Summer is here, which means that along with the sunshine and backyard barbecues, we also have to find ways to keep the mosquitoes away.
If you enjoy spending time in your backyard during the summer, you don’t have to worry about applying toxic insect repellent in order to keep away mosquitoes.
Many of our favorite plants actually emit a fragrance that deters mosquitoes.
Here are seven plants that help repel mosquitoes.
1. Peppermint
Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of peppermint. Try crushing up some peppermint leaves and rubbing them on your skin. You can also apply a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite oil or lotion and apply it to your skin.
2. Catnip
According to Science Daily, researches have found that nepetalactone, the essential oil found in catnip, is ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET – the chemical found in most insect repellent. Plant catnip in your garden and use it as a mosquito repellent. You can also crush the leaves and apply them directly to your skin.
3. Citronella
A lot of us have heard of citronella because it’s often used in outdoor candles created to repel mosquitoes. Citronella is an essential oil found in the leaves and stems of lemongrass. While most of us find the smell of lemongrass to be extremely pleasant, it’s actually quite irritating to mosquitoes and other insects. Plant lemongrass outside your home and it will become a natural and effective insect repellent.
4. Lavender
Most of us love the smell of lavender and use it to promote calm and relaxation. However, few of us realize that while pleasant to us, mosquitoes actually detest the scent the of lavender. You can plant lavender in your garden or in pots near your door to help deter mosquitoes. However, for optimum results, it’s best to rub the plant directly on your skin.
5. Rosemary
Plant rosemary in your garden to help control mosquito infestations. Another piece of advice is when you’re sitting around the fire pit this summer, throw in a few sprigs of rosemary and let the scent travel through the yard to further repel mosquitoes.
6. Basil
The essential oil in the basil plant will provide you with a high level of mosquito protection. The best part is that the plant doesn’t have to be crushed in order to be effective. Plant some basil in your garden, or grow it in pots, and use it to control your backyard mosquitoes.
7. Marigold
Marigolds have a distinctive scent that both people and mosquitoes find offensive. Potted marigolds can be placed near your doors and windows to deter mosquitoes from going past this barrier.