Summer means it’s time to invite friends over for a BBQ, but the party seems to still crash with unwanted guests. No, not your in-laws — we’re worried about mischievous insects and bugs. Besides coating yourself in bug spray, there are ways to drive mosquitoes and other insects away. Consider growing a few mosquito-repelling plants around your yard for an eco – friendly approach.
The following six plants help repel your yard with mosquitoes and other insects.
1. Marigolds
Tip: Marigolds are a companion of tomato plant marigolds.
Place potted marigolds near entry points for mosquitoes, such as doors, windows, deck, or balcony, where you spend a lot of time outdoors. These also discourage insects preying on tomato plants — an extra advantage for gardeners. Marigold flowers can not only make your landscape more appealing, but even spread a distinct scent that repels mosquitoes. Plant from seed or purchase a plant starter from a nursery or floral store
2. Citronella
Tip: Citronella can be used in the form of bug sprays, and insect-repelling candles, but you must prefer planting it for getting better results.
Citronella is one of the most common ingredients in insect repellents, owing to its strong scent that hides attractive mosquitoes. The perennial clumping grass grows between 5 and 6 feet and can be planted in the field or placed in large pots. Citronella plants grow well in full sun and well-drained areas.
3. Catnip
Tip: Catnip is best grown in full light.
Warning: Your catnip might attract all the cats into the yard. As it is linked to mint, the perennial herb is easy to cultivate.
Although the catnip is repelling mosquitoes near the house, some people are adding crushed leaves for more protection.
4. Lavender
Tip: Dried lavender can be placed in wardrobes to discourage moths.
Smelling good, aiding in the relaxation and encouraging restful sleep, lavender dissuades mosquitoes and gnats from disrupting your outdoor dinner party when they are planted in the garden or in pots placed by windows, doors and sitting areas.
The dried flowers for repelling moths may also be put in wardrobes.
5. Basil
Tip: There’s no need to smash the basil leaves to discourage mosquito invasions.
Enjoy delicious pesto dishes with this insect-repelling plant, and hold mosquitoes at bay. Basil is one of the few powerful herbs that you don’t need to smash the leaves to reap its benefits. The best varieties to avoid unwanted pests are the lemon basil and cinnamon basil.
6. Lemon balm
Tip: Lemon balm keeps mosquitoes away, thus draws pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and others.
A part of the mint family, the scent of lemon balm, also known as horsemint, keeps off mosquitoes but attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies. It is fast-growing, drought-resistant, and reseeds itself, so consider planting in a pot instead of in your yard to avoid taking over the lemon balm.
Whether you are unable to grow one of these six mosquito-repelling plants or have more severe problems, it is best to connect a reputable company to come out and inspect your home.
Winding up:
There are over 65 mosquito varieties, and some of these plants can be more or less effective against other forms of mosquitoes. All of these plants, however, will bring elegance to your garden, with others providing additional benefits in cooking.
