Menu
The Best Plants To Repel Mosquitoes For Good
Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to locate hosts to feed on. Therefore, strong fragrances may work as a natural deterrent to mosquitoes. Certain plants and herbs in particular can help keep mosquitoes away, but only when the leaves or stems are crushed to reach the oils within.
It’s important to not rely on plants alone to repel mosquitoes, and instead to work with a professional mosquito exterminator.
Best Plants to Repel Mosquitoes Naturally:
Certain oils from plants work as natural repellents against mosquitoes. For that reason, it’s smart to plant a garden with many varieties that can aid in creating mosquito repellents. These plants include:
Citronella
Often marketed as “mosquito plants” in big-box stores, this leafy plant is simply a geranium variety. Citronella oil, extracted from the leaves and stems of citronella grass, is a well-known mosquito repellent. Known for citronella candles, torches, and oils are commonly used to deter mosquitoes from outdoor spaces. Its strong scent masks human odors, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their targets.
Learn more about how effective citronella candles actually are and the best way to use this natural oil.
Lavender
Lavender contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which mosquitoes find unpleasant. Planting lavender in gardens or essential oil in sprays or candles can help repel mosquitoes while providing a pleasant fragrance. Lavender oil can help deter a mosquito by blocking its sense of smell.
Marigolds
Both easy to grow and beautiful, marigolds emit a scent to deter mosquitoes. They also prevent aphids, whiteflies, and other garden pests.
Basil
Basil emits a strong aroma that mosquitoes find unappealing. Planting basil in gardens, crushing fresh basil leaves and rubbing them on the skin can temporarily help with mosquito bites.
Catnip
It contains a compound called nepetalactone highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Be aware that catnip can attract unwanted visitors.
Peppermint
Mosquitoes find peppermint-containing menthol very irritating. Additionally, peppermint oil can provide a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, offering relief from mosquito bites.
Lemongrass
Planting lemongrass in gardens or using lemongrass essential oil in candles or sprays can help deter mosquitoes. Its fresh, citrusy scent also adds a pleasant aroma to outdoor spaces.
Rosemary
Rosemary contains compounds like camphor and eucalyptol. Planting rosemary in gardens, burning rosemary branches outdoors can release an aroma, or using essential oil in sprays can help repel mosquitoes.
Geraniums
Geraniums add color and beauty to outdoor spaces while providing natural mosquito control. It contains citronellol, a compound with mosquito-repelling properties.
Bee Balm
Bee balm flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making them a beneficial addition to gardens. It is known as bergamot or Monarda and contains thymol, a compound with mosquito-repelling properties
Do Mosquitoes Feed on Plants?
Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes don’t only feed on blood. In fact, the main part of the mosquito diet is nectar. Male mosquitoes in particular feed only on nectar, plantsap, and honeydew. Female mosquitoes only feed on blood in order to be able to reproduce. So, just like other insects in your garden, mosquitoes are mostly getting their nutrients from flowering plants.
Alternative Mosquito Control Methods
Alternative mosquito control methods can be quite effective, especially when combined with our professional mosquito exterminator.
Citronella is a popular choice, whether in candles, torches, or oils. Its strong scent masks the carbon dioxide and body odors that attract mosquitoes, effectively repelling them. Similarly, certain plants like lavender, marigold, and rosemary emit fragrances that mosquitoes find unpleasant, serving as natural repellents.
It is essential to remember that these methods might not offer complete protection, especially in areas with high mosquito populations or during peak mosquito activity times.
It would be best to consult us for our Bug Out professional pest control service to assess the situation and implement more comprehensive solutions. We can provide targeted treatments to control mosquito populations effectively, ensuring your outdoor spaces remain comfortable and protected from mosquitoes.
We will take the following steps to keep you protected:
- Our technicians will inspect your property to identify the source of the infestation.
- We will apply mosquito control products and treatments to target active infestations.
- Our experts will implement exclusion efforts to keep mosquitoes from breeding in your yard in the first place.
- We will provide ongoing mosquito control and after-care prevention tips to avoid future infestations.
FAQS
The most effective plant-based mosquito repellent is oil lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, OLE contains a compound called PMD (p-Menthane-3,8-diol).
If this doesn’t suit your needs, there are other mosquito-repellent ideas – see our guide for more information. The Bug Out team is always here to help with any challenging tasks – contact us today to get rid of mosquitoes.
The best plant to keep mosquitoes away is the citronella plant, specifically the true citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus). It emits a strong scent that masks human odors, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their targets. Using citronella oil from these plants in candles or sprays enhances effectiveness.
It is important to recognize that it may not offer complete protection, especially in areas with significant mosquito populations. For a more comprehensive solution, consider contacting our Bug Out team. We will assess the situation and provide targeted treatments to control mosquito populations in your area effectively.
Mosquitoes hate the smell of citronella the most. Citronella oil, derived from citronella grass, is highly effective at masking the scents that attract mosquitoes. Other strong mosquito-repelling scents include eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass, all of which can be used in candles, sprays, or essential oils.
Do You Have a Mosquito Problem? We Can Help.
Click the button below to leave your information & we'll be in touch in an hour or less.