Mosquitoes…. the sign that summer is here. We want to be outside, and they want to crash the party. Many of us are looking for natural ways to tell those mosquitoes that they aren’t invited and there are several plants that experts use to deter outdoor pests. Before mosquitos chase you off the porch or ruin your summer pool party check out a few of these plants that you should invite to the party.
Venus Fly Trap
This is the ultimate natural pest control. This carnivorous plant may be hard to find, but they are fascinating and entertaining. The Venus fly trap loves the sun and wet feet. It’s picky about its water and needs to eat often. This plant will capture insects and spiders.
Citronella Grass
We are all familiar with citronella candles and torches. They are made using the oil from Citronella plants. This plant has a pungent odor that repels mosquitoes. Add this to your pots and scatter them around while entertaining.
Ageratum
This insect-repelling floss flower produces a chemical often used in insecticides called coumarin. Mosquitoes hate the smell, but the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds will love it. Just please keep your cats and dogs away.
Nasturtium
This delicious edible flower repels whiteflies, beetles, aphids, squash bugs and cabbage loopers. They produce a chemical that protects themselves and surrounding plants from insects.
Rosemary
Aside from being a delicious addition to many dishes, rosemary is also a bug repellent. Mosquitoes hate it, but we love it.
Bee Balm
This perennial is often used in herbal medicine and occasionally as a culinary herb. Crushed bee balm leaves release a scent that repels mosquitoes when applied to skin or left around areas you hang out.
Lantana
These beautiful kaleidoscope blooms attract hummingbirds and bees and deter mosquitoes. If you dry out the leaves, they can be tossed in a fire pit to deter mosquitoes. The blooms will also emit a strong citronella-like scent.
Basil
Not only is this herb delicious, it’s also a bug repellent. Houseflies and mosquitoes don’t like basil. You can even use basil oil to treat mosquito bites.
Eucalyptus
Crushed Eucalyptus leaves will deter mosquitoes by the smell of their oil. The strong smell is offensive to mosquitoes and repels termites, fleas, and bugs. It’s a great idea to plant a tree near the entrance of your house. Also, eucalyptus tree trimmings can be used in the yard as mulch.
Lemongrass
This edible plant loves the sun and will keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
Catnip
Catnip will make your cats either crazy happy or super mellow, but it will scare mosquitoes and other flying insects away. The essential oil from catnip is a natural repellent. Fresh leaves and stems crushed on your clothing will keep the bugs at bay.
Mint
Popular in cocktails and delectable dishes, this perennial also repels mosquitoes. Mint tends to take over, so plant carefully, but it will reward you with its fly and mosquito repelling superpower.
Mosquito plant geranium
This hybrid of citronella grass and scented geranium produces cute flowers that smell like lemon furniture polish when crushed. The scent smells enough like citronella but isn’t the real thing. Does it work? That’s up for debate.
Marigolds
Marigolds may not smell great to us, but they also don’t smell great to wasp, hornets, and mosquitoes. They attract butterflies and bees and protect your veggies.
These are just a few of the plants you can add to your space to make your outdoors more enjoyable. Stop on by the nursery and we can help you find more.
