Mosquitoes love to suck at our blood, and their venom leaves itchy and painful bites, which we hate. If they know how to push us to the edge with just one bite, it makes us wonder, what do mosquitoes hate?
You’ll never guess how many different types of natural mosquito repellent for yard there are to choose from. Get some digging and planting as we give you eight plants to keep mosquitoes and bees away.
Basil
Basil is a great natural repellant against mosquitoes and is toxic to mosquito larvae, especially when planted around water sources.
When planted next to a water source, the basil plant’s toxic nature greatly reduces the number of mosquito eggs produced, cutting down on their numbers.
Marigolds
This easy-to-grow annual emits a strong smell that deters mosquitoes and other garden pests.
They make great additions to the borders of your garden, or near patio areas and entrances to your home. Other pests that marigolds keep out include squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and aphids, among other insects.
Catnip
More than just a favorite of cats, catnip acts as a natural barrier for mosquitoes.
Shown to be 10 times more effective than the mosquito repellant chemical DEET, catnip is invasive if not properly monitored. As long as you keep it under control, this easy-to-care-for plant can keep mosquitoes out of your garden.
Peppermint
Do mosquitoes like peppermint? Like many plants in the mint family, peppermint puts off a strong scent, which can keep mosquitoes and other insects away from your garden.
You can also use the oil of the peppermint plant to kill the larvae and eggs of many species of insects, including killing mosquito larvae within 24 hours of exposure.
Lavender
In addition to its lovely smell, lavender is known for repelling mosquitoes and other flying bugs.
By planting lavender in your garden, it is almost ensured that mosquitoes will be kept at bay. Another way to use the plant’s mosquito repelling properties is by rubbing it directly onto your skin. So if you’re asking, “does lavender repel mosquitoes,” here is your answer!
What Do Mosquitoes Hate? Citronella Grass!
Commonly used in mosquito repellant sprays and candles, the citronella plant has a distinct smell. Exuding a lemony scent, the citronella plant is one of the best natural deterrents against mosquitoes.
If you are wondering how to care for citronella plant, the best way is to make sure to protect them from frost in the winter.
Scented Geraniums
This lemon-scented plant is popular among gardeners. Known for its beautiful blooms, scented geraniums keep mosquitoes and other pests away from your garden.
Fast growing, scented geraniums grow best in warm, dry climates that get plenty of sun, though they do well when grown in planters in colder climates.
Rosemary
Does rosemary repel mosquitoes? It does! While they are used most often as an herb in recipes, rosemary can also serve as a natural mosquito repellant.
The plant’s woody scent keeps mosquitoes and other bugs at bay, and is easily pruned to act as borders along your garden’s edge. Some of the other pests that rosemary keeps away include carrot flies and cabbage moths.
Takeaway
Answering the question, “what do mosquitoes hate,” will help you unlock so many natural and organic secrets to keep them away. Use any of these shade plants that repel mosquitoes in your living room or mosquito-prone areas in your home.
Source: Garden Design, Rodale’s Organic Life