bugbane, as well as alliums (garlic, chives and onions) that you can grow in your vegetable garden.
