Mosquitoes the deadliest animal in this world where many will be scratching heads to get rid of these mosquitoes. Yes, friends here is a solution who can grow these plants in your garden and keep away the mosquitoes as well as enjoy the delightness of the garden.

Mosquitoes repellent naturally.

1. Basil

Basil brings us delicious pesto sauce and tasty salads, but it can also keep away mosquitoes. This plant naturally emits its aroma, so there’s no need to crush the leaves or prepare it in any way. Basil is toxic to mosquito larvae, so you can put it near standing water to deter mosquitoes from laying eggs.

2. Bee Balm

This mosquito-repelling plant is commonly known as wild bergamot and horsemint. Bee balm will bring many pollinators to your garden like bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

3. Catnip

Catnip contains the chemical nepetalactone, which is a strong mosquito repellent and feline attractant. This and other chemicals make it more effective than DEET, a chemical found in most insect repellents. This makes it a top choice among the list of plants that repel mosquitoes. Another thing to note is that catnip is easy to care for, but invasive if planted in a garden bed.

4. Citronella

Citronella is commonly found in mosquito repellents and candles. The strong scent from citronella masks the smell of other attractants (like the smell of carbon dioxide). This large plant is normally found in planters but can also thrive in gardens in areas with no frost. Citronella is a low maintenance plant, meaning you’ll be able to repel mosquitoes with little work at all.

5. Floss Flower

Floss flowers contain a chemical called coumarin that is used in common mosquito repellents. These fuzzy flowers are a great visual addition to your flower bed or as an edging plant. Floss flowers come in blue, pink white and purple and also easily complement any bouquet.

6. Garlic

Garlic’s pungent smell is a deterrent for mosquitoes. Consuming garlic can mildly repel mosquitoes. Squeezing and rubbing the juice directly on your skin can also keep mosquitoes at bay, but it’ll also keep everyone else away!

7. Lavender

This pleasant-smelling plant can calm your mind after a long day and drive mosquitoes far away. In addition to being a great tea ingredient, lavender can also keep away other flying pests. There are many varieties of lavender, and one may grow better in your climate area than another.

8. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is frequently used to help reduce stress, alleviate stomach trouble and more. Keep in mind that lemon balm is an invasive species and can take over your garden bed if planted there. This ornamental plant tastes great in soups and other dishes in addition to fighting off pesky mosquitos!

9. Lemongrass

This plant is also known as lemon verbena. Lemongrass has a high level of citral, an oil used in mosquito repellants. This ornamental plant tastes great in soups and other dishes. Pregnant women and new moms should stay away from lemongrass because it has been shown to cause birth defects.

10. Marigold

Marigolds are popular edging plants for vegetable gardens. These annual flowers have a strong fragrance and taste great in any salad, soup or herb butter due to their light and citrusy taste. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many repellants and sometimes referred to as “nature’s insecticide.”

11. Peppermint

This fast-grower can easily invade your garden if left unchecked, but it’s not as invasive as other plants in the mint family. Peppermint oil is not only great for repelling mosquitoes, but can also help with relieving discomfort from itchy mosquito bites.

12. Rosemary

This herb is a popular seasoning for many dishes and helps keep several insects away from you and your vegetables. You can also toss some rosemary in a fire for an aromatic insect repellent (just keep close to the smoke). Rosemary oil has great benefits for skin and hair, too.

13. Sage

Sage is commonly used for spiritual cleansing in different cultures and is often burned in certain rituals. Burning sage is also a great way to keep mosquitoes away! Throw some sage leaves in a backyard fire pit or in your fireplace to fill your home with refreshing aromas and a natural mosquito-repelling scent.

14. Scented Geranium

Geraniums are slightly lemon scented and can keep a handful of pests away from your home and garden. These mosquito-repelling flowers have beautiful blooms and come in vibrant colors that make them great for decorating. Scented geraniums have a small portion of citronella oil that contributes to their mosquito-repelling capacity.

15. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a strong natural mosquito repellant that also keeps other flying pests away like flies and fleas. It’s most effective to crush pennyroyal and keep in your pockets, but keep in mind that pennyroyal has been found to be toxic for infants and pregnant women.

KEY WORDS: BASIL, CITRONELLA, GARLIC, LEMON GRASS, CAT NIP, PEPPER MINT, LEMON BALM, PENNY ROYAL, MARIGOLD, SCENTED GERANIUM, SAGE, LAVENDER, ROSE MARY, FLOSS FLOWER.

WRITE UP BY:

Chandana S

BSc Horticulture