I live in mosquito country. Seriously. These blood sucking, disease-carrying creatures get bigger than some sub compact cars in my region. Every summer I battle them, spray chemicals on myself, my kids, give my animals chemicals to protect them from heartworm disease, which is carried by these skeeters, and have tried every bug zapper and spray on the market to protect us. Then I had a thought. I knew certain plants kept snakes away, why not insects too? So here are some must have plants for your yard to naturally and ecologically act as a mosquito repellent.
Rosemary
This common cooking herb contains an oil effective in repelling mosquitoes. They are tropical plants that do well in warmer climates and typically winter well, also. However, if you live in an area colder than zone 7, I would recommend bringing them in for the winter. They will do equally as well in a pot as outside.
Catnip
Catnip is not only attractive to cats (although mine don’t care for it!) but is nearly 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes! So keep some near your doors and seating areas outside to help keep the bugs away!
Marigolds
These pretty, although not very pleasantly fragrant flowers, help repel mosquitoes as well as snakes and other insects. I keep some around my vegetable garden to brighten it up and help keep my plants a little safer! These flowers vary in colors from yellow to a deep orange and red. Though they don’t smell very good, their scent is not strong enough to be bothersome, even if you are seated near them
Mosquito Plants
Leave it to commercialism to come up with a plant specifically designed to keep pests away! Most often found in catalogs and Internet, the verdict is still out. Some people swear by them, others claim no difference at all.
Citronella Grass Most of us are familiar with citronella candles. Citronella grass is where the oil comes from for these products. This is a tropical plant that grows well over six feet tall, so if you do not have much space it would not be very viable in a small backyard or apartment garden.
Peppermint oil is commonly used for indigestion and nausea, but also seems to be effective at repelling insects and mice! It’s also a pretty little plant that looks nice and can be used to make some peppermint tea!
Eucalyptus
Although seemingly effective, most varieties of eucalyptus cannot stand temperatures drop below 27 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can purchase the oil and keep some in a container on a table to repel mosquitoes.
These plants will help repel mosquitoes in your yard, but you can also make a repellent from them, crush the leaves and place in some rubbing alcohol. Once it is infused you can use it as you would normally use an aerosol or spray repellent!
